Starting and Stopping with the PC

Might be a stupid question, but I figured it'd be even stupideeerrrrrrr if I didn't ask it.

Once spreading product (and more importantly after final working of the product into the paint), is it recommended to turn the buffer off and let it come to rest while still on the paint? Or is it better to slowly release pressure from the paint while still on - and then once the pad is off the paint, then turn the PC off?

Same question applies for when starting the PC.

Any and all help is appreciated!

 

I usually spread it around quickly whiles it's off, then further even it out/spread it on a low setting. And I turn it off WHILE I remove it. It's kind of a fluid motion, hard to describe really. But I lift up at a slight angle and just gradually (keep in mind this is a quick motion) lift it up while it's slowing down.

Hard to describe, easier to show.

 

I think leaving it on until it stops spinning. It'll sling if you take it off and might wind up in cracks and crevices that are a paint to clean.

 

Always have it on the surface when you start and stop the machine.

 

This may be of some help-

Neophyte PC users

• Ensure a clean surface before polishing, wash, clay and then use a chemical paint cleaner
• Be very patient; strive for but don’t expect instant professional results, it takes practice.
• Use tape to protect any areas that you don’t want polish residue in
• Use quality inspection (Brinkman) / general task lighting (dual 500w halogen setup)
• Use the correct pad / polish combination to remove the surface defects
• he Optimum Line of polishes has good working time and are ideal for inexperienced machine polishers
• Always ensure that you start / stop the machine while its on the paint surface
• Don't overuse polish, start with 2 or 3 pea sized drops for each polishing area
• Limit your polishing area to 12 x 12-inch, a smaller area will allow the lubricants in the polish to fully work and protect from dry-buffing, once you are more accustomed to using to using a machine polisher you can increase this area to 18 x 18-inch
• Use a polishing pad the most often used pad, utilizing a soft less dense foam (70 PPI) i.e. LC White with a light abrasive cutting action for the application of micro-fine polishes
• Move the across the surface at about 2-inch per second (this is very slow but a good novice practice speed)
• Apply enough pressure on the machine to compress the pad 50% (this equates to approx 15 Lbs) if you’re not sure apply pressure until the machine almost stalls and then back-off a little
• Use a 1:1 isopropyl alcohol / distilled water wipe-down to inspect your work.

An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved ​

 

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Besides possibly slinging product, what potential problems would lifting the machine white still spinning introduce? Would this be one of the causes for buffer trails?