Never have machine waxed before....

Cameronswmp9

New member
I have always hand waxed my cars, have played with a really old cheap polisher, but never really had anyone to show me how to use it and even if it was the right tool. And that was at least 10 years ago.

I also know that from that machine they have come a long way. That machine had to be 25 years old at that time. I know waxes have as well.

I have looked at what Autopia offers, but the differences between DAs, Orbitals, Rotaries I just don`t know what is the best, or the best wax to use with a machine.

I have a good bit of experience with a straight grinder (obviously not for the same reason) but would make me think a rotary, but I just don`t know.

Also, I wouldn`t object to upgrading my wax either. I`ve used a few different options from the parts store, best results from Meguairs Gold Class liquid. I`ve used turtle wax and some others, but the results just weren`t there for my liking. Have been looking at jumping to the BF products.

I have not tried any cut or buff, haven`t ruled it out and wouldn`t mind using the same machine, but if there is one better for wax I coukd buy another when I want to get to the cut and buff.

Thank you Autopians!
 
I have always hand waxed my cars, have played with a really old cheap polisher, but never really had anyone to show me how to use it and even if it was the right tool. And that was at least 10 years ago.

I also know that from that machine they have come a long way. That machine had to be 25 years old at that time. I know waxes have as well.

I have looked at what Autopia offers, but the differences between DAs, Orbitals, Rotaries I just don`t know what is the best, or the best wax to use with a machine.

I have a good bit of experience with a straight grinder (obviously not for the same reason) but would make me think a rotary, but I just don`t know.

Basically there are two types of polishers, Dual Action (aka Random Orbital) and Rotary.

Rotary polishers can be much more aggressive. Usually they`re only used to remove heavy defects or sanding marks.

Since it sounds like you`re looking for a polisher to primarily apply wax with, a Dual Action or Random Orbital polisher is a better fit. They`re easier to use because they`re much less aggressive. DA`s are super easy to use and almost impossible to damage the paint with.

If you`re looking for a polisher to only apply wax with, I would recommend the Griot`s Garage 3 inch Polisher with a soft finishing pad. Whenever I machine apply wax, I grab my 3 inch because it`s small and I never have to awkwardly maneuver my polisher into tight nooks and crannies. You can easily hold the 3 inch polisher in one hand to spread out the wax, and it makes the entire process much faster. The 3 inch will easily wax 99% of most cars, whereas a 6 inch or 5 inch will leave you with a lot more surface area you`ll have to come back and apply the wax by hand.

If you plan on eventually polishing or compounding your cars, then I would consider purchasing a larger polisher like the Griots Garage 6 inch or Porter Cable 7424xp instead.

Also, I wouldn`t object to upgrading my wax either. I`ve used a few different options from the parts store, best results from Meguairs Gold Class liquid. I`ve used turtle wax and some others, but the results just weren`t there for my liking. Have been looking at jumping to the BF products.

I have not tried any cut or buff, haven`t ruled it out and wouldn`t mind using the same machine, but if there is one better for wax I coukd buy another when I want to get to the cut and buff.

Thank you Autopians!

You`ll get a lot of different answers for high quality waxes. But the BLACKFIRE Wet Ice Over Fire Kit is a great place to start.
 
As Vega above has already said, a good Random Orbital would help you out very well, and know that they can all be fitted with smaller backing plates down to at least 2"-3", perhaps even to 1" now, so you can get several backing plates and pads and do many things many places, and just have 1 machine..

Also, know that if you use a wax from a can, etc., that it will not ever come completely out of that pad/s and they will then be have to be dedicated to just that job..

Good luck with your project !
Dan F
 
Basically there are two types of polishers, Dual Action (aka Random Orbital) and Rotary.

Rotary polishers can be much more aggressive. Usually they`re only used to remove heavy defects or sanding marks.

Since it sounds like you`re looking for a polisher to primarily apply wax with, a Dual Action or Random Orbital polisher is a better fit. They`re easier to use because they`re much less aggressive. DA`s are super easy to use and almost impossible to damage the paint with.

