Is using a nickel dime polisher better

rabbi

The Whaler Loves Detail City
than doing it by hand? I'm going to do my father-in-law's car Wednesday. From claying to sealing. My f-i-l told me yesterday that one of his grandsons is bringing over his polisher for me to use. It's a cheap one. Should I use it or just continue detailing cars the way I always have, by hand?
 
I used those kind for a long time before I knew what a PC was, always worked fine for me minus removing defects, it does cut back on fatigue
 
I was using one up till this past weekend (been using one for over 20 yrs). Finally got a PC :jump.

I always got very nice results even when using OTC products.
If it cuts back on the amount of time you spend doing it, and it doesn't cost anything whats the harm??
Do a panel and see if you like the results. If not, do it by hand...
No harm...No foul.

"J"
 
rabbi said:
than doing it by hand? I'm going to do my father-in-law's car Wednesday. From claying to sealing. My f-i-l told me yesterday that one of his grandsons is bringing over his polisher for me to use. It's a cheap one. Should I use it or just continue detailing cars the way I always have, by hand?
Never know untill you try it.... At first it might not seem all too much quicker, but it'll give ya a taste of what you've been missin -- and might just spark ya to move up to the next level.
 
I'll try it if it comes with the pads. These boys aren't too organized. I've been thinking of a PC or Cyclo. Been saving my coins.
 
rabbi said:
Should I use it or just continue detailing cars the way I always have, by hand?
FWIW, it is hard to beat a system that has been working for you.

The following is an excerpt from a post I made quite some time back.
"Several years back, I purchased a Wen 10" orbital buffer. It had an amperage rating of over 3 amps, but I don't remember the exact rating. The only reason I mention it is to point out it was not really lacking in power. I used it some for the first 2 - 3 months I owned it and after that it stayed in the box, unused, for several years. This summer, I tried it again. Back in the box and then given to a friend. It was more hassle than it was worth. Changing the bonnets was a PIA."

Since then I have purchased the PC, and other than swirl removal, there really isn't been anything I couldn't have accomplished with hand application. It is a good thing to have, but given the products I use most often, AIO and UPP, not, IMO, a necessity.

Charles
 
As alluded to by Charles, find out what bonnets they have. Do they have enough? Locally there are 3 types-Final buffing (synthetic wool), waxing/polishing (terry cotton-not plush, could induce swirls depending on products/technique used), and a "paper-type" applicator bonnet (basically for applying final wax, as there is no nap to it.) There are also foam bonnets, but these aren't usually in the "starter pak", so unless they've decided to diversify, chances are good they won't have one. None of these are of particularly high quality (for concourse finishes), but if you are using it on "beaters" that aren't going to be cared for afterwards, the owners probably won't see anything wrong. If you were to be using a 1-step, using a buffer can let you work the product more evenly, longer, and result in a thinner coat to buff off, while saving your shoulders etc.
As mentioned, it won't remove marring, but it also isn't likely to destroy anything either (I'm saying "likely" because there's always somebody that can find a way of screwing up something.)
I would consider trying it, as long as you've got some clean bonnets available. I've used them before and they can save you some effort. And as mentioned before, if you don't like it, you don't gotta keep using it.
 
rabbi said:
than doing it by hand? I'm going to do my father-in-law's car Wednesday. From claying to sealing. My f-i-l told me yesterday that one of his grandsons is bringing over his polisher for me to use. It's a cheap one. Should I use it or just continue detailing cars the way I always have, by hand?
Hey Rabbi:
How did the detail of your f-i-l's car turn out? Did he take his daughter home with him to get her away from the crazy car guy? :D

Charles
 
Back
Top