Best reasonably priced machine polisher ?

[phib]

As per the title I am looking for a reasonably priced (ad idiot proof !!) machine polisher, totally new to this and have a car I can practice on !! As it really needs new paint but wanted to have a goo with a polisher first

Any advice very welcome

Phib

[Nik da Greek]

I bought a Silverline one (and I'm not ashamed to admit it was because it was the cheapest I could find) like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Silverline-1200-wat...

If you look on eBay there are usually sellers offering them with a package of various grades of mop and compound so you can save quite a bit over buying those individually

I'm sure pro detailers and paint obsessives will scoff at my shoddy Sliverline but it cut my Beetle engine lid smooth as a baby's bum ... and believe me I had grotesque orange peel on it! I think it's as much in your technique as the equipment; I borrowed a professional one before that cost four times the Silverline when I cut my pink MR2 back to red and I couldn't notice any discernible difference between the finish both of them gave. Just go really easy, use lots of water and try to avoid edges and swage lines cos it's super easy to burn right through. Time spent masking seals and plastic parts will save time in the long run because the cutting juice goes everywhere and it's a sod to clean off


Appalling orange peel (it was too hot and dry to spray, really)


Astonishing orange peel by Nick Liassides, on Flickr

After cutting (note patch bottom left of numberplate where I burned through )


Swapping over by Nick Liassides, on Flickr

[finlo]

Nik da Greek said:

I bought a Silverline one (and I'm not ashamed to admit it was because it was the cheapest I could find) like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Silverline-1200-wat...

If you look on eBay there are usually sellers offering them with a package of various grades of mop and compound so you can save quite a bit over buying those individually

I'm sure pro detailers and paint obsessives will scoff at my shoddy Sliverline but it cut my Beetle engine lid smooth as a baby's bum ... and believe me I had grotesque orange peel on it! I think it's as much in your technique as the equipment; I borrowed a professional one before that cost four times the Silverline when I cut my pink MR2 back to red and I couldn't notice any discernible difference between the finish both of them gave. Just go really easy, use lots of water and try to avoid edges and swage lines cos it's super easy to burn right through. Time spent masking seals and plastic parts will save time in the long run because the cutting juice goes everywhere and it's a sod to clean off


Appalling orange peel (it was too hot and dry to spray, really)


Astonishing orange peel by Nick Liassides, on Flickr

After cutting (note patch bottom left of numberplate where I burned through )


Swapping over by Nick Liassides, on Flickr

Must try one of those as I fancy a change of colour on my car!

[Summit_Detailing]

This would be a good option for you -
https://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product/gmc-das-6-d...

cheers

Chris

[V8covin]

You didn't remove that orange peel just by polishing,you flatted it out first

[phib]

Summit_Detailing said:

This would be a good option for you -
https://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product/gmc-das-6-d...

cheers

Chris

Hi Chris,

Many thanks, that looks exactly what I had in mind.

I will have a look at other options but I think I will order that as a starter kit

Thanks

Phib

[Nik da Greek]

V8covin said:

You didn't remove that orange peel just by polishing,you flatted it out first

you're right I removed the sanding marks by polishing. That's what you use them for isn't it?

[V8covin]

Nik da Greek said:

you're right I removed the sanding marks by polishing. That's what you use them for isn't it?

Yes but someone inexperienced might have thought you'd removed that peel .... and boy was that bad.....by polishing alone

[Nik da Greek]

Fair enough. No, I think it'd take you a year to machine polish out peel like that... and yes, it was truly shocking. I think I picked the hottest day of the year to spray and it was about 40 degrees in the tin garage. Paint pretty much cured as soon as it left the nozzle

To clear up any confusion, I sanded it back before mopping it. Not especially religiously though, it has to be said


Impressionist art by Nick Liassides, on Flickr

[skinny]

I got my polish machine starter pack from slims (DAS6). Includes a few pads.

https://www.slimsdetailing.co.uk/accessories-kits-...

Edited by skinny on Sunday 4th November 12:07