If you`re looking for a polisher to only apply wax with, I would recommend the Griot`s Garage 3 inch Polisher with a soft finishing pad. Whenever I machine apply wax, I grab my 3 inch because it`s small and I never have to awkwardly maneuver my polisher into tight nooks and crannies. You can easily hold the 3 inch polisher in one hand to spread out the wax, and it makes the entire process much faster. The 3 inch will easily wax 99% of most cars, whereas a 6 inch or 5 inch will leave you with a lot more surface area you`ll have to come back and apply the wax by hand.

If you plan on eventually polishing or compounding your cars, then I would consider purchasing a larger polisher like the Griots Garage 6 inch or Porter Cable 7424xp instead.



You`ll get a lot of different answers for high quality waxes. But the BLACKFIRE Wet Ice Over Fire Kit is a great place to start.

I have been eyeing the BF ice over fire setup. I know on a black car it looks like a pool of water, incredible!

I`ve read that one is a bit underpowered, would that make a difference in wax? I can see it for paint correction, but not sure about the wax.
 
As Vega above has already said, a good Random Orbital would help you out very well, and know that they can all be fitted with smaller backing plates down to at least 2"-3", perhaps even to 1" now, so you can get several backing plates and pads and do many things many places, and just have 1 machine..

Also, know that if you use a wax from a can, etc., that it will not ever come completely out of that pad/s and they will then be have to be dedicated to just that job..

Good luck with your project !
Dan F

I didn`t think about different backing plate use, that would open up a few more uses too.
 
Black Fire line of products are spectacular :D
Mc37 line is great as well being that it`s 2-3 lines combined
Poorboy`s quality and dependability world.
Nice 8mm, too many pads better then not enough
Several MF towels bought online
keep your eye on the Forum, best thing you could do,
Good Luck :bigups
 
Have some BF shampoo with clays coming from Autopia, and found a deal on the Fire over ice setup too.

Narrowed it down to either the GG3 or the PC, debating if the 5 inch is too big where the 3 inch is a bit nimbler.

Vega has me really thinking of the GG, as a good overall machine. Any insight on using it for compounds and polishing? At least for minor (headlight restoration I`ve seen is feasible with it) but further it may be a bit small.
 
...

Narrowed it down to either the GG3 or the PC, debating if the 5 inch is too big where the 3 inch is a bit nimbler.
....

You can get a GG6 or a PC for VERY cheap right now. Open box sale -- http://www.autopia.org/forums/autopia-carcare-com/185002-huge-box-sale.html

I`ve bought a few machines (including one today) and haven`t had any issues with them. Autopia makes sure they`re in working order and I believe they will back up their stuff.

I`d skip on the GG3 as a starter, because you may end up wanting to "upsize" down the line. You can also get a little more done with a bigger PC style machine. And, you can buy BOTH 3" and 5" backing plates with the money you saved buying open box deals!!!!!

edit: I just reread Vega`s post up there. Yeah, I agree with him (and others here).
 
You can get a GG6 or a PC for VERY cheap right now. Open box sale -- http://www.autopia.org/forums/autopia-carcare-com/185002-huge-box-sale.html

I`ve bought a few machines (including one today) and haven`t had any issues with them. Autopia makes sure they`re in working order and I believe they will back up their stuff.

I`d skip on the GG3 as a starter, because you may end up wanting to "upsize" down the line. You can also get a little more done with a bigger PC style machine. And, you can buy BOTH 3" and 5" backing plates with the money you saved buying open box deals!!!!!

edit: I just reread Vega`s post up there. Yeah, I agree with him (and others here).

You`re trying to get me in trouble aren`t you? Lol

Just sent off the PM for one a few minutes ago.
 
You`re trying to get me in trouble aren`t you? Lol...

LOL. As Accumulator has said on a few occasions, "It`s easy for me to spend your money."

And trying to help out. This thing can be addicting. I started off with a small machine, the Meguiars DA Power System. Almost immediately, I went and got a PC.
 
LOL. As Accumulator has said on a few occasions, "It`s easy for me to spend your money."

And trying to help out. This thing can be addicting. I started off with a small machine, the Meguiars DA Power System. Almost immediately, I went and got a PC.
I put an order in for the PC after talking to Paul today, should see it either later this week or early next. Ready to put it to work for some deep wax action on the truck!
 
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