Help & Advice Wanted For My First DA Polishing System

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lovenhim

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Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and have already introduced myself in the section dedicated on the forum. I am here seeking advice on my first DA polishing system. I have been washing and waxing family vehicles since 1987 by hand. I am by no stretch a professional. I am a hubbies who just wants to take care of what my wife and I own. We have a 2012 Nissan Versa hatchback in black with 60K miles on it. I have washed, waxed, and detailed the car by hand myself. The car has swirl marks in the paint and I want to make those go away. Here is the deal.....I was born legally blind. I can see but certainly not well enough for detail or to drive the car. That being typed.....I am also on a limited budget. While I understand that a Porter Cable 7424XP is the yardstick that all other DA polishers are judged by, I simply do not have the income for a $200 or more system.

I would like your thoughts on the Mothers Wax Attack Two system. I am interested in that system for several reasons. It is $120 for a complete and ready to go kit. I can get refills of Mothers chemicals locally when I need them and do not have to wait if I make a mistake and run out of product. I am not a pro at this and therefor like the simplicity of compound, polish, wax. I do not have to focus on matching a pad with a compound or wonder if what I am doing is too harsh, will damage anything, etc. Remember that I can not see fine detail. My goal here is to make our car look as nice as I can using the limited vision that I do have. My goal is help make the car last a long time as it will never be in a show or be a trailer queen. For the money, my choices seem to be the Mothers Wax Attack two or the Meguires DA kit that hooks up to a drill. My guess is that both of those kits are for beginners and are pretty safe to use, they just go about what they do a little differently. Thank you for the help and advice.
 
Thank you very much for the reply. I also enjoyed the article. I am trying to learn, so please forgive the newbie questions. What will the Garriots Garage or Porter Cable DA machines do that the Mothers Wax Attack kit will not?
 
lovenhim said:
Thank you very much for the reply. I also enjoyed the article. I am trying to learn, so please forgive the newbie questions. What will the Garriots Garage or Porter Cable DA machines do that the Mothers Wax Attack kit will not?
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Welcome to AGO, man!

The PC and the GG6" are much more powerful machines that will yield much better results in way less time.

I completely get your budget concerns, but IMO... Why blow 120 bucks on something you'll regret vs. around 220 for a complete set up that you'll have for years, and be very happy with?

I admire you very much for overcoming your limited vision and wanting to improve your vehicles appearances. :props:
 
Hummm...

based on what you've said--- I'll start with Griots.

Griots 6" polisher is the best bang for the dollar!
Get 5" backing plate for the polisher. Best all round size.
Get the Boss pads---set of finishing pads and a set of polishing pads to start.
Get Boss Correcting cream and the Boss finishing sealant.

You'll be very well covered for most if not all of your polishing needs.

And of course set of good microfiber towels.

Tom
 
I completed a detail on the NSX using Griots 6" polisher with 5" backing plate and Boss finishing sealant.

See attached:

92 Acura NSX

Tom
 
TMQ said:
Hummm...

based on what you've said--- I'll start with Griots.

Griots 6" polisher is the best bang for the dollar!
Get 5" backing plate for the polisher. Best all round size.
Get the Boss pads---set of finishing pads and a set of polishing pads to start.
Get Boss Correcting cream and the Boss finishing sealant.

You'll be very well covered for most if not all of your polishing needs.

And of course set of good microfiber towels.

Tom
Click to expand...

^^What Tom said^^
 
I like the idea of the Wax Attack!

Mike Phillips did a great short demonstration of one on the Autogeek YouTube channel.

I am one of those freaks that performs his services with the use of the ubiquitous Porter Cable 7424. Not even the current XP version either!

It does the job I need done. It is durable, reliable, and effective.

My set up includes:
PC 7424
Meguiar's M100 Pro Speed Compound
Meguiar's M205 Ultra Finishing Polish
Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer or M06 Cleaner Wax
M21 2.0 Synthetic Sealant
M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax - Paste

5" Buff and Shine d/a plate
4" Buff and Shine d/a plate
4 - 5.5" Buff and Shine Orange/Black microfiber pads
4 - 5.5" Buff and Shine Green foam pads - General compounding / "One step" polishing
4 - 5.5" Buff and Shine Blue foam pads - General polishing / Final finishing
4 - 5.5" Buff and Shine Black foam pads - Cleaner Wax
2 - 5.5" Buff and Shine Red foam pads - Sealant application.

I also have the same pad fornthe 4", with the exception of the red.

I also will use the Meguiar's Ultimate line, and Menzerna 400, 2500, and 3500 with Duragloss 111, 101, and 501 sealants, cleaner/sealants.

It works well for me.

If you want a potent 1 - 2 punch:
Meguiar's 5" plate
4 - Meguiar's 5" Microfiber cutting discs
4 - Meguiar's 5" Yellow foam polishing pads
2 - Meguiar's 5" Black foam finishing pads

Meguiar's D300 Microfiber Correction Compound
Meguiar's M205 Ultra Finishing Polish
Meguiar's M21 2.0 Synthetic Sealant.

Discaimer:
For huge vehicles I usually use a Flex 3401. And for special interest vehicles I usually use my Rupes system of tools, polishes and pads.

