I'm looking to get a machine polisher for the first time as I normally just polish by hand, but I'm wanting to try and de-swirl my car etc.

What recommendations are there for a decent easy to use polisher that doesn't cost too much??

I'm looking to get a machine polisher for the first time as I normally just polish by hand, but I'm wanting to try and de-swirl my car etc.

What recommendations are there for a decent easy to use polisher that doesn't cost too much??

Best to begin with a dual action (DA) polisher as an introduction to machine polishing I'd say, although VAG paint is notoriously hard, have a look at the Kestral DAS6 or Meguirs G220 which are popular first time polishers.

Also have a good read of this before you start

Edited 1 January, 201115 yr by alexandjen

Thanks for info and the link, very helpful

I got a Dodo Juice DA polisher for xmas, Buff Daddy to be exact.

Looking forward to trying it out.

As a detailing virgin I invested in a Kestrel DAS6 (dual action) with an assortment of Menz's and Meg's polishes, very happy with the results so far and I am no expert.

The DAS-6 Pro is an excellent all-round machine.

Baker21 is the resident expert, he knows loads and is very helpfull

Baker21 is the resident expert, he knows loads and is very helpfull

Yup, hes the chap who told my missus to get me the Buff daddy for xmas, good man

Yup, hes the chap who told my missus to get me the Buff daddy for xmas, good man

He didn't tell you he's on commission from Dodo Juice then

He didn't tell you he's on commission from Dodo Juice then

Nope, but hey it was a present

got the kestral DAS6 myself for crimby

just need to wait for the pads and a warmer day!

Baker21 is the resident expert, he knows loads and is very helpfull

Very kind words, still learning here................. :yes:

Yup, hes the chap who told my missus to get me the Buff daddy for xmas, good man

Sure did mate, gave her a few options but I am sure you will be happy with that one..............

He didn't tell you he's on commission from Dodo Juice then

No chance, not a big fan of the Dodo Juice range........................ :S

When i am valeting customer cars and they ask for a complete buff i tend to use feraclar g3 and back it up with super resin polish by autoglym. Make sure that the machine you have oscillatesand a variable speed switch and be sure to use plenty of water and a medium speed otherwise the swirlies will not only stay but be enhanced second time round. It is not a five minute job, so take your time and you will see results with minutes of applying cutting compound and cold water.

Have a look in machine mart for prices but generally speaking you get what you pay for with something like this .

Edited 4 January, 201115 yr by MRFIXIT

If budget is imporant then maybe look tbrough http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=83874

detailing world is your friend here,beware rotarys if using first time as they can burn through paint very fast,alway practice on a scrap panel.menz and poorboys polishes are very good.

When i am valeting customer cars and they ask for a complete buff i tend to use feraclar g3 and back it up with super resin polish by autoglym. Make sure that the machine you have oscillatesand a variable speed switch and be sure to use plenty of water and a medium speed otherwise the swirlies will not only stay but be enhanced second time round. It is not a five minute job, so take your time and you will see results with minutes of applying cutting compound and cold water.

Have a look in machine mart for prices but generally speaking you get what you pay for with something like this .

G3 is great stuff.. and the super resin polish is a great way to go, great advice here.... Oh and dont use and 3m products, they're rubbish!

detailing world is your friend here,beware rotarys if using first time as they can burn through paint very fast,alway practice on a scrap panel.menz and poorboys polishes are very good.

That is a myth, I started with a rotory on my car, no scrap panel practicing, IMO the only way you would burn through the paint is to hold the machine constantly in the same position and push as hard as you can - common sense tells you to keep the machine moving to avoid heat building up.

G3 is great stuff.. and the super resin polish is a great way to go, great advice here.... Oh and dont use and 3m products, they're rubbish!

Disagree with the 3M comment, so far I've used nothing but 3M polishes, with impressive results, and most proffessional detailers swear by the stuff, have you any evidence or experience to prove that "they're rubbish" ?

Edited 7 January, 201115 yr by alexandjen

I normally would stay away from commenting on something like this as it may come across as being a little harsh or biased but I would like to add to this little thread as I don't agree with products that are being suggested to be used...................... :S

When i am valeting customer cars and they ask for a complete buff i tend to use feraclar g3 and back it up with super resin polish by autoglym. Make sure that the machine you have oscillatesand a variable speed switch and be sure to use plenty of water and a medium speed otherwise the swirlies will not only stay but be enhanced second time round. It is not a five minute job, so take your time and you will see results with minutes of applying cutting compound and cold water.

Have a look in machine mart for prices but generally speaking you get what you pay for with something like this .

G3 is very very aggressive, it has it's place in bodyshops but most detailer's will end up correcting work that has been complete with G3 as it leaves pretty heavy compounding marks............I also think that if you use this and follow it up with some SRP then your just filling the marks you will leave.............. :S

Having said that I am sure there is a market for this and it's clear this works for you................. :yes:

G3 is great stuff.. and the super resin polish is a great way to go, great advice here.... Oh and dont use and 3m products, they're rubbish!

As above really G3 has it's place as does SRP but there are a lot better products out there that will do a better job at a cheaper price but this depends on what your looking to achieve and the level of finish your happy with, for me the comment about 3M is a little 'bold', I and many others use 3M regularly, you know what your going to get with the polishes and pads and it's only 3M and Megs I use nowadays............... :|

That is a myth, I started with a rotory on my car, no scrap panel practicing, IMO the only way you would burn through the paint is to hold the machine constantly in the same position and push as hard as you can - common sense tells you to keep the machine moving to avoid heat building up.

Disagree with the 3M comment, so far I've used nothing but 3M polishes, with impressive results, and most proffessional detailers swear by the stuff, have you any evidence or experience to prove that "they're rubbish" ?

I know you started with a Rotary on your car but it's not just about strike through on the paintwork, what about damage inflicted leaving buffer trails, catching plastic trim edges and burning them? It's safer to start on a DA but I know you have been to some 'Detailing Days'........... :yes:

Agree with you on the 3M comment..........