First Timer

T

tecster

New member
Well, this is my first thread and well - it'll be my first detail w/ a polisher.. I was wondering if it was a horrible idea or not to use the Foam pad and Cotton Bonnet they provided me with when I purchased the polisher... Let me know please :-)



I have the following products:



Chicago Electric (HarborFrieght Tools) Variable Speed Polisher/Sander (Nothing Special!)

Megs #2 Fine-Cut Cleaner

Megs #26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax



Its a 7" foam pad and a cotton bonnet.
 
:welcome to Autopia, tecster!



Assuming you have one of Harbor freight's rotary polishers then yes, it's a bad idea.



#2 Fine Cut Cleaner is mild, so I don't think you'll actually destroy your finish (unless you get really sloppy and dig in). But until you've practiced quite bit with a rotary you'll almost certainly swirl the heck out of the paint.



The chemicals are fine, but it's best to start out with an orbital machine.







pc.
 
Well I'm a little screwed now aren't I, I already purchased the one shown above so theres not much I can do besides practice with it :-)
 
You can accomplish some pretty great results with that machine, just not that foam pad. Using the rotary takes a lot of practice and can be dangerous so be sure to exercise extra caution. I've use the wool pad that comes with that rotary (I've got one too) for heavy defect removal with M105, I would not recommend it for someone starting out. Basically, buy a new backing plate and a 4-8 pads and you should be good to go!
 
You could go to a junkyard and buy an old hood for cheap to practice on. Or you could buy a used Porter Cable and keep the rotary for when you get better at the whole thing.
 
JimmyCutlass,



What do you suggest for a backing plate and pads for beginners? I've been doing some reading and I hear the CCS pads are pretty nice but I don't want to get products out of my skill level because that would just be pointless in my opinion.
 
Yep, the pads that come with that thing are trash, you polishes aren't really going to do much correction either. If you insist on learning with the rotary keep the speed WAY down and keep the edge of the pad away from everything. Also don't polish anything plastic at first.
 
Yes, CCS pads are good pads. If your referring to the CCS pads as being out of your skill level then I would beg to differ. If your a beginner you would want to have the best pads you can afford. I would go with what one poster said and buy a PC for $100 and get used to the feel of the machine in your hand while practicing on a practice panel with the rotary. Unless your just naturally a genius at detailing you don't have enough info or polishing time yet to know what polishes and pads will get you to a hologram free finish. I've seen many people who are beginners show me their cars after they just polished it with a rotary and their so proud. The problem is that they use an aggresive polish and the wrong pad in the wrong light and it looks so good to them. Then I'll just pull it in the sun or put the lights on it and they say "Oh Sh*t". Now once you get some time in and are ready buy a Makita or a Metabo etc. and you will notice how much smoother the feel is and you will realize what you've been missing out on. Hope this helps.
 
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