ETG question

[6318]

As my experience level increases I find I'm doing things to paint that have the potential to cause real harm.

I know Mike uses the ETG to gauge thickness...is this what most use, I assume?

Mike, what kind do I need to be looking into...the ferrous, non-ferrous?...would the 'mini' be ok?

[Mike Phillips]

Hi 6318,

For cars made with sheetmetal panels, you would want the Ferrous model.


Here's a link to the ProMotorCArProducts


http://www.promotorcarproducts.com/etga.htm


Mike

[6318]

so for, say, my vette I'd need the $1K nonferrous?...and the mini wouldn't do much good?

[Mike Phillips]

Yes I think that's the way it plays out.

To tell you the truth, when it comes to detailing cars, after you evaluate the customer, and then evaluate the finish, once you bring your hand or your machine down onto the paint surface, you're committed. There's no looking back. In that context, with or without a thickness gauge, you are either going to accept the challenge/customer's car, or walk away.

Of course, it is a good tool and can help to indicate trouble areas.

Mike

[Aurora40]

The non-ferrous sounds like it is for metal panels, though. You might confirm before you buy it. Most of them have fairly nondescript text, but the ferrous/non-ferrous model says this:
"ETG-2 measures paint thickness on both steel and aluminum panels with ñ1% accuracy."

Note it is steel and aluminum, not steel and everything else. Fiberglass/plastic/composite might require something else...

[6318]

I think I'll put some of that $$ toward common sense and the rest toward better insurance...

[Intel486]

The non-ferrous paint thickness guage is for a metal panel. It won't work on fiberglass. To my knowledge there isn't anything that will read fiberglass, etc.