Machine Polisher

[Tommo.]

Hi all,

I've built up quite a bit of kit over the last few weeks and now I'm looking to get a machine polisher, but really not sure what to go for.

From the research I've done most people seem to say go for a DA to start with. So I've looked at the obvious choices the DAS-6 and Meg's G220. On the flip side, I have seen that gally (who's posts I've been following quite closely lol) has recently been recommending the EP800. The latter being the lowest price too, which is always good

So for somebody who has only really dabbled with this kind of thing, which polisher would you recommend (doesn't have to be any of the above btw)?

Obviously I'll need some polishes and pads too. I've had a quick look and it just seems a bit of a minefield tbh, there's so many different variants of each. So any recommendations appreciated there too.

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[Gally]

I would probably suggest a Das-6 pro or just a 2nd hand DA.

No point going in all guns blazing mate. The Ep is a great machine. Just not sure whether you actually need a rotaty tbh.

A simple polish like Menzerna 203's or 106fa. Simple polishing pad 3m Yellow is a Hexalogic by chemical guys.

Buy a glaze and finishing pad for after polishing.

There's a lot you can do but it's nearly a new car. Have a look at Christopher's recent detail thread on his 200.

This thread has a lot of info also...

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?620334-I-bought-a-DAS-6-kit-)

 

[Yellow Dave]

What have you got so far?

Using a pre wax cleanser like dodo juice lime prime or AF rejuvenate will work wonders without using a real abrasive against the paint. Using a cleaner glaze like amigo and blackmax is another way of achieving a beautiful finish with machine. Use these with a finishing or fairly soft pad will work fine. Once you get the hang of using the machine you'll then be far more comfortable using abrasive polishes.

2nd hand DA's pop up occasionally and hold there value so you can always sell it on. I started with a DA, moved up to the EP800 but I've just got myself another rotary to try out, if I like it the EP will be up for sale.

 

[Tommo.]

I would probably suggest a Das-6 pro or just a 2nd hand DA.

No point going in all guns blazing mate. The Ep is a great machine. Just not sure whether you actually need a rotaty tbh.

A simple polish like Menzerna 203's or 106fa. Simple polishing pad 3m Yellow is a Hexalogic by chemical guys.

Buy a glaze and finishing pad for after polishing.

There's a lot you can do but it's nearly a new car. Have a look at Christopher's recent detail thread on his 200.

This thread has a lot of info also...

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?620334-I-bought-a-DAS-6-kit-)

I'll take a look at those, thanks.

Would you still use a polish if the paintwork is in fairly good condition with only light swirling? Or is it better to go straight to glaze?

 

[Tommo.]

What have you got so far?

Using a pre wax cleanser like dodo juice lime prime or AF rejuvenate will work wonders without using a real abrasive against the paint. Using a cleaner glaze like amigo and blackmax is another way of achieving a beautiful finish with machine. Use these with a finishing or fairly soft pad will work fine. Once you get the hang of using the machine you'll then be far more comfortable using abrasive polishes.

2nd hand DA's pop up occasionally and hold there value so you can always sell it on. I started with a DA, moved up to the EP800 but I've just got myself another rotary to try out, if I like it the EP will be up for sale.

So far I have (some of it is on order):

MagiFoam Pre-Wash and then an APC (Autosmart G101) in a spray bottle which I use for the badges, grills, arches etc.
Bilberry Wheel Cleaner for the wheels - Meg's Endurance Tyre Gel for dressing
Dodo Juice Born to be Mild Shampoo
Autosmart Tardis
Iron-X
Meg's Clay Kit
Dodo Juice Blue Velvet - I am actually looking to swap this at some point though

There's still a few bits I'd like to get mind you.

 

[aucky]

I'll take a look at those, thanks.

Would you still use a polish if the paintwork is in fairly good condition with only light swirling? Or is it better to go straight to glaze?

I would have a crack at polishing, after all the amount of swirls will only get worse over time.
Knock a few swirls out with a machine IMO.
DAS6 or ep800. I wasn't happy with the level/effort required for DA, so I got a cheap rotary. If it was available now I would get ep800. Bit of a go between

 

[Christophe]

i'm in the same boat and this is what I am getting

DAS PRO-6
Menz 106fa
Menz 203s
Hex pads orange (Medium cut) White (medium polish) Black (Finishing)
Smaller backing plate with spot pads
And currently got blackhole but will be getting prima amigo glaze once finished.

 

[GeorgeH]

i'm in the same boat and this is what I am getting

DAS PRO-6
Menz 106fa
Menz 203s
Hex pads orange (Medium cut) White (medium polish) Black (Finishing)
Smaller backing plate with spot pads
And currently got blackhole but will be getting prima amigo glaze once finished.

Sorry to hijack but would you use the 203s with the orange pad and 106fa with the polishing pad?

Is 203s ok with DA and no PDG?

As ive used the 106fa and didnt remove many swirls tbh. Might just be technique.

 

[Christophe]

from what i've read try 106fa with the black finishing pad if need to go up use the white polishing pad. otherwise 203s with the white pad first then orange if needs be. but you will need to use the finish after. think thats right.

 

[Yellow Dave]

from what i've read try 106fa with the black finishing pad if need to go up use the white polishing pad. otherwise 203s with the white pad first then orange if needs be. but you will need to use the finish after. think thats right.

This

Always start with the least aggressive combo and work up if you're not getting the desired results, the majority of times when starting out it comes down to technique but you'll pick that up with more practise. One of the reason why I think starting off with a pre wax cleanser or glaze with machine is a good learning curve

 

[GeorgeH]

from what i've read try 106fa with the black finishing pad if need to go up use the white polishing pad. otherwise 203s with the white pad first then orange if needs be. but you will need to use the finish after. think thats right.

Ah gotcha. Nice one mate, another order from Cyc...ffs.