I Bought My First DA Polisher, Now What? (Newbie Questions)

[Belo]

Yes, a more exspensive machine will have better quality control, but that does not make it a supirior machine. I do not use my small set of mechanics tools everyday or for a living. My 25 year old Craftsman set is still working fine. I can not justify Snap-On tools. It is the same with the DA polisher. .

just a couple points. yes better quality control does make a machine superior. the portercable is actually considered budget, and like you I too use craftsman and even pittsburg tools because I'm not a pro and don't need snap on quality. But these are power tools and I'm sorry if I came across harsh, that wasn't my intent. I'm on a good number of forums and see this a lot and it almost always doesn't end well.

To be fair, perhaps the advice did not parallel the OP's budget. Additionally, circumstances can change as advice/knowledge is presented and absorbed.

If all were of the same mindset, abilities and budgets perhaps more universal solutions would be appropeiate.

In the end, it's about helping, not policing or criticizing. The forum has moderators for that.

you are right. as I said above, i'm just hoping this doesn't turn into the all too popular "i didn't listen and now need help" threads that pop up all over the interwebs.

 

[lovenhim]

Thank you very much for the reply. I can certainly understand and relate to what you typed. I too am a little concerned with buying a power tool from Harbor Fright. My goal was the Porter Cable machine as well as it seems to be the yard stick for an entry level machine. My decision of the Harbor Fright tool was based on budget but also based on other people who have had good experience with the tool I bought. I realize that it is a gamble but on the other side of the coin....the machine is serviceable. It comes a part easy enough if brushes go bad, a bearing needs lube or replacing, the switch needs a tweak. Would I attempt to use this Harbor Fright tool to make a living like some people do, nope. I would not trust it to work day in and day out for years like a higher quality tool. I do expect it however to be good enough for the few uses that it will see. My Craftsman tool chest from the early 90s died a few years back. My tool box now is from Harbor Fright. I might go into it once or twice a week and it just sits in my parents garage. I am very grateful for the concern. I hope that I made a good choice. I will replace the grease in the head of the unit with synthetic grease when I get it. I will replace the stock backing plate with the unit I bought from Autopia. I really did want to Porter Cable machine, but with coupon codes, free shipping, etc I was able to obtain the Harbor Fright machine for 1/3 the price. There is also one other important reason I bought the Harbor Fright machine. What if after I use the machine on a test spot and I can not see the difference well enough to be comfy in doing the entire car? This may not happen but there is a chance. I will have only lost the investment of a $50 tool and not a $150+ tool. I do not think this will be an issue, but it is something that I have to consider. I do hope that I have made the right choice and did not go down the path of buying junk but I have had good results with the few Harbor Fright things I do own, but they see use 2-4 times a year and not everyday. Again you guys rock and I really do thank you for all the help and understanding.

just a couple points. yes better quality control does make a machine superior. the portercable is actually considered budget, and like you I too use craftsman and even pittsburg tools because I'm not a pro and don't need snap on quality. But these are power tools and I'm sorry if I came across harsh, that wasn't my intent. I'm on a good number of forums and see this a lot and it almost always doesn't end well.



you are right. as I said above, i'm just hoping this doesn't turn into the all too popular "i didn't listen and now need help" threads that pop up all over the interwebs.