Wow.
There certainly is a lot of interest here!
Thanks for holding down the fort for me, guys.
I am still working on the finishing touches, but I promise that the 'paper' is just about ready. I am concerned that there is a bit of hype with the whole deal, as several of the autopians chiming in here have already explained how they are getting great results using the random-orbital with M105 (original and new formulas). Fact is, if an enthusiast takes the time to just
use the product and try their own different methods, outstanding results are bound to be revealed. Remember, I am not a scientist nor a chemist. I am a detailer, just like many of you.
Basically, most all the information is already out. The 'paper' is more of an explanation as to why I think this works so well, and my thought process to support it. I suppose it was written with a younger Kevin Brown in mind, as I remember how frustrated I would get when I was told to 'do it this way', without the reasoning behind it.
So, while a portion of the paper is about how to use the R/O with Meguiar's M105 or M86, most of it is chatter regarding how to achieve the best results when using a random-orbital in general. Further, I am trying to keep the graphics and pictures to a minimum, as there are already dozens of them available on the forums (plus they take a long time to create!)
Case in point:
A portion of the paper:
THE RANDOM-ORBITAL’S SUSPENSION SYSTEM
A suspension system controls random movements of the pad.
The buffing pad attached to a random-orbital polisher is expected to respond to directional changes and user-controlled adjustments, accurately and immediately.
It must also evenly distribute downward pressure while resisting flex, twist, and flutter.
Finally, the pad is expected to polish a paint surface satisfactorily.
A suspension system can help to control movements and deliver consistent results.
Fortunately, one is already in place.
Compared to a spring and damper suspension as used on a typical automobile:
The buffing pad has a built-in spring, by design.
Therefore, the buffing pad acts as the spring of the suspension.
User interaction controls the amount pressure placed upon the pad, reactions to mechanical obstacles, and surface effects.
Therefore, the user acts as the damping mechanism.
The backing plate mechanically ties the pad to the machine, and transfers the machine’s movement to the pad.
It also acts as a level mounting point for the pad (and limits pad flex).
Therefore, the backing plate acts as the frame of the suspension.
Not earth shattering information. Yet, most of us do not take the time to contemplate what we are actually doing when we polish and how it relates to other things in our world. Instead, we let our brain take us through the motions. Generally, this is the best way to get immediate results.
My goal was to write a paper that could answer all the questions I could think of about random-orbital use, or at least what I believe to be the important stuff. Hopefully, if a question in one's mind arises during the reading of the paper, the answer will be in that portion of the paper (skimming through the paper
rapidly is not the best way to take the information in). If the reader takes the time to read a segment then visualize the information prior to moving on, the information will make sense.
Anyway, I appreciate the patience and I apologize for the delay, but I can only work on the paper late at night and very early in the morning. I send the updated content to a few friends, get their opinions, and make final adjustments as needed.
Time to post?
Well, I have to modify a backing plate to hold some pencil tips, take some pictures of the machine action at low and high speed-settings, then add them to the paper. I have one or two more graphics to make (not a lot of time to make those), plus snap a few photos. Then, these new visuals need to be placed in the correct location on the paper. Adding photos and graphics that are not needed just mess things up. There's about twenty or so modifications to make to content, and then a final proofread by three or four friends. Then... it gets posted and will be made available as a .pdf file.
I would say I am looking at a week to ten days to get through all the steps.
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL THE AUTOPIANS FOR HELPING OUT!! :bow