do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

[BobbyG]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

If you're not earning a living then in my opinion saving time is a small gain if using a DA polisher.

Sealants & Waxes

Where a DA polisher really excels is the ability to lay down a consistent layer of wax or sealer. More often than not any sealer or wax applied by hand is usually applied too thick taking it longer to dry, more difficult to remove, and wasting product and money. Another advantage of using a DA polisher is it allows the wax to penetrate the surface much better ensuring a better bond and increased life.

[greg0303]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

After you start using G110 you'll be asking yourself why I haven't got it before. DA polishers have their limitations but with the right technique most problems can be resolved or at least seriously corrected. The final result comparing to hand work is like day and night. Go with DA without hesitation and you'll thank me later :-).

[Fly Bye]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Hello all,

My question is would this tool be a big time saver?

Yes!!!

[Zaris]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

I've been detailing by hand for months. But after seeing the DA firsthand at a couple of Meguiar's classes, I'm starting to wish that I really had one. It would definitely relieve the shoulder strains I get from rubbing Ultimate Compound in by hand each time I detail. And it would probably be more effective at correcting all those defects you'd think would buff out with a little elbow grease but don't.

Is the tool a big time saver? Absolutely. I'm inclined to think so. You're not going to be able to apply 100% of the paint surface with it (take, for example, areas around the front air vents, headlights, or badges of some cars. Small, thin, hard-to-reach paint surfaces and sharp, steep angle bumps and curves aren't the DA's forte - at least, that's what I'm told), but you can at least get rid of most scratches etc. all in one go much easier. It sure beats grinding in a foam applicator pad multiple times 'til your hand goes numb.

If it's, as you said, a new car with little to no below surface defects, then you can probably get by without a DA. At least for now. But definitely save $200+ for this tool and spare buffing pads in the future. I know I am. As Murr1525 and Bill Davidson already mentioned, eventual paint cleaning is where the DA really shines. I wish you could be in Irvine tomorrow to witness Mr. Stoops in action with this device. It is just that amazing.

[FRS]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Just buy it mate, it's worth it.

I was doing a hand polishing for years, but working with a DA is much, MUCH EASIER, WIT BETTER RESULTS TOO.

[PureEgo03]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Thanks for all the advice gents. I've been reading quite a bit about the DA lately and was leaning heavily towards getting one, if only for the time saving tidbits. It would also be nice to have on hand for the any future problems that will be easier removed with it than by hand.

I've had a bit of help in making this decision. I've got a friend who had to be out of town for a few days, when he got back there was a huge bird dropping on the hood of his truck. It had sat there for days and completely etched into his paint. It looks just awful. So we're going to get a DA and see what we can do about removing or at least reducing it. I figure the DA and some Ultimate compound will go a long way to achieving that goal. I'd like to get some M105 for the job, but the only things I've found locally have been the Ultimate Compound and Scratch X remover.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

I'd like to get some M105 for the job

Ultimate Compound will be just fine for a small job like that. You may only need to do a couple of section passes. There is no job that M105 can do, that Ultimate Compound can not. It might just take twice the number of section passes. Being M105 is only readily available in a 32oz. size for 2 to 3 times the price. You are much better sourcing Ultimate Compound for a small job like that anyhow. I also think DA newbies should get good with Ultimate Compound and the DA, before using M105. It's just easier to work with.

[PureEgo03]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Good point Bill, guess I'm feeling a bit over zealous now that I've decided to go through with all of this

[PureEgo03]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

One more question for you guys on this if you don't mind.

What pads do you recommend getting with the DA? I'm eyeballing a couple of W8006 polishing pads, W9006 finishing pads, and maybe some W7006 cutting pads.

[Murr1525]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Say you were to buy a G110 and a case of 6 pads form ADS, I would look at something like this starting off:

1 Polishing pad with buffer
3 Polishing Pads
2 Finishing Pads
1 Cutting Pad

The cutting pads generally are not used with a DA, really only for special cases. But they can be used under a MF bonnet to remove wax, so at least you'd have one.

[greg0303]

Re: do it by hand or get a DA poisher?

Don't get M105 for DA. As said before Ultimate Compound would be your better tool. I'd try birdie's surprise with StratchX 2.0 as a beginning but Ultimate Compound may be necessary.
From my personal experience cutting pads don't work with DA. You need a direct drive of rotary buffer to really start cutting. I'd order just polishing and finishing pads. For tight spaces you could use new 4" pads with W63 backing plate and DA adaptor.
Enjoy your new toy !!!