Okay: System One stuff I've learned.
1. Product sling. I use both the 8" pads and the 6" pads and find that if I "prime" the wool before I start with some product (couple of beads and hand rub it into the wool) really helps. Then, when I put a bead on the car's surface, I don't use much. I also pre-spread the product on the panel by smearing it around the work area. My rotary has a variable speed trigger and that helps...don't know if the Harbor Freight has one or not.
Next, I keep the rotary speed around 1,000 - 1,200 rpm and work the pad off center just a little. Nothing severe on the angle, but just raise the one edge a little. I'm a southpaw so I raise the left side of the pad.
Next, work the product until it's clear on the panel. This allows you to see if the scratches or swirls are gone. If not, apply more product and repeat. I had a couple of stubborn scratches on the latest BMW and probably worked those 3-4 times before I removed them.
Now, if you are not making progress with wool, you might want to switch to an aggressive foam instead. A couple of areas on the BMW worked better with the 3M cutting foam pad than the wool, so I used it. Generally, the wool is easier on the paint heat-wise, but sometimes you need the extra uumph.
If you have compressed air available, you can use that to blow away the dust. I've also taken an old California Duster and gently swiped away the dust. I do this to check my work.
Pressure on the rotary: boy, if someone could invent a rotary with a lbs/sq ft pressure gauge it would solve a lot. One of my own problems is I tend to be on the safe side and not use too much pressure. It causes me to work longer to achieve results, but I don't want to burn any paint. The BMW dealer uses a lot of pressure, but he's been using a rotary for 25+ years and knows how much heat a Bimmer's paint can take.
So: take time to work the product until clear, keep the rpm on the low side, check your work before you move to the next area. And finally, clean your pad with a spur often.
Let me know how you progress.
Here's the latest BMW monster I just completed with System One.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...w-i-ve-done-760li-black-metal.html#post185906
Toto