Help choosing a DA (or) PC

[Suprem01]

Ok, every one I have been looking around and need some help deciding on what kind of DA or PC to get. I don't have a list due to me not knowing a lot about them (Since this will be my first)... So I would like to get some of your input regarding getting one.

I would like to know which ones would be good. Please list the pros and cons and where it would be good to pick one up at, such as sears, dealerships ect.

[Murr1525]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

Here are a couple machine related links you might want to look over.

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[Nappers]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

with Murr,

Also, the PC is a DA(dual action). PC is short for Porter Cable (model # 7424) and the Meguiars G100. Both machines are the same and great at removing defects in paint. It does have it's limitations though which you will discover upon getting one. Not saying it doesn't work mind you.

The G110 is a new Dual Action (DA). From reading, it is more powerful and the rotation part is stronger, kind of inbetween the PC and a rotary. I haven't used one but it is used extensively at the Meguiars Open Garages.


Pro's and Con's......The PC like I said has it's limitations. My personal experience is I was able to remove deep swirls in our Yukon but on our Neon, it needed some help with a rotary in some spots, it has a hard as nails clear coat. It's way better than doing it by hand for sure. If the PC is not used properly, then you will get frustrated. Proper use is, correct pad, correct amount of product and cleaning the pad on the fly (is a must) or the pad won't spin, the oscillating part still works, but to remove defects, it requires both actions to be effective. I don't have it down perfect, but learned a lot upon using it. I actually thought mine was broken and almost sent it back to Meguiars, but instead had it tested at an Open Garage and it worked fine, it was operator error.

Nappers wasn't sure if his G100 was working properly so he sent it to use to compare against known good units and from experience and were happy to say it's working just like it's supposed to.

You may see other dual action type of machines at say Sears, but they have a different bolt/thread and the Meguiars backing plates won't work on them, also the Orbital polishers are really only good at putting wax on, I've used them with results that were worse than by hand. I have seen dual action type sanders used with success.

Check out the List O' Links that Ryan aka:lilblkblt04 did on the home page, upper right, actually that section has some good reading.

To purchase the new G110, Meguiars online store sells them of course or you can go to ADS (Auto Detailing Solutions), they have packages that they sell with popular combinations of products and pads. Or...Google Meguiars G100 or Porter Cable 7424 and see what you can find, they range in price starting at 99 bucks at some online retail stores. I won mine so, I got a great deal on it.

The links provided by Murr has some great writings of what products to buy and use with the PC/DA/G100/G110 and recommended pressures, etc etc.

When you buy one, and you should, once you learn it, you won't be dissapointed. I used mine and on the 3rd time using it, after learning that I had pad saturation (not cleaning on the fly enough or correctly) I had great results with it and love it. Just wear comfortable shoes

Hope that is clear as mud

Aaron

[dvtldav]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

I bought the g100 last month from ADS and I love it. I did my 2007 Buick lucerne using the W8006 pad & M80 and it came out awesome. I got the video w/Mike on how to use the DA & it helped a lot. Mike shows a lot of good tips in the video, but then he is the MASTER. You will not be sorry for buying one. Like was stated earlier, don't get impatient or frustrated, it takes a little time to get the hang of it. Good luck.

Dave

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

I purchased my G100 just over a year ago. It is a great machine. Takes the finish up a few notches from doing it by hand. I found that the dvd Nappers was refering to was and still is a valuable tool for tips, techniques and very useful info. If you are like me, you will find yourself refering back to the dvd quite often. Good luck with your purchase. Let us know what you buy.

[archie2135]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

although people on this board are having problems with the g110, i would recommend it. so far i have been lucky as the one i recieved seems to be running fine. it is a good machine. i was orginally looking at the flex, but decided to stick with all meguiars products as they have good customer service. also rick over at ads has good prices and great customer service. he also has very fast shipping.

[Suprem01]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

ok thanks everyone for the input.

A friend of mine knew that I liked working on my car so he went and got me one of these.

Polisher

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

ok thanks everyone for the input.

A friend of mine knew that I liked working on my car so he went and got me one of these.

Polisher

Here's the polisher, we added it to our library of polisher in the photo gallery.




This looks like some similar light duty polishers on the market, it's very likely not going to have the power to remove swirls but will work to spread out a coating of wax.

Let us know how you like it.

[Suprem01]

Re: Help choosing a DA (or) PC

I am plaining on taking it for a spin sometime this week end. When I get the chance I am going to do a write up on this product