Rotary update..SHOCKING

[Don]

I finally got the courage to put the buffer to the Cavalier. I ended up using #2 on a cutting pad moving the speed around until I felt comfortable @ about ‘4.’ For a first time on a “real� car, I don’t think I did too bad. The finish goes from perfect, to very fine buffer swirls that will easily come out using the PC (now I really wish I had some # 80.

The shocking part happened while I was doing the rear quarter. I had just finished buffing a section and went to ‘swipe test’ an area. Just as I touched the panel, ZZZZZAAAAPPPPP!!!

I got a whopper of a shock. Of course being the nut case I am, I kept touching it. There was enough juice in that panel to give several decent sized shocks. Has anyone else experienced this kind of static electricity?

On another note, I found that the pads seemed to be taking a beating from the buffing. This time, I used a fair amount of pressure along with the higher speed on the buffer. Should I be using a more aggressive product so I can use less pressure, or should I use a higher speed & less pressure?

Sorry no pics, my camera is having a tantrum

[hpjunkie]

I never experienced shock before. But the pad did wear out on me too. Try using less pressure and about 3 or 4 thousand rpm. I might take longer but it's safer on you're paint and the car pain as well.

Just my .02 though.

[Whoa!! Don is using a direct drive rotary buffer and not a PC. The speeds are totally different. Again, with paint, rarely should you exceed 1750 RPM with a rotary buffer.

2hotford: MOL's Super Moderator]

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Don,

Depending on the humidity, sometimes the buffing action can cause a static charge. If that happens, just lightly mist the area with #34 Final Inspection.

I am not sure what the #4 equates to on your exact buffer, but rarely should you go above 1750 RPM. With #83, I use ~ 1750 RPM. The higher speeds are also hard on the foam pads. You can use higer speeds with a wool pad, but foam pads develop too much heat.

Also, avoid using excessive downward pressure on the buffer. A lot of people new to the rotary will use a lot of pressure to try and control the buffer "hop". This is not a good thing as it can lead to deep holograms, buffer marks or buffer burn.

I would strongly suggest that you pick up some #80 Speed Glaze, and practice at a slower speed (~ 1300 RPM).

Tim

[Don]

It was actually kind of funny.

All I had to do was run my fingers near the surface and i could hear the 'snap, crackle, pop' of the static charge.

The problem I'm having is that the DACP flashes way too fast for me to work it in for more than a few seconds. I'm probably not using as much product as I should be, but I'm trying to minimize sling. The last two days have been in the 70's and fairly dry so perhaps that has something to do with it.

2hotford The Chicago Electric buffer I have has a 1,000 to 3,000 rpm range (with the settings being 1-6). So the '4' should be near 1,750-2,000

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Well...on the Makita, I use a setting of 3.5 on the dial which is ~ 1750 RPM for the #83 (Meguiar's suggests 1000-1500 RPM for #83 http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=2525). If you use faster than this, the excessive heat will cause the product to dry too quickly. You should be using a line of product ~ 6 inches long per given area. Less than this can cause the product also to dry too quickly. More than this can over saturate the pad, leading to buffer hop.

I am sure you have, but if you have not, you may want to watch Meguiar's video:
" How to Remove Paint Defects". The video really helps to clarify the use of the rotary.

Tim

[Don]

Originally posted by 2hotford
Hey,

Well...on the Makita, I use a setting of 3.5 on the dial which is ~ 1750 RPM for the #83 (Meguiar's suggests 1000-1500 RPM for #83 http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=2525). If you use faster than this, the excessive heat will cause the product to dry too quickly. You should be using a line of product ~ 6 inches long per given area. Less than this can cause the product also to dry too quickly. More than this can over saturate the pad, leading to buffer hop.

I am sure you have, but if you have not, you may want to watch Meguiar's video:
" How to Remove Paint Defects". The video really helps to clarify the use of the rotary.

Tim

I have....several times. However, I haven't been able to get anywhere near the buffing time that they're getting in the video.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Try lowering your speed down to 1500 RPM. I am starting to wonder if your buffer is running at a much higher speed than anticipated.


Tim