How to properly run a Dual Action Polisher???

Actually the DA polisher REQUIRES pressure in order to rotate....the trick is applying the right amount of pressure and using smaller diameter, thinner pads.

I think there is a misconception that the pad will stop rotating ONLY if too much pressure is applied...it will also stop rotating if TOO LITTLE pressure is applied.

Think about it.

AAAHHH, yes, I remember Mike P. posting about that. :goodpost:

Just keep that pad spinnin'! :dblthumb2:
 
I'm loving the Meg's DA MF cutting discs/D300/Griot's DA! :righton:

Ok, back on topic!
 
Hey Jefri,

It was a nice day here so I took advantage of it and did a little personal detailing. I see the other guys have given you some great information and now that I'm through for the day I thought I'd add just a bit more.

1. I did some digging and found a great video on YouTube my Mike Phillips. Mike takes you step by step from proper holding techniques to mounting pads and swirl removal.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxwlWijdIxM&feature=relmfu]YouTube - Part 2 - How to remove swirls, scratches and water spots using a Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher[/video]

Some use the Porter Cable 7424XP with a handle and some don't, I do not..

2. If you're using 6 1/2 inch pads this is part of the problem. I have the original Porter Cable 7424 and in my opinion it's under powered and using 6 1/2 diameter pads makes it difficult to remove surface defects.

6 1/2 inch pads have 30% more surface area than 5 1/2 inch pads. That extra surface area combined with compound and the required pressure was just too much for this unit.

Substituting the 5 1/2 inch flat pads instead of the 6 1/2 inch pads was like someone gave this polisher steroids, literally. The performance of this machine was now incredible..

There's a sweet spot with this machine. If you don't apply enough pressure the pad won't spin properly and applying too much pressure can have the same result. If you switch to the 5 1/2 inch pads the window of operation will widen giving you more leeway to keep the process working properly.

3. When the pad isn't rotating it's still oscillating and performing work but not as efficiently as it would if it were rotating too.

4. Curves and complex shapes are a little more challenging but not all that bad. Using only a portion of the pad is acceptable. Occasionally I'll swap backing plates and use 4 inch diameter pads. It's too bad the smaller pads work so little area because the performance gain is impressive but it would take you forever to complete a job..

What kind of pads are you using? You mention 6 inch diameter pads but the Lake Country pads show 6 1/2 inch unless your using the Lake Country Kompressor pads.

Lake Country 5 1/2 inch pads.

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads
 
I find that the DA only needs to spin for the deeper defects, and the "jiggling" is actaully better to eliminate micromarring.
 
Hey Jefri,

It was a nice day here so I took advantage of it and did a little personal detailing. I see the other guys have given you some great information and now that I'm through for the day I thought I'd add just a bit more.

1. I did some digging and found a great video on YouTube my Mike Phillips. Mike takes you step by step from proper holding techniques to mounting pads and swirl removal.

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads

I've double checked the foam pad and it is LC 5.5" CCS White foam polishing pad and Black foam finishing Pad. And 5" backing plate. Sorry to mistype it.
And about the video link you gave me, I've download it, and during polishing I also played it so I can copy how it move and how long it takes to move from one side to the others. Thanks BobbyG for the advice... will be noted :dblthumb2:
 
Actually the DA polisher REQUIRES pressure in order to rotate....the trick is applying the right amount of pressure and using smaller diameter, thinner pads.

Correct.

I think there is a misconception that the pad will stop rotating ONLY if too much pressure is applied...it will also stop rotating if TOO LITTLE pressure is applied.

Think about it.

This is true, it's a weird phenomomena...

AAAHHH, yes, I remember Mike P. posting about that.


I've posted about it and demonstrated it in front of an entire detailing class here at Autogeek, I'll see if I can take a video of the phenomena and post it.

The topic comes up usually when someone new to using a DA Polisher is apprehensive about applying any pressure so they don't apply pressure and the pad doesn't rotate or at least rotate very well.

I have a number of articles on how to use the DA style polishers, the oldest one is on MOL, but this one here is probably the shortest and most concise. Even thought the title is about how to maximize older, first gen DA Polishers, the tips and techniques apply to an DA Polisher.


How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers



This one covers everything in detail, just get a cup of coffee or a cold drink and get comfortable as you read through it...

The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher - Includes Videos



:xyxthumbs:
 

Hi Mike, finally you respond to this thread. I'll check the link you gave me right away and surely get a cup of coffee or a cold drink when I read it :laughing:.
I guess I really should have practice much so I can get the feeling when using PC so it won't stop spinning :cheers:
 
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