Power Polisher for Bad Back

[8k_RPM]

I'm finding that hand polishing kills my already painful back. Is there a power polisher available for a reasonable price that would maybe make it easier to work on my car.

I would want one for a beginner that would have little possibility of burning through my paint. My current project would be to apply some M105/M205 to some areas that were etched by TW Bug and Tar. But I'm looking toward doing the whole car and keeping it polished.

If anyone could help me out with this, I love working on my car and I hate that my back is taking away yet another hobby.

Thanks,
8k_RPM

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

Your back will probably be MORE sore from machine polishing you car because of the various angles that you have to hold your machine and the added weight of it.

I would recommend getting yourself a good rolling stool and sit on that while you detail to reduce stress on your lower back.

The porter cable is a good machine, but you get a lot of vibration out of it. I recently picked up a FLEX and it is so smooth....it's great to work with and I highly recommend it. Much better than the porter cable DA polisher.

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I'm looking at this the Dewalt DW-849, as I figure the cost of it and the M105 is still cheaper than taking it to a body shop, and then I have the polisher to use.

I've read some polishers are good for beginners because you can't burn through paint easily and others are more for professionals. Not sure how to tell which I should be alright with.

[Kornercarver]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I have a Griot's Garage dual action buffer and I find it very easy to use. Having said that, I think any D/A buffer whether Griot's, Meguiars or Porter Cable would help your back pain. I do agree a short stool would be helpful as well.

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I would recommend getting yourself a good rolling stool and sit on that while you detail to reduce stress on your lower back.

I'll try a rolling stool then for this fix.

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I have a Griot's Garage dual action buffer and I find it very easy to use. Having said that, I think any D/A buffer whether Griot's, Meguiars or Porter Cable would help your back pain. I do agree a short stool would be helpful as well.

I'll look into those. Thanks. Should I find scrape somewhere to practice on or should I be safe starting out lightly and finding the right pressure?

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

Does a Meguiars Dual Action G110v2 for $150 shipped sound good?

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

Feel free to start right out on your car. The DA polishers are VERY friendly and forgiving. If anything, you will find it hard to correct any defects at first until you hone you skills with the tool.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I'm looking at this the Dewalt DW-849, as I figure the cost of it and the M105 is still cheaper than taking it to a body shop, and then I have the polisher to use.

I've read some polishers are good for beginners because you can't burn through paint easily and others are more for professionals. Not sure how to tell which I should be alright with.

The Dewalt 849 is a great tool, but it's not a tool for novices. That's a full on high speed rotary and it will burn your paint and trim if you aren't very familiar with it. It sounds like you're thinking of a quality dual action polisher to start with, something like the Porter Cable 7424XP, Griot's Garage unit or the Meguiar's G110v2. The G110v2 is the tool we use in our Saturday Classes, and everyone walks away impressed with how safe and easy to use it is, and the level of defect correction we are able to achieve with it. Check the threads of pictures from our Saturday Classes to see the wide variety of cars we've used this on, and taught it's proper use on, and you'll get an idea of it's potential.

But for now, stay away from the high speed rotary (Dewalt 849, Makita 9227, etc) - they are fantastic tools, but the learning curve is quite high and potential for damage in untrained hands is also quite high.

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

Michael,

Thanks for the reply. I had changed my mind for the Meguiar G110v2, but I still appreciate the advice. My only hesitation before I purchase is whether my back can handle this as a hobby.

[8k_RPM]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I'm probably asking the obvious here, but when I use the M105 would I want to use the cutting pad, and when I use the M205 I would use the finishing pad?

And can these be used in succession or do I need to wait a certain amount of time between one and the other?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

If you are using a G110, you are using a cutting pad at your own risk. Try a 8207 pad with the 105. You can achieve excellent results with this combo.

I have terrible knees. A rolling stool is a life saver.

[Poki]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I have a BAD back! Have to be very careful or could end up a cripple. The rolling stool is a great idea for the vertical surfaces (sides). The G110 is a arm and back save in my opinion. I can operate it on the roof of the car easily with just one hand.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back

I'm finding that hand polishing kills my already painful back. Is there a power polisher available for a reasonable price that would maybe make it easier to work on my car.

Do routine stretches throughout the day. Maybe drop 5-10 lbs. I agree with FinalTouchDetail, in that the extra 5-6 lbs of a high quality orbital could possibly add more strain to your back, especially if you're reaching far across a panel.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Power Polisher for Bad Back



I think the DA Polisher makes things much easier on the back. It elevates your stance about 6 inches when polishing hoods and trunks. You're not so hunched over. You also don't need to spend nearly as much time performing the work.

I suggest finding a chair that works for your height and your style of detailing. I'm 6'3", I use a directors style lawn chair when I work around the sides of a vehicle. As you can see it's pretty comfy and it has a nice solid base. It's fairly tall, so I'm already sort of upright, this makes moving it (hopping it over a foot) simple to do. I find it pretty relaxing, therefore I take my time to clean my pads on the fly and I don't rush the job. Usually I keep a few things towards the back of the seat, like a microfiber, a cotton terry towel & some polish. I just reach behind when they are needed.

Another thing that at do is rotate the standing and the sitting. I start with the hood (standing). Then do the side of the vehicle (sitting). Then the trunk or tailgate (standing) then the other side (sitting). If the vehicle is low, I'll lay on the ground to do the lower panels.

Call me lazy, but I detail as a hobby. It works for me.