Porter Cable polishers - worth it?
Discussion
Can be got in the Uk for £83 which seems a good deal to me.
www.maxtool.co.uk/index/porter-cable/polishers.asp
Can get the Sonax kits from the US to compliment.
Anyway, are they worth the (admitedly little) money?
www.maxtool.co.uk/index/porter-cable/polishers.asp
Can get the Sonax kits from the US to compliment.
Anyway, are they worth the (admitedly little) money?
Absolutely worth it IMHO. I know UK_HSV & Booster have one and swear by them.
I'm a gnats whisker away from buying one myself. Still in turmoil as to what to do though. Most threads I've read say to get the full Sonus kit from Autopia.com however some have been charged VAT+Duty, others just the VAT, and some paid nothing at all. This makes a big difference to the over all cost of the item and whether it's worth getting it from the US.
Alternatively I could buy the one from Maxtool and just import the pads and products. Either way you'll need a 240-110V transformer. Most people seem to go for the Screwfix setup and cut the US plug off the PC cable & replace it with the one below:
PN# 73851 - 750VA Portable Power Tool Transform x1 = £34.99
PN# 16691 - 110V 14 Metre Lead 16 A x1 = £9.95
PN# 19947 - 110V Accessories Plug x1 = £1.20
Total (20/04/06) = £46.14 inc VAT (Free P&P)
I've also read that Wolfgang EuroTech/Lake Country pads are better than the Sonus ones.
After reading the detailingworld.co.uk forum (thanks booster), a member there has his own shop and sells the entire kit for £249 (www.motorgeek.co.uk/1porter-cable-variable-speed-polisher-p-183.html). This is expensive when comparing it to the US price but includes everything you need to get going and would be hastle free.
It's also recommended to have a "Dyno-Spur" to allow you to clean the pads whilst in use (www.motorgeek.co.uk/spur-foam-cleaning-tool-p-210.html). You'll also need to have some pad cleaning agent for when you're finished.
Let me know what your thoughts are coz if it's cheaper to import two (or more if others are interested) then I'm in.
I'm a gnats whisker away from buying one myself. Still in turmoil as to what to do though. Most threads I've read say to get the full Sonus kit from Autopia.com however some have been charged VAT+Duty, others just the VAT, and some paid nothing at all. This makes a big difference to the over all cost of the item and whether it's worth getting it from the US.
Alternatively I could buy the one from Maxtool and just import the pads and products. Either way you'll need a 240-110V transformer. Most people seem to go for the Screwfix setup and cut the US plug off the PC cable & replace it with the one below:
PN# 73851 - 750VA Portable Power Tool Transform x1 = £34.99
PN# 16691 - 110V 14 Metre Lead 16 A x1 = £9.95
PN# 19947 - 110V Accessories Plug x1 = £1.20
Total (20/04/06) = £46.14 inc VAT (Free P&P)
I've also read that Wolfgang EuroTech/Lake Country pads are better than the Sonus ones.
After reading the detailingworld.co.uk forum (thanks booster), a member there has his own shop and sells the entire kit for £249 (www.motorgeek.co.uk/1porter-cable-variable-speed-polisher-p-183.html). This is expensive when comparing it to the US price but includes everything you need to get going and would be hastle free.
It's also recommended to have a "Dyno-Spur" to allow you to clean the pads whilst in use (www.motorgeek.co.uk/spur-foam-cleaning-tool-p-210.html). You'll also need to have some pad cleaning agent for when you're finished.
Let me know what your thoughts are coz if it's cheaper to import two (or more if others are interested) then I'm in.
A Porter Cable is certainly useful for the polishing and buffing stages of a detail. With the right products and techniques it is possible to get rid of most if not all swirls and minor scratches. You do need to know how to use it properly though to get the best from it. Detailing World are producing a DVD on this and there is a sticky there. So if you are interested get your name down. One vital element prior to PC'ing though is claying your car. Make sure you get this too. It is amazing stuff. I have the Sonus Das pads and the Sonus SFX pads. I prefer the SFX pads but Meguiars produce some too and there is another company called Lake Country of which I have a couple of pads. They are good. Have a look at the Menzerna, Poorboys and Blackfire products for use with the PC. They're all good. There is a detailing day too organised for May 13th which will be very useful for getting tips and ideas from. It's mentioned on the website too.
As an Ex Customs officer I would recommend you don't buy two and have the delivered together as you are very likely to be charged duty and vat.
You need small, low value items so that the officer making the assessment will judge it as too low a value to warrant duty/vat collection.
I would get it sent over in two parts to two different addresses.
You need small, low value items so that the officer making the assessment will judge it as too low a value to warrant duty/vat collection.
I would get it sent over in two parts to two different addresses.
I took the plunge and ordered the PC SFX Kit from Autopia along with a ton of other stuff including Klasse All-in-one + Sealant, P21S Wax, Cloths, Pads, Brushes, etc. Got a couple of free Sonus products thrown in. Total price was $373 (£214) including P&P @ $69.95. Ordered Wednesday night, arrived today. Also ordered the 240->110V transformer from Screwfix that arrived not 5mins before the PC. Happy days 
All I can say is a huge thanks to Autopia. They certainly live up their reputation of hastle free service. Anyone thinking of using them won't be dissapointed.
My package sailed through customs thanks to the paperwork
All I can say is a huge thanks to Autopia. They certainly live up their reputation of hastle free service. Anyone thinking of using them won't be dissapointed.
My package sailed through customs thanks to the paperwork
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