what do you think of this polisher?

[mujjuman]

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the best spot to ask this question, but since it has to do with machine polishers I guess its not too off-topic.

I'm currently shopping for a polisher, and I finally found something that fits my budget (under $100)
I know thats very low, since most polishers I've seen over the years start at $129 to $149.

I was wondering if anyone here has some experience with these:

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Professional-Grade-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B000HCUM6I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1286837251&sr=8-6

Also, how is the compatilibity with these kinds of machines with pads? Is it a one-size fits all type deal? Or do certain pads ONLY fit Meguiars machines and other pads ONLY fit neiko for example... if that's the case, what is the availability like on these pads?

I understand that this is a Meguiars forum and it might be frowned upon to recommend other brands... but I feel that you are the pros when it comes to detailing. I cant go to a BMW forum or a VW forum and ask them this and expect intelligent answers haha.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the best spot to ask this question, but since it has to do with machine polishers I guess its not too off-topic.

I'm currently shopping for a polisher, and I finally found something that fits my budget (under $100)
I know thats very low, since most polishers I've seen over the years start at $129 to $149.

I was wondering if anyone here has some experience with these:

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Professional-Grade-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B000HCUM6I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1286837251&sr=8-6

Also, how is the compatilibity with these kinds of machines with pads? Is it a one-size fits all type deal? Or do certain pads ONLY fit Meguiars machines and other pads ONLY fit neiko for example... if that's the case, what is the availability like on these pads?

I understand that this is a Meguiars forum and it might be frowned upon to recommend other brands... but I feel that you are the pros when it comes to detailing. I cant go to a BMW forum or a VW forum and ask them this and expect intelligent answers haha.

You are aware this is a rotary buffer?

It looks like a decent machine for the price. If you only plan on using this machine a half dozen times a year or less, then I would give it the nod, and so go for it

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Hahaha I will probably use it twice max this year... and probably 5 more times after that over a couple years. So, not too many times... which is why I'm hesitant to spend over$150 for something like this.

Yeah I see its a rotary, they seem cheaper than DAs but I'm also aware of their potential hazards.
I have a couple bumpers from my car accident that I saved that I could practice on. Would painted plastic vs painted metal make a difference? If so, then I'll just grab a mangled metal body part from a body shop like someone else from this forum did haha.
I'm really new at using these machines but I'm a quick learner... what backing plate would I need and what pads should I use? Also, are the colors universal? For example does a yellow pad from Meguiars mean the same thing from say, a yellow pad from Company B?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Bumpers are hard to practice on. The heat from the rotary can crinkle the finish on the bumper. A hood or trunk would be ideal to practice on. On the other hand a d/a is practically fool proof.

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Bumpers are hard to practice on. The heat from the rotary can crinkle the finish on the bumper. A hood or trunk would be ideal to practice on. On the other hand a d/a is practically fool proof.

ohh ok, yeah i thought it would be different for bumpers vs hood.
i'll be on the lookout for a hood, as well as a DA before i pull the trgger on this rotary.

still need pads/plate backers or w/e theyre called lol... i need someone to school me on that!

[Chris Thompson]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

I have used both and I never pull out my rotary unless I have to. I like the DA much better. If i were you, I would just find a DA either for sale here on MOL or on Craigslist. (Thats the best way to find them for around $100)
One of the biggest reasons I like the DA better is the fact that its mostly foolproof. You aren't going to have to worry about burning corners and edges or ripping off emblems. Also, its going to take some practice to leave a swirl/hologram free finish with a rotary.
Just my $.02!

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Thanks man, that's very good advice.

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Ok so I ended up buying a PC7424 or w/e the model is for that DA, with 2 yellow pads and 2 orange pads. I hope I got the right pads. It was WAY over my budget but the ease of use + ease of obtaining more pads was more important to me than saving like $100 lol... I just hope it delivers results lol.
I used my debit card where it said "credit card" for payment... hope it works!!! Haha.

My plan is to use this a couple times, then sell it. I really want to correct my car's finish ASAP but I dont have time nor the patience to spend $65 on a rotary plus $50 on a compatible backing plate and then $30 on pads only to find out it ruined my paint hahaha. Let's see if this DA is strong enough for my crappy finish.

[Peter_Klim]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Bumpers are hard to practice on. The heat from the rotary can crinkle the finish on the bumper. A hood or trunk would be ideal to practice on.

Even more reason that you DO want to practice on a bumper. Your car does have a bumper, correct?

[Flash Gordon]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

Ok so I ended up buying a PC7424 or w/e the model is for that DA, with 2 yellow pads and 2 orange pads. I hope I got the right pads. It was WAY over my budget but the ease of use + ease of obtaining more pads was more important to me than saving like $100 lol... I just hope it delivers results lol.
I used my debit card where it said "credit card" for payment... hope it works!!! Haha.

My plan is to use this a couple times, then sell it. I really want to correct my car's finish ASAP but I dont have time nor the patience to spend $65 on a rotary plus $50 on a compatible backing plate and then $30 on pads only to find out it ruined my paint hahaha. Let's see if this DA is strong enough for my crappy finish.

order a pair of black pads and your set

[Peter_Klim]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

My plan is to use this a couple times, then sell it. I really want to correct my car's finish ASAP but I dont have time nor the patience to spend $65 on a rotary plus $50 on a compatible backing plate and then $30 on pads only to find out it ruined my paint hahaha. Let's see if this DA is strong enough for my crappy finish.

Why sell it?

Are you never going to own a car again? And if you're going to use it twice, what are you going to do when you need to use it a 3rd, 4th and so on time?

Did you buy a used one? I hope so. Otherwise you are going to be at a major loss reselling. Often buying used you can even resell it and make some $$$

If you want it now, you'll want it again. These are maintenance products. I say keep it.

[Fly Bye]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

My plan is to use this a couple times, then sell it.

[smack]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

If usen correctly, the results of machine applied waxes and paint cleaners will make you think twice about trying to sell it. It makes detailing so much more enjoyable by machine than using up every last ounce of elbow grease trying to do the same thing.

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

If usen correctly, the results of machine applied waxes and paint cleaners will make you think twice about trying to sell it. It makes detailing so much more enjoyable by machine than using up every last ounce of elbow grease trying to do the same thing.

good point, i still havent received it yet... and i have to actually use it to make that decision.

yeah i know i'll take a hit if/when i sell it. i couldnt find any used one for sale

[mujjuman]

Re: what do you think of this polisher?

finally got my DA!!! it's raining so i cant use it yet olol