Do I really need to get a polisher?

How old are ya Buffer if you don't mind me asking?

Most times I try to get into a good 15-20 minute stretch routine weather I'm doing things by hand, machine, or both. Even with a polisher, especially when working on the lower panels, your back will be put to the test. It's a very laborious hobby/profession, take care of your body and it'll do it's best to make your vehicle look it's best!
 
Buffer_Wannabe said:
So much so, that I'm developing elbow and wrist problems. I really need to get a machine.
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I know what you mean. I started this thread for two reasons: first, because I want to treat this wonderful "Diamond White" paint that covers my new ML350 as best I can, but also because I am in my mid 60s and I feel exactly what you are feeling in the elbow and wrist every time I wash, clay, detail and polish my cars. I've always done this work by hand but now my hands are starting to hurt after a while. I can get by of course, but a polisher will make it easier and much more fun - without the soreness. I even feel it in my back as I bend over often. I have a little roller stool that I sit on when I clean the bottom half panels that helps my back a lot but still, after a day of detailing I've got to go jump in the hot tub!
 
shortspark said:
I know what you mean. I started this thread for two reasons: first, because I want to treat this wonderful "Diamond White" paint that covers my new ML350 as best I can, but also because I am in my mid 60s and I feel exactly what you are feeling in the elbow and wrist every time I wash, clay, detail and polish my cars. I've always done this work by hand but now my hands are starting to hurt after a while. I can get by of course, but a polisher will make it easier and much more fun - without the soreness. I even feel it in my back as I bend over often. I have a little roller stool that I sit on when I clean the bottom half panels that helps my back a lot but still, after a day of detailing I've got to go jump in the hot tub!
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And I thought it was only me that felt this way after a day of detailing!! Inspite of the "creaks and squeaks" I still find detailing a relaxing hobby!!
 
Thomas Dekany said:
You call yourself OLD at that age? :D
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Yeah, sometimes I feel really old. If I can get a machine at a reasonable price, I think I will jump on it. Maybe that new HD DA will fill the bill.
 
Sorry to hear that. I will be 49 in October, haven't been to a doctor yet. Feel great as well.



Buffer_Wannabe said:
Yeah, sometimes I feel really old. If I can get a machine at a reasonable price, I think I will jump on it.
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every car care enthusiast/detailer should own at least one DA. there are several to choose from and the new HD polisher looks promising and if you can't hold off till then, spring for the GG6 or megs G110v2...
 
"Sorry to hear that. I will be 49 in October, haven't been to a doctor yet. Feel great as well".



49 in October? Ha! You are a mere squirt, Thomas! Those years coming up through the 50s are devastating to the body, especially the back and joints and no one is immune from it no matter how well you keep in shape. One morning you will get out of bed and suddenly you will feel it - you will realize right then and there that you are getting old. I'll be 15 years older than you, also in October (16). When you get to that point then for sure you'll know why I'm asking these questions about a polisher!!
 
BigAl3 said:
every car care enthusiast/detailer should own at least one DA. there are several to choose from and the new HD polisher looks promising and if you can't hold off till then, spring for the GG6 or megs G110v2...
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Yes, that is just what I intend to do. I am going to wait for the reviews on that new polisher before buying anything. I've decided that I will get either the GG6, because of its good reputation and track record here and at other sites, or the HD, but only if it is better some way or of equal quality but cheaper. BTW, has HD at least announced the price of the new polisher?
 
I don't think they're gonna release any prices until the polishers reach the states. I read somewhere that they are on the boat and are about 3 weeks out. If I had to take a guess, I'm thinking maybe in the $150-$200 range. It sounds as if it's directly competing with the GG6 and Flex 3401.



Being on the verge of 34, as much as I try to keep my body in good condition, there are days where I feel totally blah. I've been in labor intensive jobs since high school and out of anything, my knees have taken the brunt of it. Stretching out before and after a nice detail will take the edge off the soreness, definitely don't feel as stiff, but usually you'll still be feeling it the next day, unless you do this professionally and are at it day in and day out.



The important thing is only you know your body and it's limitations, a polisher is makes things very easy but if you over do it, you're body will let you know....especially your back!
 
I appreciated all the responses to my question. There was no question that from what you all said that I had to get a polisher to do my new Mercedes paint justice, the question was what to get. I decided not to wait for the HD polisher (although I might be sorry) and went ahead and bought the Griot I was originally thinking of. I got a kit from Detailer's Supply that was on sale for Father's Day, which included a 5.5" backing plate and five 5" Uber pads. I read a little about these pads at the forums and they are of good quality plus the slightly smaller pads are said to be easier to work with, especially for a newbie. Besides the Father's Day special and Deal of the Day they had going, I had a 15% off coupon that was applied and that covered all shipping costs plus. Overall, I got the whole kit for a little less than most places are selling just the polisher for, and that also includes shipping. So, I decided I could not pass it up.



One final question. Does anyone have experience with the Uber pads? As I said, the few reviews around are favorable but I'm not clear on what the colors stand for. I had a choice of five pads so I ordered 2 (Green for polishing), 1 (Blue for finishing but not sure what that means), and 2 (Black for wax/sealant). I should say I know what they are for because of their description but in actual application with the products I use I am not sure. For example, I believe I have to use the Green pad to apply my Duragloss 105 polish but it is actually a sealant and LSP so do I need to use the black pad instead? And how about the bonding agent (601)? What is that considered? Also a polish maybe? How about removal? Would that still be best done by hand and a good microfiber after everything hazes? I like the idea of using the 601 and letting it haze and then applying the 105 over it for the best bond to the paint. I just wonder if with a machine I would be removing the 601 bonding agent while applying the 105 over it. Any tips along these lines?
 
Sounds like you don't have a true polish. If you do, use the green pads to polish/clean the paint. I'd "guess" (I never used uber pads), either blue/black is fine to apply protection with.



As far as whether you remove the bonding agent or not, using a machine is not any different than applying it by hand (imho). Maybe other members have different opinions about it. I personally apply everything with a machine. You should be fine as well.



I know you have a new car, but still I would "polish" it first. Hope I was helpful. Make sure to post at least the final results. :)
 
Thanks Thomas. I hope to start with my pick-up truck first. Once I get the hang of it then I'll go to the Mercedes and post pictures. I'd like to post photos of it right now as it is. However, even when I post using the "Advanced" method, there is no option for attachments. Down at the bottom of the page it lists my permissions and it says I am not permitted to post attachments, which I assume they mean photos attachments. So, I'm not sure how to post pictures.
 
the third icon on the right is the one you want to use - it says "Insert Image"



If you have your pictures hosted on flickr or photobucket, just copy the image and paste it in the reply window
 
Thanks, now I see the insert image icon. However, I don't have photobucket or anything like that and it asks for the url rather than just uploading a photo contained on my PC. All I have are photos I've taken and placed in my library "my pictures" section of my hard drive. There has to be a way to get a photo from my PC attached without going through a third party like photobucket or flickr.
 
shortspark said:
Thanks, now I see the insert image icon. However, I don't have photobucket or anything like that and it asks for the url rather than just uploading a photo contained on my PC. All I have are photos I've taken and placed in my library "my pictures" section of my hard drive. There has to be a way to get a photo from my PC attached without going through a third party like photobucket or flickr.
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I would suggest using picasa web site for hosting. You simply drag and drop into the web page. Can't get much easier. Then just open a photo, right click it and select "copy image address". Enter that into the url box on this site. I really don't know of any other way.



I avoided third party sites for the longest time, but realized it's pretty much necessary if you want to post pics on forums. If you don't want to, that's fine. You just won't be posting pics, that's all.
 
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