Pretty sure I won't get a consensus but want to see what would be a recommendation for a non-professional getting into maintaining there car(s) to the level of DA polishing? What machine? What polishe(s)? What pads(s)? What other tools? Along with that: Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation? What other things would you like to know before making a suggestion? TIA, Tony
What machine? Porter Cable 7424 What polishe(s)? Meguires 105, Menzerna po85rd What pads(s)? Orange, White, Black What other tools? Lots of Microfibers. Metro handheld blower LSP?? Zymol Glasur, Menzerna Power Lock and Collinite 845 Quick Detailer; Poor boys QD+ Then your garage will look like mine and your cars will look NICE! Joe D
What machine? PC 7424 or Griots DA What polishe(s)? Megs 105 for compounding and Menz Power Finish for everything else. What pads(s)? B&S yellow and green. What other tools? As Tony said, lots of MFs. Spend the money for nice towels to be used on the paint. Costco MF are fine for general use. Waffle Weave towels are great for glass. Good quality sheepskin wash mitts. Along with that: Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation? The PC works on all paints although GM, BMW and Audi clears are very hard and will require a bit more effort.
What machine? Griots Garage D/A What polishe(s)? Menz Powerfinish (optional) Menz super finish * keeping it simple What pads(s)? Uber yellow & green * ( also keeping it simple ) What other tools? A good wire extension if you don't have one. spray bottles, buckets, brushes, wash mitts etc Along with that: Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation? swirl marks on black paints What other things would you like to know before making a suggestion? what car ( color and condition ) are we talking about?
I'm basically a weekend hobby detailer and this is what I use. What machine? PC 7424 What polishe(s)? All of the Menzerna line, M105 What pads(s)? All the Uber pads in 4" and 5.5", 3M wool pads What other tools? foam gun is nice, tons of microfiber (good and crappy ones imo), brushes, LED light, 500watter, quick detailers (Adam's), APC.... Its all really dependent on how much you want to invest, I probably have more stuff than my skill level requires, but I like to buy and try different things. I also do motorcycles so I like the 4" pads for that and like to have varying degrees of polishes depending on the bike since they can be a pain to work on.
I cant believe no one has suggested the FLEX XC3401 VRG. That is what i use for large pannels and with the new backing plate it can change to 5" pad too. What machine/ Polish/ and Pads- All solved with this kit http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/orbitalpolishersflex/FlexXC3401VRMenernaKit.html What other Tools (basic needs) http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/extcarcaregrit/TwoBucketSystem.html Good Drying,Glass, and plush towels. (you dont understand how important they are until you run out) A good Tire Brush, Wheel brush, Lug nut brush. Adams All purpose Cleaner Optimum No-rinse (used for clay lube) And some Good Lighting.
What machine? PCxp7424 Porter Cable 7424XP-M1 7424XP Polisher/Meguiar's Polish Kit | Tools Plus What polishe(s)? Add mens 85rd next year when you become as obsessed as the rest of us What pads(s)? add a yellow pad if you have heavy swirls or a german car, and add two red pads for wax application What other tools? 100+ microfiber towells some of these microfiber, microfiber towels, car care products, auto detailing, house cleaning, micro-restore, micro restore, df towels, microfiber and costco towells if you can get them.
What machine? Griot's DA What polishe(s)? Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and SwrilX What pads(s)?Lake County Hydro Tech and CCS's, 6.5 inches What other tools? Good wash mitt, Griot's drying and dirty spot wipe towel, Meguiar's SS and WM towels, glass towel, a value pack of 50 Griot's Microfibers, leaf blower, Daytona Wheel Brush, etc etc.