Total beginner with detailing machines

RYS

New member
I picked up this machine at Home Depot one day. It was pretty cheap.

http://www.nextag.com/Ryobi-10-In-Orbital-69512474/prices-html

I also picked up a bottle of megiars show car glaze #7. I tried this stuff with the buffer on the hood of my caprice. i didn't see any difference. I would like to use this machine to apply wax. I would rather remove it by hand. What type of pad should I use to apply wax? What techniques should I use? Is this thing to big to apply wax with? I really have no clue... I would also like to remove the swirl marks on my Acura can i use my Meguiars Scratch-X with this machine? What pads do i use for applying and what pads for removing?

One thing I know isn't good is that this thing spins at 3,200 RPM.
 
Do yourself a favor and take that machine back. Then take the money you spent on it (along with a little more of your money) and get a PC kit like these:

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html

Also, realize that #7 isn't going to make a huge difference by itself.... it is just a glaze, meaning it just has filler oils in it. There are no abrasives to such a product, it only hides minor defects. You need a product (Scratch-X is one option) that will remove defects using abrasives.

My personal pick from the kits at Autogeek would be either the Poorboy's or the Optimum kit... they're some of the easiest products to work with for a beginner, IMO. (though I am a Meguiar's guy myself :o )
 
Do yourself a favor and take that machine back. Then take the money you spent on it (along with a little more of your money) and get a PC kit like these
:
I also agree! If it takes you a little time to come up with the extra money the wait will be worth it. The diffrence in the machine you have now and the PC is huge, and worth every extra penny.
 
Those kinds of buffers will not help you take any scratches or swirls out, all they do is spread wax around.
 
what you bought will discourage you from detailing and polishing your car....go to one of the previously posted links, and spend 200 bucks on a nice porter cable buffer, with pads, and polish......anything less is a waste of money, and you wont be happy
 
When I first started I bought the Craftsman buffer that comes in it's own bucket. Used it once & then just took it back. Got myself a PC & love it. Today I just bought the Rotory polisher. I'm a little intimidated with that one but I think a little practice will do. Good luck on your purchase..
 
hemin8r said:
Today I just bought the Rotory polisher. I'm a little intimidated with that one but I think a little practice will do.

Yep! Two words: Practice Panels. :howdy

I've been using the rotary for a couple years now and frankly I'm still scared to death every time I put it to a customer's car. I know how to use 'em confidently, but I also know how quickly/easily permanent damage can be done if the right set of circumstances exist. And sometimes you just don't know the REAL story of the paint you're working on.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Do yourself a favor and take that machine back. Then take the money you spent on it (along with a little more of your money) and get a PC kit like these:

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html

Also, realize that #7 isn't going to make a huge difference by itself.... it is just a glaze, meaning it just has filler oils in it. There are no abrasives to such a product, it only hides minor defects. You need a product (Scratch-X is one option) that will remove defects using abrasives.

My personal pick from the kits at Autogeek would be either the Poorboy's or the Optimum kit... they're some of the easiest products to work with for a beginner, IMO. (though I am a Meguiar's guy myself :o )


If your going to go that route, why not just get an 8" high speed polisher and learn how to use it?
 
DKKNE said:
If your going to go that route, why not just get an 8" high speed polisher and learn how to use it?

Because it's not a good idea for a beginner. Learning to use the PC is much easier than learning with a rotary, and learning how to use a rotary is much easier if you have a good foundation of how to use a machine polisher through PC use.

And besides that, I belive the PC is a much more versatile tool than a rotary.... less dangerous, gets into tighter spots easier, etc. :howdy
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Because it's not a good idea for a beginner. Learning to use the PC is much easier than learning with a rotary, and learning how to use a rotary is much easier if you have a good foundation of how to use a machine polisher through PC use.

And besides that, I belive the PC is a much more versatile tool than a rotary.... less dangerous, gets into tighter spots easier, etc. :howdy


I agree with it being able to get into tight spots, there is a proper tool for every job. I started our years and years ago with a high speed buffer. Once you learn you have it for life, just like anything else in life. A good fellow employee or friend should teach you the first time, then practive on a crappy car or even your own car for that matter.

Knowledge is power:)
 
Back
Top