1st time using UDM - some questions

N

nysimonsez

New member
I'm new to machine polishing and just got my UDM and SIP/106ff. I used the vertical rear quarter panel of the car and my "learning" panel, which has only a few light swirls on it. So I decided to use 106ff on a LC white pad (to start with the least abrasive). It didn't remove the swirls so I changed to a sip white pad and follow it with 106ff/white and that did some correction. Here's what I observed and my questions:



With the UDM, I started on 3 to spread the polish and then kicked it up to 5 to work the polish. How much pressure should I be putting on the UDM? It seems like even if I put in light pressure to the UDM the pad stops spinning, just shaking. So I almost don't put any pressure on it. Is there something wrong with the UDM? there's also lots of vibrations from the UDM at 5 no way I can hold it with 1 hand.



I made a circle (about 2" diameter) of 106ff on a white pad and worked on the panel. I worked the polish for 10 mins (moving the UDM slowly), there's lots of dusting but yet still a haze on the panel that a dry MF cannot remove, I have to wipe it off with some water. Am I (1) not using enough/too much polish or (2) not working the polish long enough (10 mins' a long time though)?



Just some background, the car had a few coats of Z5/Z2 on it. I did a Z7 car wash both before and after claying. Dried and then started my UDM process above.



Anyone that can shed some insight into my issues would be great.

thanks much.
 
I run my UDM at speed 5 when I use it and it does not stop under pressure from what I see (at least at 20 lbs or so). I use 5-in pads and the vibrations are not that bad at 5 . You may have a defective unit.
 
I'll try to chime in alittle here...



If the pad isnt spinning, your applying way too much pressure...but if you apply too much, the UDM will sort of "bog" down...you can hear it in the motor...thats usually when the pad will stop spinning. Ive always learn to put about 10-15 lbs of pressure when polishing with my UDM.



Well I would first think 10 min...thats quite a long time...should take 1-3 min to break down...but there are variables there.



You will get some dusting...key word...'some' not a alot.



You need to build up your strength if you cant hold it with one hand...no offense, but that one arm reach will come in handy soon...you'll see! If you still cant manage, purchase the "OneGrip" over at showcardetailing dot com.(<---type that address in the URL box)

It helps relieve pressure off your hands...



Too much polish, maybe...if you put a full circle the first time...that should be enough to prime the pad...after that, you only need a couple dots to do a 1ftx1ft section.



I hope i was of some help...keep practicing though...you will find out what works best for you eventually...
 
Thanks for the initial inputs.



I'm going to test the UDM gain next weekend and see if it's defective. But I did remember that it would only orbit the pad but not spin it if I put any pressure on it. In order for the pad to spin I actually have to lift the udm a little so there's almost no weight on it. I'm going to retest to make sure that's what it's doing then I know it may be defective.



Twista616, no offense taken and thanks for the advice. I think I'll be ok just need to practice more. I'm thinking I may be using too much polish since it's dusting and after 10 mins I still need water to clean up so the panel would wipe clean. If the polish is dried I should just be able to wipe it off with a dry MF. I'm only working in a 2x2 section. Maybe I'm going too slow as it takes me about a min to do 1 pass, then I just keep going until I see dusting. The polish looked pretty clear after 10 mins but still can't wipe off with dry MF. I must be doing something wrong, but will keep trying.



any other thoughts are welcomed. thanks again.
 
You are on the right track. I am still new as well, but a 2" circle is WAY too much, even for priming with 106. I have found with 106ff that less is more. Try using about 3 pea sized drops around the pad and spread first before turning the machine on. Worked well for me. Keep practicing, it gets better.
 
It sounds like you're overworking the polish. Ten minutes is too long. The polish should still be oily looking on the paint when you're done. Clear and oily looking. Once the polish looks like that, stop, remove the residue, and re-apply if necessary. If it ever starts to look dry on you, stop immediately.
 
Thanks. I think you guys are both right, I'm using too much polish and working it too long. I'm going to use less and practice more. It seems like It only take 1 pass for the polish to become clear. I need to learn how to determine when the polish is broken down. I think if I use the 3 pea size method it'll be much easier to clean up afterwards. Will give another try this weekend.
 
I had a problem with excess vibrations on my UDM at speed 6. It was almost impossible to hold it one handed. Check and make sure that the spindle is exactly perpendicular to the machine. If a pad seems to make a figure eight pattern while looking at it from the side, then I would say you have a defective machine and turn it in for warranty service. They do a good job ( the perfect shine) of taking care of any issues promptly.
 
I checked my UDM and the the spindle looks to be perpendicular to the machine so I don't think there's anything wrong.



The machine orbits fine but I'm not sure if it's spinning is. How fast is it suppose to spin if pressure is applied (1 revolution per second, etc)? I pressed on it at speed 6 with about 20 lbs of pressure and the spin slows to 1 revolution per second. When no pressure (held in air, not even machine weight) it spins pretty fast.



If I can determine the UDM is working properly then I know for sure that I'm using too much polish and need to finetune my technique.



thanks
 
Sounds like the way mine was. I would think that is right because it does not have forced rotation. Although mine did burn up.............lol
 
Yes, my UDM has a washer behind the backing plate, it came that way.



I checked my UDM again and all is fine, not defective. Spinning slower as I push more pressure and the spindle is fine.



I also just checked the panel that I polished again and it looked good, I'd say 99% of swirls are gone compared to the other panels so it actually did work. I must've just used way too much polish so I couldn't break them all down (even for 10 mins).



thanks much guys for your help and advice and really looking forward to reviving the paint on my daily driver.
 
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