Help a cripple out!!

L

lambostealth

New member
OK, so fairly recently at work, I (to put it bluntly, and to speed things up) cut off my left hand (I am...er, was, left handed), all the kings men put me back together again, however, I now have NO use of my left hand and forearm.



I LOVE detailing cars, I see nothing more rewarding than to make a car look beautiful. It's very gratifying to me. Anyways, I REALLY want to step up my polishing game. I am currently using a cheap wal mart random orbital buffer, with a generic foam bonnet. I get good but not perfect results from it.



My real delima is this.......While I can use one hand to do most of the car, it fatigues my good hand in no time, so it takes a long time for me to finish the polishing step on a car. I think it is mostly because the cheap RO buffers are so bulky, not heavy, just big.



What I need you guys for, is to tell me if you think buying a Porter Cable with my handicap is a smart move, basically, will I be able to use it with one hand? If I can, I will be using it often, so it's just a matter of having you guys that have used one for some time tell me that it can be used with one hand tied behind your back.....



I appreciate your time to help me out in advance.



I love this forum, as the people here are very professional, friendly, and extremely helpful.
 
lambostealth said:
What I need you guys for, is to tell me if you think buying a Porter Cable with my handicap is a smart move, basically, will I be able to use it with one hand? If I can, I will be using it often, so it's just a matter of having you guys that have used one for some time tell me that it can be used with one hand tied behind your back.....
Click to expand...



I think with a little practice and patience you'll be able to handle a PC very well one handed. It might take you a little longer but, I have no doubt an enthusiast such as yourself will be successful.....



I one hand my PC on hoods and trunks all the time. On the doors sometimes I use my upper legs to add surface pressure. (you'll find a technique that works for you....)



Setting a speed to get the product spread out and re-setting a faster speed to work some polish might require two steps but, you'll be a pro in no time......



Post some pictures after you get your machine.....



Good luck.....:xyxthumbs
 
Sorry to hear about your hand - hope you're doing alright. I would think that your best bet would be a Cyclo - I found it very easy to operate the machine one-handed, particularly since you don't really have to press down on it and it's balanced so well, and it's supposed to vibrate even less with the Edge 2k Cyclo pads vs the standard velcro ones.
 
Dave1 said:
I think with a little practice and patience you'll be able to handle a PC very well one handed. It might take you a little longer but, I have no doubt an enthusiast such as yourself will be successful.....



I one hand my PC on hoods and trunks all the time. ...............
Click to expand...
I agree with Dave on this, since I too have used the PC with one hand before on some areas with no problems....... but that is mostly when applying a wax. For polishing out defects it might be more difficult to apply the pressure that is sometimes required, but it would still work better than a cheap RO buffer for polishing.



If you post back where you're located I'm sure there is a member in your area that would let you try using their PC (or Cyclo) and give you some tips before you went to the expense of buying one (and the pads, backing plate, etc.). A lot will depend on the strength you have (or will develop) in your good hand/arm.
 
firegate said:
Sorry to hear about your hand - hope you're doing alright. I would think that your best bet would be a Cyclo - I found it very easy to operate the machine one-handed, particularly since you don't really have to press down on it and it's balanced so well, and it's supposed to vibrate even less with the Edge 2k Cyclo pads vs the standard velcro ones.
Click to expand...



Yeah, my thoughts exactly. That little Griot's one *would* be good for some situations, but overall I'd go with the Cyclo.



lambostealth- Sorry to hear about what happened, I can't imagine how the adjustments must be for you.



For some areas I do think you'll need to find a way to apply some degree of pressure with your left arm on some occasions (note repeated use of the word "some", this won't be all that frequent). The Cyclo *is* pretty easy to use one-handed, I do it that way all the time, and the switch type/location is ideal for this (whereas the PC's switch type/location is not). But on certain vertical panels I do think that sometimes you'll want two appendages involved- more a matter of applying some stabilizing pressure than anything else. Still, IMO the Cyclo will beat the PC by a country mile for this specific situation. I do *NOT* like using the PC one handed, it just isn't a pleasant way to do it like it is with the Cyclo.
 
Wow, thanks for the support and encouragement guys. Now, is the Cyclo a rotary? If so, they scare the bejesus out of me, LOL. I'm sure I could get used to one, however, my cars are black, so practicing on them is out of the question with a rotary.



I got in touch with a member here, and he isn't too far away, for now, I'm going to pay him for some swirl removal on my car, so I can start with a fresh pallete. While he's doing my car, I will ask him to let me give it a shot.



Thanks again guys, and keep the suggestions commin'.
 
lambostealth said:
Wow, thanks for the support and encouragement guys. Now, is the Cyclo a rotary?
Click to expand...



I think it's great that you're working out a way to do this stuff :xyxthumbs Using the most user-friendly products and equipment will be worthwhile, it can make a huge difference.



The Cyclo is *not* a rotary..it's more like a "better PC on steroids". In this case the added power isn't the big deal, but rather the ergonomic nature of the thing. Although it can look a bit much in pictures, in person, when you're actually using it, it's great.



I'd go with the Edge pad system on it, I wouldn't want to wrestle one-handed with the usual Cyclo pad holders, which are hard enough to use with *two* hands and some practice. IMO the Edge system is mandatory in your case; it'll make pad attachment quick and easy.



In the meantime, yeah, having somebody (good ;) ) do do the marring removal will get you off on the right foot. Concentrate on washing without marring, that's quite a challenge in itself!
 
