imported_chr9s
New member
For my first post here, I would like to share my first impressions about this tool, and the process of using a DA/RO in general. Your inputs would be very much appreciated.
Also, please note that the machine and equipment used was limited to what was available here in the Philippines. We don't have the PC machines here so I had to find an alternative.
Machine: Bosch GEX 150AC (Bosch 3727DVS in the US)
Backing pad: 6in
OPM - 4500 - 12000
Variable speed dial from Speed 1 to Speed 6
Approximate OPM speeds:
1 - 4500
2 - 6000
3 - 7500
4- 9000
..and so forth.
Pad used: Meguiars W8006
Product used: Meguiars DACP
Definition of terms:
1 application = 7-8 passes
workpiece = 2x2 area or around a quarter of the hood of a corolla
Initial impressions:
As it was my first time to use a power tool on my car's finish, it felt a bit heavy. Fortunately, after my second pass on the workpiece, I quickly became comfortable and confident with the tool. It's quite easy to control, and the 'D' handle of the Bosch gave a lot of versatility in handling the tool in different positions. If you're applying pressure, I've found the most comfortable grip to be - left palm on top of the machine while right hand gripping the 'D' handle from the side. This is of course possible after you've engaged the lock-on button.
After around 7 passes over the workpiece, I was able to remove the DACP without any streaking problems. The depth that the DACP added was amazing, to say the least. Product smells good too!
I found I was not able to remove some light to moderate scratches on my hood, although I was able to remove some blemishes and stains after 2 applications on the workpiece. I'm guessing that I can attribute this to the fact that it's my first time with the tool, and applying even pressure while moving the tool around didn't come as second nature to me. At times I'd remember to apply pressure, then I would suddenly realize that I let off on the pressure and am just gliding the tool around with its own weight. Regardless of pressure applied though, I found DACP to be tremendously easy to work with. Especially after the pad has been primed after 1 application, you can get almost predictable results on the succeeding applications.
I used speed 1 on the machine for the first four passes, and increased it to two on last four passes. I've observed the state of DACP to be:
1st pass - initial application (wet)
2nd pass - still wet but thinning
3rd pass - just slightly wet and thinning rapidly
4th pass - moist haze
5th pass - haze
6th pass - thin and almost dry haze
7th and 8th pass - haze turning into sort of like pencil eraser residue
I noticed that even if I stop at around the 5th or 6th pass, DACP still came off without any problems.
Overall, I was not left with any marring or hazing of the clear, probably because of the fact that 90% of the time I just let the machine's weight glide around without adding any additional pressure. This leads me to believe that you can temper the agressiveness of DACP depending on the pressure you apply and how long you take to do 1 pass on a workpiece (all other things being equal, of course). For me, DACP acted more like a light cleaner/fine polish.
I finished the hood off with 3MSCPW, and overall I was happy with the outcome. Could have been happier though if those moderate scratches were taken out. The visibility of those scratches was reduced significantly, but if you look hard at maybe almost 90deg angles, you'll see them.
Please note that I did not do a 50/50 Alcohol/h2O, so I cannot comment conclusively on DACP's ability to remove the very fine scracthes I had. They may still be there. I don't know. Didn't have enough time to do a conclusive evaluation of how much swirls/scratches DACP removes vs. how much it actually took out.
I'm going to do a more complete evaluation maybe next weekend. Need the whole day to do this.
A couple of questions:
1) Assuming that I have say 1 light scratch (not a swirl, but a linear 5in scracth)within a 2x2 area. Is it safe to move the machine back and forth along the line of the scratch, instead of doing passes at the whole 2x2 area?
2) How long does it take you guys to complete 1 pass on a 2x2 area?
Thanks!
Also, please note that the machine and equipment used was limited to what was available here in the Philippines. We don't have the PC machines here so I had to find an alternative.
Machine: Bosch GEX 150AC (Bosch 3727DVS in the US)
Backing pad: 6in
OPM - 4500 - 12000
Variable speed dial from Speed 1 to Speed 6
Approximate OPM speeds:
1 - 4500
2 - 6000
3 - 7500
4- 9000
..and so forth.
Pad used: Meguiars W8006
Product used: Meguiars DACP
Definition of terms:
1 application = 7-8 passes
workpiece = 2x2 area or around a quarter of the hood of a corolla
Initial impressions:
As it was my first time to use a power tool on my car's finish, it felt a bit heavy. Fortunately, after my second pass on the workpiece, I quickly became comfortable and confident with the tool. It's quite easy to control, and the 'D' handle of the Bosch gave a lot of versatility in handling the tool in different positions. If you're applying pressure, I've found the most comfortable grip to be - left palm on top of the machine while right hand gripping the 'D' handle from the side. This is of course possible after you've engaged the lock-on button.
After around 7 passes over the workpiece, I was able to remove the DACP without any streaking problems. The depth that the DACP added was amazing, to say the least. Product smells good too!
I found I was not able to remove some light to moderate scratches on my hood, although I was able to remove some blemishes and stains after 2 applications on the workpiece. I'm guessing that I can attribute this to the fact that it's my first time with the tool, and applying even pressure while moving the tool around didn't come as second nature to me. At times I'd remember to apply pressure, then I would suddenly realize that I let off on the pressure and am just gliding the tool around with its own weight. Regardless of pressure applied though, I found DACP to be tremendously easy to work with. Especially after the pad has been primed after 1 application, you can get almost predictable results on the succeeding applications.
I used speed 1 on the machine for the first four passes, and increased it to two on last four passes. I've observed the state of DACP to be:
1st pass - initial application (wet)
2nd pass - still wet but thinning
3rd pass - just slightly wet and thinning rapidly
4th pass - moist haze
5th pass - haze
6th pass - thin and almost dry haze
7th and 8th pass - haze turning into sort of like pencil eraser residue
I noticed that even if I stop at around the 5th or 6th pass, DACP still came off without any problems.
Overall, I was not left with any marring or hazing of the clear, probably because of the fact that 90% of the time I just let the machine's weight glide around without adding any additional pressure. This leads me to believe that you can temper the agressiveness of DACP depending on the pressure you apply and how long you take to do 1 pass on a workpiece (all other things being equal, of course). For me, DACP acted more like a light cleaner/fine polish.
I finished the hood off with 3MSCPW, and overall I was happy with the outcome. Could have been happier though if those moderate scratches were taken out. The visibility of those scratches was reduced significantly, but if you look hard at maybe almost 90deg angles, you'll see them.
Please note that I did not do a 50/50 Alcohol/h2O, so I cannot comment conclusively on DACP's ability to remove the very fine scracthes I had. They may still be there. I don't know. Didn't have enough time to do a conclusive evaluation of how much swirls/scratches DACP removes vs. how much it actually took out.
I'm going to do a more complete evaluation maybe next weekend. Need the whole day to do this.
A couple of questions:
1) Assuming that I have say 1 light scratch (not a swirl, but a linear 5in scracth)within a 2x2 area. Is it safe to move the machine back and forth along the line of the scratch, instead of doing passes at the whole 2x2 area?
2) How long does it take you guys to complete 1 pass on a 2x2 area?
Thanks!
