What speeds on Rotary for Polishes/Compounds, etc.?

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Whitethunder46

New member
I just received my Metabo and Edge 8" Wave pads today. I've been usuing the PC for about 6 months now, and decided to step my game up.



What are the general speeds to use the rotary on for polishes? (EX: OP), speeds for compounds (EX: OHC).

Do speeds very if using a finishing pad vs. a mild cut pad?

Should speeds very for hard or soft paint?

What is the maximum speed one should use w/ the rotary on an average paint?
 
I think you are thinking right because you are considering what needs to be considered .... pad, polish/compound, hard/soft paint , etc. ... all effect that speed will achieve the desired result.



That being said, I usually run around 1000-1400. Many more run higher speeds, but I err on the safe side. When I first started... call me a chicken but I ran at 600-800 until I felt "safe" :chuckle:
 
I typically start my Metabo on speed #2 with compound and step to #3. The higher speed will generally cut more with compound.



You'll definitely find your "comfort level" in short order with this nice machine.



Totoland Mach
 
So, the speed doesn't really matter then for when comparing a polish and compound? I mean, you can use say 1300RPM for both a compound and a polish on the same car?



Example:

OC and say green Edge pad at 1300 RPM

You would then obviously go to OP and maybe a blue Edge pad, but would you stay at 1300, or go down to 1000 or so?
 
Yea I don't think speed changes for many people here when going from compound to polish... for me though, speed rarely changes at all... I keep the makita at 2.5-3 on the knob (1200-1500 RPM) and it works just fine... I've seen a few people go with 600-900-1200-900-600 or something similar... I guess just practice and see what works for you
 
Thanks guys, that's pretty much all I needed to know. We'll see how things go tomorrow. I've done a few tests (damn, it's smooth) and I feel very confident. Not near as scary or what not as some made it sound imo. I still, more than likely, will be sticking to the flat areas of the Lexus to be detailed tomorrow.
 
Whitethunder46 said:
Thanks guys, that's pretty much all I needed to know. We'll see how things go tomorrow. I've done a few tests (damn, it's smooth) and I feel very confident. Not near as scary or what not as some made it sound imo. I still, more than likely, will be sticking to the flat areas of the Lexus to be detailed tomorrow.
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Hey Whitethunder46: Isn't that the smoothest motor you've ever seen on a polisher? I like the delayed ramp-up to speed. It allows me to grab a bead of product that I put on the area I'm working.



Believe me, after a little practice, you'll find a comfortable "working" speed. Once there, you can speed it up or slow it down to work the paint to your liking.



Have Fun Sir!



Totoland
 
Totoland Mach said:
Hey Whitethunder46: Isn't that the smoothest motor you've ever seen on a polisher? I like the delayed ramp-up to speed. It allows me to grab a bead of product that I put on the area I'm working.



Believe me, after a little practice, you'll find a comfortable "working" speed. Once there, you can speed it up or slow it down to work the paint to your liking.



Have Fun Sir!



Totoland
Click to expand...



It is amazingly smooth. I did notice some "pad hop" that was getting somewhat drastic. But, I'm still learning the machine. It was also w/ the Edge wave 8" pads so that may have something to do w/ it.



I really like the delayed ramp-up to speed as well.
 
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