Harbor Freight DA Polisher - New

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ntwillie1 said:
So after hearing it I don't think I would want one even as a backup. Too loud for me.
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It has been reported on another forum (with how-to pictures) that by simply opening up the unit and adding more/good quality grease to the gear area that the noise is diminished.
 
I picked up the Harbor Freight DA in February for $47. It was on sale and I used the 20% super coupon. I skipped the warranty as I'm not planning on full corrections often (hobby detailer). I did swap out the backing plate to an Astro Pneumatic 4607 5" backing plate ($10 on amazon). I bought 4 compound/cutting pads, 6 polish pads and 2 finish pads on sale for about $40. Not bad for $100. I also bought a Meguiars polishing pad and a soft buffing pad just in case.

As a first time machine detailer I was pretty impressed by the power. It did everything I needed to. I used Meg 205 with the cutting pad, Meg Swirl Remover 2.0 with polishing pad and Wolfgang finishing glaze with the polishing pad. Then moved to the finishing pad with Wolfgang sealant and applied fusion by hand.
 
My hf isnt very loud imo. Overall it does correct very good i used it with m205. And it seems very well built the only thing bad like so many others have already said is the hf pads i cant get one panel on there orange pad. Without it shredding the only one i use is there black pad for wax it works great and is like 5 bucks overall its a great Da for the price
 
I got one for Christmas and as a novice, detailing for the first time here are my observations:

1. The backing plate is the horrendous. This is a must to replace immediately.
2. The machine is loud, but the sound does go away with headphones on.
3. The pads are not the best, but at $4 a pad and stocked locally, they seem to do just fine. For medium to light jobs, the pads will work. They didn't last me much either but I think the fact the backing plate does not fit the pad well and it sucks contributed to most of the pad failure.

Overall, I think it's a good bargain. Change the backing plate and it makes for a heck of a tool at a very nice price. I saw it on sale at easter for $40 and you could use a 25% off on top of it.
 
picked one up with 25% coupon, will let you know how it goes.

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Just used the HF DA for a 1-step correction on an SUV today. I had the HF setup with 5" pads and my PCXP going with 4" pads. When switching to the PC from the HF it almost seemed like the PC has a slightly longer throw compared to the HF. The HF vibrates a bit more but it's less intense (if that makes any sense at all, lol). It could have also been due to the pad size difference on each machine.

Anyway, my main concern on the unit is the power switch. It's pretty rink-e-dink. I found myself reaching with my thumb for the "normal" power switch location like on the PC. The speed dial is also not notched like on the PC so it's really easy to accidentally rub it with your body and lower or crank up the speed inadvertently. Other than this minor ergonomic drawback I am satisfied with the unit. You really can't beat the price.

Is the PC built better? Absolutely. Will the weekend warrior appreciate the difference? Hard to say.

Happy detailing everyone! :buffing:
 
ski2 said:
It has been reported on another forum (with how-to pictures) that by simply opening up the unit and adding more/good quality grease to the gear area that the noise is diminished.
Click to expand...

Ski2, do you have a link or know where these pictures are? I was thinking of trying based upon what your saying.
You can PM me with link if you have one.
Thanks, Bill
 
More coupons to sweeten the pot if anyone makes the trek over to pick one up. There are more available but these seemed the most interesting. I grabbed the tape measure, its actually pretty nice.

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I picked one up the weekend before last. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
 
Used the HF rotary this past weekend to correct a Bass boat after it was wet sanded. It worked great! It bogs down a bit but thats over come by bumping up the speed a bit. 2 passes with LC wool pads on the Megs Solo backing plate and it was a show room shine. Pics to come later
 
Thanks for all the reviews and insight. After reading everything it looks like it's not a bad purchase for being under 100 bucks.
 
I have a HF DA too that I got on Mother's Day. I think it was $59.99 and I had a 20% off coupon, so I paid $48 I believe. I bought a 5" backing plate so I can use 5.5" pads.

I would like to regrease mine as well, so if anyone knows where the directions are, post it please.
 
zm1283 said:
I have a HF DA too that I got on Mother's Day. I think it was $59.99 and I had a 20% off coupon, so I paid $48 I believe. I bought a 5" backing plate so I can use 5.5" pads.

I would like to regrease mine as well, so if anyone knows where the directions are, post it please.
Click to expand...

I have the directions from another thread, with pictures. I made into a Word file, but will try and get uploaded, this was not mine. I was able to do the process, which tool all of about 45 minutes.
1.) Remove the backing pad. Find the wrench that came with the unit and remove it.
2.) I was able to remove the (4) screws on the head with a good phillips head screw driver. Put some pressure on it so you don't strip the screws out, but can be done pretty easily.
3.) Pull the head off and clean out all of the OEM grease. I was able to just wipe out the a towel, then went back and cleaned with brake clean, to get it all out.
4.) Install new grease, I went to O'Riely's and bought their Red High Pressure Grease, about $5-$6, you will only use a little bit.
5.) Pack the head and grease the bearing on the shaft.
6.) Reassemble, wipe everything down and retorque the screws.

There is a bleeder hole on the back side of the head. Make sure you remove the red cap. Turn the unit on very slowly at first and you will purge some of the grease. Slowly work the speed up to operating speed. Do a final wipe down reinstall the red cover and your done.
I hope this helps. Others have removed all the pieces inside the head, but I did not see a need, just be careful when removing he screws and you will be good.

Let me know how it works out. Mine was much quieter afterwards, worth the little effort.

Bill
 
Here's a shot of what I just cleaned this weekend. This is on the HF DA, HF blue pad, and Ultimate Polish. The backing plate was changed to a LC 5.5". It fits the HF pads perfectly.

625ECB13-A5B4-496F-AE1A-2AB769735672-5778-00000EAC2BA788E1_zps9cd7db1f.jpg

FFBB4823-C3D3-4D95-A3C5-8153A420A417-5778-00000EAC456849B5_zpsf0b7ddd3.jpg
 
Repacked mine today as well. Made a difference. Like was said be carful with the screws.
 
BlackPearl said:
Here's a shot of what I just cleaned this weekend. This is on the HF DA, HF blue pad, and Ultimate Polish. The backing plate was changed to a LC 5.5". It fits the HF pads perfectly.

625ECB13-A5B4-496F-AE1A-2AB769735672-5778-00000EAC2BA788E1_zps9cd7db1f.jpg

FFBB4823-C3D3-4D95-A3C5-8153A420A417-5778-00000EAC456849B5_zpsf0b7ddd3.jpg
Click to expand...

Looks great, love the color.
 
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