Cheap Ass Paint Depth Gauges

[Harpham]

Is there such thing?

Havent really looked into this, but only ever really noticed the group buy one on DW which was like £175.
Just wondered if there was a cheap as chips one? Being a casual detailer, I hardly want to spend that amount on something that will hardly be used, but think it would be good to have a cheap one to hand just incase (even if it only gives broad readings).

 

[EllD90]

Do you have a rotary machine?

 

[Harpham]

I generally stick to using my DA tbh.

 

[EllD90]

Doubt a PDG is necessary then. I'm no expert, just my thoughts.

 

[Harpham]

Yeah, probably not a necessity for detailing with a DA, but it would still be nice to know the depth so that you know whether to be a bit more cautious in certain areas.

 

[richy22]

You can find cheap second hand ons on eBay.

I'd rather have one even with using a DA "just incase"

 

[JackJack]

What does DA mean?

 

[BioHzrd]

No real need unless your going to pick up a rotary.

They do come in hand not just for detailing but if your looking at cars, can easily tell if any repair work as been carried out on it through the readings.

DA = Dual Action.

 

[Ads_172]

With a cheap one, my concern would be why is it so cheap!?! Be a bit of a pisser if the readings were inaccurate...

 

[JD]

Ebay is going to be your best bet fella. They are sadly not cheap, but for a reason. Either that or wait for a GB on DW again.

 

[Kane.]

Would you say a depth gauge isnt needed with da ?

 

[JD]

I would say if you can afford one, you should buy one, regardless of machine.

However, not everyone who has a DA has a PDG... I didn't when I first started out and didn't have any issues.

Better safe than sorry, but it is down to personal opinion and circumstance.

 

[Kane.]

I am going to buy one when i start doing it properly. 200 pound > respray.

 

[Craigus]

You can still burn through in under a minute with a DA if you don't know what you are doing!

Is that right Forearms?

 

[JD]

I would be amazed if someone did that. But never say never.

 

[Craigus]

If you can burn through with a Rotary in 8 seconds (as proven on DW) I don't see why you couldn't with a DA on a FIAT for example.

 

[JD]

I'm sure you could. But the smoke, smell and clear visual signs would stop even the most neanderthal of users.

 

[Craigus]

I'm sure you could. But the smoke, smell and clear visual signs would stop even the most neanderthal of users.

Lol, I'm not so sure. Have you been in Football chat recently?

 

[JD]

Lol, I'm not so sure. Have you been in Football chat recently?

View attachment 51362

The first three are Footballers. The latter one is me on a night out around here.

 

[martijn_b]

If you can burn through with a Rotary in 8 seconds (as proven on DW) I don't see why you couldn't with a DA on a FIAT for example.

Correct, but what insane moron keeps the rotary on 1500 rpm on the exact same spot for 8 seconds?! 5 seconds is already too long due to your heat build-up.
Unless you are going to detail other people's cars for money or special cars (like USA Muscle Cars from the 1960's with super thin paint) a normal D/A will put you in a pretty safe place. Also limit your risks by at least doing a test spot..blablabla.

Use some common sense and have the luck on your side..then the risk of having an 'accident' should not be very high.

 

[JD]

Precisely :approve: