pc machine

[madazskunk]

i have never used any type of machine to wax my cars. my question is can i safely use the porter cable machine everyone seems to use or would i be better off staying by hand. i read in some detailing book that using a polishing machine would do serious damage if in the hands of someone inexperienced and someone replied (sorry i forgot your name) to me that the book was talking about a different type of machine. also the book said that there is not much difference in using an orbital buffer(which was safe for anyone to use) or by hand, it was all a matter of preference and time consumption(buffer is quicker). is it worth it for me to get the pc since i mainly only do my car. and i have to take it to the do it yourself wash because i live in an apartment, but i have acces to an outlet in my parking lot.

 

[imported_dl9589]

The PC is pretty much idiot proof. It's not supposed to burn your paint, or produce swirl marks, because it is still an orbital. I would say get it, you'll get much better results out of your car.



I would imagine the machine they were talking about that would cause damage in the hands of someone inexperienced would be a rotary buffer.

 

[imported_BretFraz]

It's up to you whether a PC is worth the $$. Most serious detailing nuts have one. But its an expensive toy. Not only do you need the machine but a good number of pads and various polishes. You're looking at a $200 investment at least, probably more.



If you're into the whole detailing thing then money isn't the issue. But for the casual owner who wants their car to look decent then a PC is overkill. You can get nice results by hand if you use the right products and tools and take your time.

 

[E30 325i]

What if one of your cars doesn't have a clear coat? Is there still a chance of the PC burning or damaging the paint in any way?

 

[getfit74]

A random orbital polisher does'nt really move fast enough or in a motion that is conducive to damaging your paint. (when used as directed) You may be mixing it up with a high speed direct drive polisher.

 

[imported_doug]

The PC is great and easy to use. It won't damage your paint by burning it. <font color=red>But it can certainly add swirls, just like you can with your hand!</font>



Swirls are created by rubbing abrasives on paint. More often than not, the user didn't know the abrasives were there (dust/dirt) - it only takes a fine layer, invisible under most lighting conditions.



You can also swirl or haze the surface with abrasive compounds like finesse-IT II, fine cut rubbing compound, even swirl mark remover if you don't work them hard enough to properly break down the abrasives.



See this thread for an example of what happens when you do it wrong - and how to fix it.