Controlling Rotary polisher

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Strat

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It seems that the more I try to keep the pad as flat as possible against a panel the more the polisher wants to get out of control and then I tense up more which I know is not helping things. This doesn't seem to change much with slower speeds. If I angle polisher slightly it seems to resolve the problem.

I Was given a polishing kit and suspect that the pads and polish are cheap and nasty and wonder if this could affect things? Or maybe I am still applying too much grip pressure trying to keep pad perfectly flat on panel.

Absolutely any advice hugely appreciated
Thank you.
 
I would have to say you may have to hit the gym a little before using. lol all jokes aside how is your hand placement?
 
Lol. Maybe I need to eat more spinach first. ��
I use the grip attachment on the left of polisher. I did wonder if holding it directly behind head would make a difference but I guessed the grip attachment was the way to go.
Thanks for the support!
 
I don't really use the attachments. I always hold the head of it for more control. At the same time I don't use Rotary polishers much unless I'm working on a boat or RV. I call them my Top dollar polishers because if you see me using a rotary then your pockets are going to be a lot lighter lol. I would say try that and see if that works for you.
 
Strat said:
It seems that the more I try to keep the pad as flat as possible against a panel the more the polisher wants to get out of control and then I tense up more which I know is not helping things. This doesn't seem to change much with slower speeds. If I angle polisher slightly it seems to resolve the problem.

I Was given a polishing kit and suspect that the pads and polish are cheap and nasty and wonder if this could affect things? Or maybe I am still applying too much grip pressure trying to keep pad perfectly flat on panel.

Absolutely any advice hugely appreciated
Thank you.
Click to expand...

Strat, unlike a DA polisher, you only want to use one edge (side) of a rotary machine pad. The exceptions may be with a foam pad on speed 1, but I will still tilt the machine a bit even with this combo.

With a wool pad on speed 6, I'm not sure God himself could control a rotary held flat against a surface for very long.
 
If you're using flat foam polishing pads on a rotary polisher with a compound that doesn't have enough lubrication, that could likely be your problem.

Invest is some of the Lake Country 6" lambswool leveling pads. These pads are incredibly smooth on the rotary.

Also, I highly suggest getting some Jescar Correction Compound. It stays lubricated for much longer than most compounds and is exceptional on a rotary.
 
Thanks so much guys on the comments. I think this issue is indeed mostly down to poor compound as this stuff dried up very very quickly. It's a uk company called Sealey. I will invest on better pads and polish.
 
PaulMys said:
Strat, unlike a DA polisher, you only want to use one edge (side) of a rotary machine pad. The exceptions may be with a foam pad on speed 1, but I will still tilt the machine a bit even with this combo.

With a wool pad on speed 6, I'm not sure God himself could control a rotary held flat against a surface for very long.
Click to expand...

Hmm, got to admit this goes against majority of advice I read but maybe most assume rotary should be used in same way as DA. It is certainly a little easier to control of you use an edge a little but still slightly unsure I must admit. No offense Paul. You know masses and masses more about any of this than me! 🖒
 
Strat said:
Hmm, got to admit this goes against majority of advice I read but maybe most assume rotary should be used in same way as DA. It is certainly a little easier to control of you use an edge a little but still slightly unsure I must admit. No offense Paul. You know masses and masses more about any of this than me! ��
Click to expand...

Following that advice will get you holograms.
 
When cutting with a rotary buffer - you do what I call,


go up on edge


Last weekend I taught 24 people how to go up on edge and the two boats went from horrific to flawless and... hologram-free

Should have a few pictures up today
 
Here’s me buffing with just the edge or side of the face of a wool cutting pad.

I’m up on edge

2a9ecbdbc738dd87af43595b414d65cc.jpg


dea8ba9f58747bad1b3c7e0ca6206c0f.jpg



:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
PaulMys said:
Strat, unlike a DA polisher, you only want to use one edge (side) of a rotary machine pad. The exceptions may be with a foam pad on speed 1, but I will still tilt the machine a bit even with this combo.
Click to expand...


I would agree with the above.

When cutting with a wool pad you want to go up on edge. When buffing with a foam pad you want to hold the pad flat.

Quality pads and products are important.


PaulMys said:
With a wool pad on speed 6, I'm not sure God himself could control a rotary held flat against a surface for very long.
Click to expand...

I agree with that too....

I normally buff car paint using low RPMs with the FLEX PE14, that would be a range of 400RPMs to around 900RPMs. Faster for gel-coat boats when cutting hard.



Strat said:
Hmm, got to admit this goes against majority of advice I read but maybe most assume rotary should be used in same way as DA.
Click to expand...

Two very different animals.


Strat said:
It is certainly a little easier to control of you use an edge a little but still slightly unsure I must admit.
Click to expand...

It might go against what you think but it is the right way to cut.

Yancy and I shot a brand new wetsanding video, not sure when it will get through editing but I'm pretty sure I show how to use a rotary from start to finish.



Ronin47 said:
Following that advice will get you holograms.
Click to expand...

Correct.

Following the advice of buffing on an edge with a wool pad on a rotary buffer will result in holograms. This is normal. In my recent review of the new cordless FLEX PE14 not only did I state this I also shared the hologram pictures.


Battery_Life_035.JPG


Battery_Life_036.JPG




The key is to NOT stop after cutting with wool on a rotary but to re-polish using foam and ANY orbital.


Battery_Life_080.JPG



Battery_Life_088.JPG




Wool pads and rotary are great for fast and efficient defect removal but there is a learning curve to being able to handle a rotary with ease.


:)
 
For me, the control comes from your back hand on the handle much more than the hand on the front of the polisher. The front hand steadily guides the direction.
 
Very very interesting indeed this thank you.
So are you using the leading or following edge?
For example if you are polishing left to right are you using the left or righy edge?
Thanks so much again greatly appreciated.
 
The edging is for more concentrated cut, not for finishing. I tend to hold the pad more flat than on edge even when cutting and edge when I see something to concentrate on by edging the pad. It still cuts quicker than any other polisher type and I try to minimize the holograms as much as possible. For me it is worth the extra effort.
 
Thanks very much all.
I have experimented again with better pads and I've removed the side handle and has made a big difference.
Thank you.
 
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