Learning

[AeroCleanse]

Ok, so this may have been answered a thousand times already, but I didn't quite see what I was looking for after some searching in the threads.

I am looking to learn how to use my rotary (Makita 977C or something), besides the obvious junked / damaged practice hood (to start) what Meguiar's products should I get in order to start learning. I'm kinda looking for what pads and what "chemicals" I should get to learn with (from the professional line).

After learning, the cars I will be starting out on all have clear coats.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Learning

There is a broad range of product to get you started, but I'll select a few of the most popular.

Compound - M84 or M85 - I haven't tried M85, but M84 works very well. If you get the chance, M105 should be an excellent product.

Cleaner - M83 and M80 - M83 is a MUST for the rotary because it works so well. M80 is also very nice for the lighter defects.

Wool Pads - These will be needed for the compounds and M83 - It seems that the trend is going towards the So1o wool pads. The Soft Buff wool works fine, too. I would probably get one of the heavy cutting pads and two light cutting pads.

Foam Pads - I am a huge fan of the Soft Buff foam polishing pads (W8006). I would probably get a five pack of these to use with M83 and M80.

You will also need a backing plate and a pad spur for the wool pads.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Learning

What kind of backing plate? My Makita came with a velcro attaching plate. I also have a spur.

I wasn't able to find the Soft Buff wool pads, do you have a product number for those?

Thanks for your suggestions!

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Learning

The Makita backing plate is too big and meant for 8in pads. The Meguiar's rotary backing plate is part number W64.

http://www.meguiars.com/?pro-backing-plates/Rotary-Buffer-Backing-Plates

The Soft Buff wool pads have the W4000 product number.

http://www.meguiars.com/?pro-pad/Cut-N-Shine-Wool-Pad

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Learning

The below thread is located in "Hot Topics" in the "Information Station"

Switching from 3M to Meguiar's - Rotary Buffer Questions?

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Learning

Would getting the So1o kit be as valuable to learn on, or should I just stick with M84 and M83?

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Learning

Would getting the So1o kit be as valuable to learn on, or should I just stick with M84 and M83?

The So1o product is designed for fresh paint, not for cured paint.

For beginning with the rotary I suggest sticking to #80 as its longer play time will allow you to learn proper technique. Using an aggressive comound like #84 or #85 to learn with is not a good idea as you could inflict damage into the paint that will take someone with experience in using a rotary to get the damage out.

Tim

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Learning

The So1o product is designed for fresh paint, not for cured paint.

For beginning with the rotary I suggest sticking to #80 as its longer play time will allow you to learn proper technique. Using an aggressive comound like #84 or #85 to learn with is not a good idea as you could inflict damage into the paint that will take someone with experience in using a rotary to get the damage out.

Tim

It won't matter to much Tim, I'm going to be using a junkyard hood so I don't care if it gets screwed up.

I'll skip the So1o then.

[yalerd]

Re: Learning

What I think Tim is trying to say is that with #80 you'll have more play time and you can see how the rotary handles and have control over it, it's not the same think as the G100 when you take care of this then you step it up and see how to remove swirls and scratches.

Good luck with it!

[Sydster]

Re: Learning

Just make sure you are working clean at all times clean your pads frequently and change pads if needed this way you can get a better and proper feel of the buffer. I'm talking from experience I used to just buff without cleaning much thinking I would get the job done faster but the end result is working longer.

Take Care!

Syd

[Ticman]

Re: Learning

Lot's of great advise here. I'll add when most people start learning a rotary that tend to fight it. It will be much easier if you use a light touch and keep the pad flat. You'll find that by tilting it ever so slightly you can work an area without using any brute strength from you arms.

Also, watch the 5 part Mike Pennington videos on youtube about wet sanding. He explains handling a rotary very well on there. I think specifically part 3, but it's all good.

Good Luck
Tic

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Learning

I've watched those videos twice now, even have them bookmarked! In fact watching those videos and seeing that the DA couldn't take some of the scratches out was reason enough to get inspired to learn to use the rotary.