New Member question about DUAL Action polisher

[CAL's]

I have been washing and waxing my own vehicles from 1999, over the years I have stumbled onto little tricks and have come to comprise a short list of products and techniques that I am comforatable with using.

I have played around with polishing plastic mainly headlight lenses for some years now and have compiled enough experience and tools to become confident enough to charge people for headlight restoration.

Now I am looking to purchase a DUAL Action orbital machine now that my elbow seems to flare up when I wax my car by hand. I am looking for a durable machine that I could possibly use on a semi professional basis after I gain some experience on using it. My plans are to open a headlight lens restoration and Auto detailing business in a couple of years.

What is a durable Dual Action orbital machine that I should invest in, if I were to use it professionally.

What would you suggest as basic compounds and polishes to begin with for my own personal use and how many foam pads should you use on a full sized SUV?

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I call the Guinea Pig that I intend to get some practice on.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: New Member question about DUAL Action polisher

Will you be using the DA for polishing headlights? It's not impossible, but the geometry of the DA would make it awkward and possibly uncomfortable for polishing headlights. Even with a 4" polishing pad and a 3" backing plate, the extension on a DA might be too short for recessed headlights. I think a high speed rotational tool, like a drill with a adapter and polishing pad, would be necessary to polish the more hazed headlights you might come across. Meguiars recently introduced a Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit that might interest you

If you plan to use the DA for regular automotive polishing and you have concerns about your elbow, I understand that the Cyclo produces less vibration than other DA's.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: New Member question about DUAL Action polisher

Will you be using the DA for polishing headlights? It's not impossible, but the geometry of the DA would make it awkward and possibly uncomfortable for polishing headlights. Even with a 4" polishing pad and a 3" backing plate, the extension on a DA might be too short for recessed headlights. I think a high speed rotational tool, like a drill with a adapter and polishing pad, would be necessary to polish the more hazed headlights you might come across. Meguiars recently introduced a Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit that might interest you

If you plan to use the DA for regular automotive polishing and you have concerns about your elbow, I understand that the Cyclo produces less vibration than other DA's.

+1. I think this kit would be your best bet.