Hi All,

I have been reading up on machine polishing for a while now as its the only missing weapon from my arsenal. I have just spent 4 hours tonight after work claying and cleaning my mums 3 month old car and I'm really happy with the results! I have to admit I enjoyed doing this more than my own vRS :( The problem is my vRS is in need of a machine polish to remove all the swirls! I have been looking at having it done professionally but I'm starting to get the detailing bug back and would like to do it myself.

I was just wondering firstly how hard it is to learn how to use one? And how long it can take to master? Also how did others learn how to do it?

Plus If I was too go down the route of machine buffing myself can people recommend a good Machine Polisher to use that's a good price point? I don't want to buy some cheap **** thats a waste of time but i don't want to buy a top of the range buffer for a machine numpty:)

Any help would be much appreciated, and for now here is a quick snap or two of my evenings work

I bought the polishing pack from Autobrite with the Kestral DAS-6 with Meguairs #80 and #83 compounds, i found it pretty much straight forward once the car was clean and the trims covered up with 3M Low Tack Tape. Polishing Microfibre clothes are used to just remove the compound after.

Just as an example of how much you can really push on. I flatted back my rear bumper with too course of a grit and i was using the 6/10 rating polish with a cutting pad at speeds of up to 5-6 in the end.

The first thing to let go was the cutting pad seperating from the velcro backing, the laquer/paint is still intact even after pressing on rather hard. And still not removing the sanding marks!

The key to machine polishing is to allow the polisher to sit on the body with its own weight, rather than pressing on though

Loads of options, some make more sense than others.

Rotary: Easy to strike through paint and do serious damage without proper training and lots of practice.

Dual Action Orbital (DA) Quite easy to use. Biggest challenge is finding the right pad and polish/compound for your paint finish.

I use a Bosche PEX400AE DA machine with lambswool pads, and AG SRP. Lambswool pads are thought to be quite harsh by some, but they do allow shorter working times, with low pressure to the DA. It works for me, but others prefer the more modern foam pads, with various polishes/compounds.

Not much to choose between the two most popular machines. Kestrel DA6 or Megs G220 Plus a set of compounding/cutting pads, and finishing pads.

Loads of people on Detaling World have bought, and used with great success, the Silverline DA for £20 As long as a DA has a 400Watt or higher motor, and can rotate the pad at 2 Revs per second under 15Lbs of pressure it will do the job. It should also have an orbit of 5mm throw or more, and a 125mm vecro hook and loop base to attach the pads.

Another vote for the Kestrel DAS-6 as a good entry level machine polisher.

I think rotaries are for the more experienced, plus the pro detailers where time really matters.

There is an excellent polishing guide over on DW, but in the first instance I would try to find someone near you who is used to using them and go and work with them for a day. I was very lucky in having a couple of detailing days with Wardy and Gillywibble from here before I bought my own kit.

The other common suggestion is to buy an old panel from the local scrapyard and have a play with that.

In terms of polish, the Menzerna range seems to be well recommended for VAG paint

The other common suggestion is to buy an old panel from the local scrapyard and have a play with that.

Top tip is that, excellent advice. If you can get a scrap bonnet that has the same type of paint (eg VAG paint is very hard, while Honda paint is very soft) all the better.

The Kestrel machine seems to be the best option on the market at the moment for price and getting your started, I haven't used the machine myself but I have heard and read some very good reviews.

DA's are easy to use and as has been mentioned the correct Pad and Polish combination is key as no one brand of car is all the same unfortunately.

Rotary is the long term goal for most Detailer's and something I will switch too in the future but at the moment I am happy with both the DA's I use even if I have had to replace one of them twice and on the second one of the other model already............

Apart from the advice of practicing on a scrap panel I would just say, the only way you learn these things to to try it for yourself...........

Thanks for all the advice guys, it looks like the kestrel seems to get all the votes so I guess thats a good start! What sort of price have you paid for these? £85 sound right?

I have a barely used Porter Cable that I'm thinking of parting with if you're intersted?

I have a barely used Porter Cable that I'm thinking of parting with if you're intersted?

I may be

I have a barely used Porter Cable that I'm thinking of parting with if you're intersted?

From some one who has gone direct to a rotary I can say they are tough to control at times. I'm not a small chap and I'd like to think I'm strong enough but if you don't have the right technique the pad will want to go in the direction it wants too:eek:

I've practised on a panel and the wifes car before releasing myself on my VRS and all is good now.

However, given the choice again I may have given more thought to the DA machines as they are just as effective for our 'level' of correction.

Being a numpty at this is the Porter cable a DA or rotary?

Ta

Portercable is DA.

It would probably claim to be the original DA Polisher - usually imported from the USA - before the likes of the Ultimate Detailing Machine (UDM), Meguiars G220 and Kestrel DAS-6 were available.

In most (if not all cases) its rated for 110V because its designed for the USA market and you will need a voltage transformer.

Edit - Found the guide on DW that I mentioned above. Highly recommended - http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=63859

Edited 24 June, 200916 yr by andy2407

In most (if not all cases) its rated for 110V because its designed for the USA market and you will need a voltage transformer.

Got one of them too

Got one of them too

I was thinking you had a 5000 mile extension lead going to Makefish Towers in New York

what sort of price you looking for?

Portercable is DA.

It would probably claim to be the original DA Polisher - usually imported from the USA - before the likes of the Ultimate Detailing Machine (UDM), Meguiars G220 and Kestrel DAS-6 were available.

In most (if not all cases) its rated for 110V because its designed for the USA market and you will need a voltage transformer.

Edit - Found the guide on DW that I mentioned above. Highly recommended - Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

Just to add to Andy's useful post, I used to own a UDM and have had it replaced twice now, Autopia now sell the UDM as a re-branded Porter Cable as the PC is the original and better lasting machine if your after a DA from the US........

a veritable minefield...

fancy PM'ing me some details Makefish on the Buffer?

Cheers

The Kestrel DAS-6 and Menzerna packages from Clean Your Car - car care products UK are an excellent way to start machine polishing, plus they do all the backing plates and pads you'd ever need. Read up on the guides on Detailing World (especially the ones by DaveKG) and you'll be alright

Worked for me at least!

Good luck mate.

Cheers for the link, the Sonus bundle seems good value. Might have to get this a bit later on now as im getting a service and suspension upgrade this week and maybe some new wheels off a member on here

Cheers for the link, the Sonus bundle seems good value. Might have to get this a bit later on now as im getting a service and suspension upgrade this week and maybe some new wheels off a member on here

Nae worries All I'm saying is beware that site...it's cost me a small fortune

Cheers for the link, the Sonus bundle seems good value.

I would stick with Leodhasach's suggestion and go for the Menzerna one

I would stick with Leodhasach's suggestion and go for the Menzerna one

Whats the difference? The Sonus budle on there site is cheaper and has more bits? :confused:

I use the Menzerna polishes as they come highly recommended for VAG paints which are considered quite hard.

I know a few others on here prefer them - lets see if anyone else comes along with some thoughts as I'm no expert!