Harbor Freight Polisher

DaneMcWilliams

DaneMcWilliams

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I just purchased the Harbor Freight 6in polisher but have heard that the backing plate is terrible and it's wise to replace it. I'm a complete polishing virgin and need some help getting started. Anyone have advice for a first timers list of accessories?

I have a 2013 F150 with swirls that I would LOVE to see gone!
 
Your new HF dual action polisher will get the job done. I recommend a 5" backing plate, with 5.5" pads. Also you can use smaller backing plates with smaller pads for more intricate areas.
 
What they said. If you don't buy Mike's book, I strongly advise consulting these threads:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/50162-how-do-test-spot.html

Get a 5" backing plate (lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate) and this pack (with 3 white and 3 orange): 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. Not sure if you want to machine apply wax/sealant. If so, grab 3 black or blue of these.

I hear the Hydrotech pads are good as well We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store.
 
Here is the info that beamerstrumpet left me and it is just what you want to know about the HF Polisher. I have not used any of the larger more powerful polishers yet but the HF does a very nice job.
I haven't rotated the switch but the cord swap, new backing plate and changing out the grease were big helps. I was stunned by how little grease was actually in mine when I opened up. The larger gear was basically dry and thankfully hand't started to wear out yet.

From beamerstrumpet
Harbor Freight cord Mod

or a consolidated thread with extra info
Harbor Freight DA Weak Points and Mods
Harbor Freight DA Polisher - New

it will run quieter and the cord makes a huge difference in being less of a pain.
Click to expand...
 
A.P.A.D. said:
Your new HF dual action polisher will get the job done. I recommend a 5" backing plate, with 5.5" pads. Also you can use smaller backing plates with smaller pads for more intricate areas.
Click to expand...

I agree totally. I went with the Lake Country 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads and found it's a great tool that works very well for my occasional use.

I originally went with the HF DA because I wasn't sure how well I'd like working with a DA, and I didn't want to drop a ton of money on a tool that would be my "trainer". I'm a firm believer in starting cheap and working up to bigger/better as my skills improve. In this case, I wasn't disappointed and really feel no need to upgrade. If/when it dies, I may move on to a better DA.
 
Is it common to need all those pads to polish a car? Would I run through all 6 in any given polish?
 
You guys are amazing, I feel like I should pay each of you for the advice. Do you take a check?


I have another question, here is my situation.....I have a 2014 F150 (red) that I believe was a rental truck before I purchased it from the dealership. Needless to say it has been abused by machine washing...over...and...over...and over:buffing:. Looks great at a distance but to anyone in this forum it looks like a giant spiderweb. I don't consider it to be needing extreme paint correction but what products should I use with these new pads. I know I can read how-to's and do my own research but I need the expert opinion based on my truck's paint job. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/images/smilies/buffing.gif Thanks again!
 
Hey! Sorry I missed this thread. I just went through what your going through!

I purchased a HF DA and I needed supplies. First thing I got was a 5" Backing plate.
Then I went on to spend $150+ Be prepared...

I don't want to give you any tips since i'm going to be starting tomorrow.. Never actually did a car. However if you want to know what I got as a beginner I can try and help. PM me.

As to your question on what product to use to get the spiderweb scratches out.... You'll get a million opinions. I myself cannot tell from experience but I can tell you from the 300+ reviews I've watched and read. PM me.

I went for the best brands at a budget. Except the clay kit I got xD.
 
DaneMcWilliams said:
Is it common to need all those pads to polish a car? Would I run through all 6 in any given polish?
Click to expand...

You will easily run thru 3 per compounding/polishing step. Some would even say 6; it depends on how easily your pads get cleaned on the fly & the size of the vehicle. It also depends on whether you plan on correcting the whole car in one day. Personally, I have to break my wife's Pilot up into 2-3 days so I don't need anymore than 3 pads/step in a sitting.

DaneMcWilliams said:
I don't consider it to be needing extreme paint correction but what products should I use with these new pads. I know I can read how-to's and do my own research but I need the expert opinion based on my truck's paint job. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Since this is your first rodeo, I strongly recommend using Megs Ultimate Compound for your compounding step and Megs Ultimate Polish for the polishing step (if need-be). They have a long working time, barely any dusting, and can be found at your local Wal-Mart if you need to grab more on the fly. Megs UC finishes very well so you might not even need the UP.
 
Jazzyfella said:
Hey! Sorry I missed this thread. I just went through what your going through!

I purchased a HF DA and I needed supplies. First thing I got was a 5" Backing plate.
Then I went on to spend $150+ Be prepared...
Click to expand...

I suppose it's a good thing I saved some money on the DA! Thanks for the advice.
 
