polishing machine for an amateur!

[E21_Ross]

i would like to polish my car more often (i do it maybe once a year) and would love a polishing machine for this, and also for applying a wax (is that possible...?) i have seen the meguiars dual action one, but have heard you need new backing plates every now and again. so would this be ok: http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/sonus-das-...

and then for polishing:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/meguiars-b...

and for buffing off:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/meguiars-b...

what about a pad for applying and then another for removing wax if that's possible? and what polishes would you recommend for the job?

thanks guys!

[Beirut Taxi]

I believe this is the best one to buy for both novice and professional:

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-7424-Variable-R...

Although it is quite a bit more expensive than some of the other alternatives (additionally I believe you need to buy a transformer to convert the UK spec mains power into US spec power)

I understand the main advantage is that it is pretty hard to mess up your paintwork with it in contrast to some of the other polishers.

I reckon something like Poorboys would be ideal for a machine polish. It is available in different levels of abrasiveness, but which one you need will depend on how hard your paintwork is, I think that is something you will need to experiment with to understand which one you find is most suitable.


Best Wishes,

Matt.

Edited by Beirut Taxi on Sunday 4th April 19:10

[domster]

Apply polishes by machine, apply waxes by hand.

Remove both by hand.

General rule of thumb.

[PJ S]

The Meg's unit has a history of unreliability - but they've been good about sorting customers out with refurbs replacements.
That said, an alternative is the Kestral DAS 6, which comes with a spare pair of carbon brushes (something none of the others do) and reliability seems to be higher than the Meg's/PC, if lack of vocal postings on Detailing World are anything to judge by.

[E21_Ross]

i think i'm going to leave the polishing machine then, because i don't think i can really justify the cost at this stage. what do you recommend using for applying the polish and for removing/buffing it afterwards? and again what to use for applying and removing wax by hand? at the moment i use the autoglym polishing cloths which seem alright, but that's it...alright.

thanks guys

Edited by E21_Ross on Tuesday 6th April 10:13

[PJ S]

For hand polishing with the likes of AG SRP or Dodo Juice LIme Prime, you'd be hard pushed to beat this.....
http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.... - only in the 125mm size, which Ben can order in for you.
Coupled with http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.... or an orange one (140mm), depending on what paint you've got.
Buffing with a good couple of microfibers, and the same again for the wax.

Apply the wax with Dodo Juice's Finger Applicators or the German Applicator (black/red/yellow), but to be honest, I wish manufacturers would opt for at least a 4" wide pot design, then you could use the 85mm version (first link) with a 100mm red pad.
The alternative is the yellow round Meg's ones, or blue Turtle Wax versions - same thing.