Lambostealth, good for you. I love your attitude. I think you will have no problems with either a PC or a Cyclo. We adapt to circumstances or we fall apart. With practice your arm and wrist will strengthen up, but make sure your posture is good or you may hurt your back. Its all about compensating through balance.



I know its not the same, but a few years ago I accidentally cut down through the flap of skin between the thumb and forefinger of my left hand and severed the thumb tendon. You don't realise how much you use both hands until you can't use one of them. We use one to work with and the other to counter balance, often sub-consciously. I still can't grip very well, but micro surgery and physio-therapy helped a lot even though my hand was almost 18 months continuously bandaged or plastered.



I used to do Aikido back then as well and my trainer was instrumental in helping me to understand how small compensations in balance and posture are much more important than developing just strength. You should check out your local club - its a non-violent martial art and very good for mind and body.



Much respect to you.



Sweepy.
 
Thanks for the kind words and understanding, I know what you mean by, bandadged, and therapied to death. I have had 5 surgeries, two years intense phys-therapy, and more drugs than you can shake a stick at. I have now come to the realization that I am not going to get use back, and that I need to move on. After all, I am only 26 yrs old. I have a lot of life to live, and a wife and two kids (both boys 5 and 7 yrs old), so I have to get over my handicap and get on with life.



I will go ahead and undertake the PC purchase, and just adapt.



Thanks again for evreyones encouragement and kind words.
 
I think Richard from showcardetailing.com created something that would allow someone to use the PC with one hand. You should PM him as you may be a good candidate to test it all out.
 
Sorry to hear about the hand. Be sure you have a nice flat, super-clean area to set the PC down on as you will need to in order to apply product, change pads, etc. If you're working outside, a card table could be really useful. Or, you could go back and have the doctors hook you up like Bruce Campbell, Evil Dead style!

PCman.jpg
 
A good friend of mine was in the tree business - cutting, pruning and stump grinding. He learned all this and took over the family business from his dad - a man with essentially one arm. But, that old coot could cut up a two dollar steak with a fork! NEVER arm wrestle him unless you're into pain and embarassment. He overcame an injury that left his left arm useless and limp. And my own father, a wounded WWII marine - he had lost about 50% use of his left hand, but still stayed in the corp doing security at a navy base. He overcame that and managed to give me a few well deserved whacks up side the head during my difficult years. You are in my prayers, take care.
 
Accumulator said:
Yeah, my thoughts exactly. That little Griot's one *would* be good for some situations, but overall I'd go with the Cyclo...
Click to expand...

I'll add another Cyclo vote for one handed operation :waxing: .



I often use the Cyclo one handed. With the Edge 2K system (double sided pads without backing plates), its never been easier because of how smooth it is. The Cyclo is a pretty smooth machine to begin with, but the Edge 2K system makes it even smoother. I change my Edge pads one handed on the Cyclo, so I know that can also be done. It's super easy to use on flat surfaces, but I also use it one handed on vertical surfaces. It's a well built heavy duty machine, but I've had problems with their power cords breaking. Other than than, they're great.
 
I couldn't resist replying to this thread. I was born with a disability in my left arm/hand so i know all about this. My left arm/hand never formed as it should have leaving it shorter than my right arm with permanent nerve damage. I have very limited use of my left arm but after living like this for 35 years, you adapt....I've gotten pretty good at typing one handed.



I have a PC myself and have gotten the hang of it pretty good. I use my left hand for support on it but mainly operate it one handed. I don't think you'd have any problems with it, trust me.
 
Please allow me to take a look at this from different perspective:



Biggest issue with using PC in one arm is clumsiness it's design introduces when trying to apply pressure on pad and it's vibrations.



Cyclo will be gentler in those areas but still not pefect.



Feintools is a maybe.



However, air driven random orbit palm sanders might be exactly the ticket you are looking for depending on how serious you are about this. They fit in the palm perfectly and they are designed to be used with one hand. Something like this:



NDTPGU6.jpg




What you guys say?
 
I use both the PC and the palm type applicator, I would suggest the palm unit. I will take longer I believe but you won't be completely wore out when your finished. Heck when I'm working on my own cars I may take two days to do what I want to do, especially if I'm really nick picking my car, which I do. Take your time, do it right and enjoy it.
 
You guys totally rock!!!



Davela72, I think I can actually type just as fast now that I could with both hands, however I am considering picking up the Dragon" program, for speech-to-text.



Thank you guys sooooooo much for taking the time to respond and put in your .02, it really does mean a lot to me to have such support. If you guys aren't deformed or handicapped in any way, it really is hard to explain how much of an outcast you feel like after something like this. But I don't let it get to me anymore, and I know that I just need to get back to life.



I love detailing, and I do it for friends and a small client list that seems to be growing. So I need something that I can use smoothly and quickly.



That being said, I think I need to look into the Cyclo a bit, before I make a final decision to purchase a tool that will work for me. Can someone provide a good link for pricing and info to include pictures in great detail as well as a size description?



Thanks in advance.
 
lambostealth said:
......That being said, I think I need to look into the Cyclo a bit, before I make a final decision to purchase a tool that will work for me. Can someone provide a good link for pricing and info to include pictures in great detail as well as a size description?......
Click to expand...
Here are some links to a few videos that Anthony Orosco made and one of them shows the use of a Cyclo.... that might at least give you an idea of what it looks like and how it works:



Porsche Bumper Wetsanding - Optimum Forum



In the video you can see how Ron is doing a lot of it with one hand.



HTH
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top