CDot said:
You will easily run thru 3 per compounding/polishing step. Some would even say 6; it depends on how easily your pads get cleaned on the fly & the size of the vehicle. It also depends on whether you plan on correcting the whole car in one day. Personally, I have to break my wife's Pilot up into 2-3 days so I don't need anymore than 3 pads/step in a sitting.



Since this is your first rodeo, I strongly recommend using Megs Ultimate Compound for your compounding step and Megs Ultimate Polish for the polishing step (if need-be). They have a long working time, barely any dusting, and can be found at your local Wal-Mart if you need to grab more on the fly. Megs UC finishes very well so you might not even need the UP.
Click to expand...

Clicking over to that section of AG right now, thanks! I'll definitely consider breaking up the polishing over a few days. I'm sure you're right about that especially considering that my F150 has more surface area, might be a beating! Thanks.
 
Picked one of these up today. Wanted something to learn on without spending too much. Used the 20% coupon which lowered the price. Walked out the door with it for $47.73, decided against the extend warranty.

Now just need to do all the mods I have seen on this great forum and order the five inch backplate.
 
This is the info i have compiled on the Harbor freight DA

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post957911
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post940047
Chicago Electric Platinum 6" Dual Action Polisher
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lishers/55905-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post937784
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ints-mods.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...archid=5762586
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4r9mqo2M8
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ml#post1124689
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...l=1#post538887
http://detailingaddict.com/reviews/h...-rupes-duetto/
My thoughts on the Rupes Bigfoot Duetto LHR 12E Garry Dean Tampa, FL Harbor Freight DA buff and shin - YouTube
Scion FRS paint correction opti coat pro Rupes bigfoot Duetto lhr12e review Garry Dean Tampa, FL inf - YouTube
 
DaneMcWilliams said:
Clicking over to that section of AG right now, thanks! I'll definitely consider breaking up the polishing over a few days. I'm sure you're right about that especially considering that my F150 has more surface area, might be a beating! Thanks.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, that F150 will take some time!

jmontoya21 said:
This is the info i have compiled on the Harbor freight DA

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post957911
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post940047
Chicago Electric Platinum 6" Dual Action Polisher
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lishers/55905-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post937784
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ints-mods.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...archid=5762586
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4r9mqo2M8
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ml#post1124689
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...l=1#post538887
http://detailingaddict.com/reviews/h...-rupes-duetto/
My thoughts on the Rupes Bigfoot Duetto LHR 12E Garry Dean Tampa, FL Harbor Freight DA buff and shin - YouTube
Scion FRS paint correction opti coat pro Rupes bigfoot Duetto lhr12e review Garry Dean Tampa, FL inf - YouTube
Click to expand...

Oh wow, thanks!
 
jmontoya21 said:
This is the info i have compiled on the Harbor freight DA

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post957911
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post940047
Chicago Electric Platinum 6" Dual Action Polisher
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lishers/55905-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post937784
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ints-mods.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...archid=5762586
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4r9mqo2M8
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ml#post1124689
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...l=1#post538887
http://detailingaddict.com/reviews/h...-rupes-duetto/
My thoughts on the Rupes Bigfoot Duetto LHR 12E Garry Dean Tampa, FL Harbor Freight DA buff and shin - YouTube
Scion FRS paint correction opti coat pro Rupes bigfoot Duetto lhr12e review Garry Dean Tampa, FL inf - YouTube
Click to expand...

awesome work. i'm going to have to go through these later. thanks!
 
CDot said:
(other stuff)

Since this is your first rodeo, I strongly recommend using Megs Ultimate Compound for your compounding step and Megs Ultimate Polish for the polishing step (if need-be). They have a long working time, barely any dusting, and can be found at your local Wal-Mart if you need to grab more on the fly. Megs UC finishes very well so you might not even need the UP.
Click to expand...

When I grabbed my HF polisher I also grabbed good sized bottle of the Meg's 205 while I was there. I already had some Ultimate Compund and CDoT is right, the UC is great stuff, I can only imagine the UP is as well. For your daily driver needs that will do a great job.

Be sure to look around for threads on cleaning pads and also cleaning them on the fly. A quick clean with a older towel and/or a brush will get you a long way. and when you are done for the day give them a nice soak and clean, spin them dry and they will ready to go.

Don't skip the decontamination steps either. A store bought 20 dollar clay kit will do wonders for getting off that old grime before you start machine polishing.
 
Capn Blackie said:
Don't skip the decontamination steps either. A store bought 20 dollar clay kit will do wonders for getting off that old grime before you start machine polishing.
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of the Speedy Prep Sponge or towel (FINE) grade.
I use Iron-X (Lemon Scent) then a Nanoskin Speedy Prep.
I rarely use a clay bar any more.
 
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