That being said, I can use the PC set up for everything if need be!
 
Thank you all for the help so far. I feel like I should add some more information. I realize that a lot of guys like tools. The more the better. My cousin is an auto tech that works on the vans for the disabled folks like me who can not drive. Well, he has over the years purchased $100k plus of Snap On tools. Sure the box looks impressive, but how many of those tools does he really use on a daily basis while working on the same Ford E450 vans? I typed all that to type this......I am a simple person and prefer the approach of doing more with less. I am the value for the money, bang for the buck person. I still have my Craftsman tools from 25 years a go. I prefer the tried & true method. I prefer that to bleeding edge. Not to cause a debate or anything but if I were to buy a brand new pickup truck that I could not drive.....I would pick the Chevy over the Ford. Not because the Chevy is better, but because the truck uses proven parts that are in reality twenty years old now. The LS series of engines for example. Compare this to Ford's bleeding edge approach with a twin turbo V6 and aluminum bed. Will that turbo V6 last twenty years? We have no idea yet. That is what I am looking for in my first DA polisher purchase. A tool that is time tested, offers good value, is reliable as a wood burning stove, etc. It is for that reason when washing and waxing cars by hand as a hobby and enjoyment since 1987, I would stick with well known brands that I could buy at any local store. These days however you do have the internet and this great website/forum. The great people on this forum have helped me to wait a little longer and save up more money for my first DA polisher. I was hoping to get the $120 Mothers Wax Attack kit but am starting to see the value in a machine such as a Porter Cable 7424XP. That seems to be the go to machine that has been time tested. There is a lot to think about and the Griot's Garage machine is also a good value. I was really hoping to get into this for that $120 price point but that does not seem realistic. I think what I am going to have to do is expand the cost of getting into this with a kit and save for something under or around the $200 mark. I think that in the end if I do that I will end up with a better machine that will last me a long time as I am not a professional detailer and the machine would not be used for hours a day and everyday. Alright folks, how about a fun little game. How would the great folks on the forum like to put together kits for me in the $150-$200 price range? LOL That would include the machine, 5 inch backing plate, buffing pads, and any compound, polish, and wax I might need. Remember that I am working with a black Nissan hatchback which is not a big car. Thanks for the help. Let the games begin????? LOL
 
I believe that a DA is not something to skimp on. I know the price seems steep, but if you can justify the time savings, toll on your body, what a pro would charge you etc. $200 isn't so bad.
 
lovenhim said:
Thank you all for the help so far. I feel like I should add some more information. I realize that a lot of guys like tools. The more the better. My cousin is an auto tech that works on the vans for the disabled folks like me who can not drive. Well, he has over the years purchased $100k plus of Snap On tools. Sure the box looks impressive, but how many of those tools does he really use on a daily basis while working on the same Ford E450 vans? I typed all that to type this......I am a simple person and prefer the approach of doing more with less. I am the value for the money, bang for the buck person. I still have my Craftsman tools from 25 years a go. I prefer the tried & true method. I prefer that to bleeding edge. Not to cause a debate or anything but if I were to buy a brand new pickup truck that I could not drive.....I would pick the Chevy over the Ford. Not because the Chevy is better, but because the truck uses proven parts that are in reality twenty years old now. The LS series of engines for example. Compare this to Ford's bleeding edge approach with a twin turbo V6 and aluminum bed. Will that turbo V6 last twenty years? We have no idea yet. That is what I am looking for in my first DA polisher purchase. A tool that is time tested, offers good value, is reliable as a wood burning stove, etc. It is for that reason when washing and waxing cars by hand as a hobby and enjoyment since 1987, I would stick with well known brands that I could buy at any local store. These days however you do have the internet and this great website/forum. The great people on this forum have helped me to wait a little longer and save up more money for my first DA polisher. I was hoping to get the $120 Mothers Wax Attack kit but am starting to see the value in a machine such as a Porter Cable 7424XP. That seems to be the go to machine that has been time tested. There is a lot to think about and the Griot's Garage machine is also a good value. I was really hoping to get into this for that $120 price point but that does not seem realistic. I think what I am going to have to do is expand the cost of getting into this with a kit and save for something under or around the $200 mark. I think that in the end if I do that I will end up with a better machine that will last me a long time as I am not a professional detailer and the machine would not be used for hours a day and everyday. Alright folks, how about a fun little game. How would the great folks on the forum like to put together kits for me in the $150-$200 price range? LOL That would include the machine, 5 inch backing plate, buffing pads, and any compound, polish, and wax I might need. Remember that I am working with a black Nissan hatchback which is not a big car. Thanks for the help. Let the games begin????? LOL
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Excellent post. I really like your thinking, and quite frankly I agree with you .

The PC is a little work horse. I own one, and it has been able to to everything I needed it to to do.

I also own the GG6. I actually prefer it for it's more powerful motor and ergonomics. Plus it has a lifetime warranty. VERY important to me.

Go to the AG store, click on either the Griot's GG6, or PC 7424XP, scroll down, and AutoGeek has put together numerous kits of great value. I'm sure one will be to your liking. :xyxthumbs:

Also, Griot's has an entire line of detailing products. Everything you would ever need, and their Customer Service is second to none. Detail company or not.......
 
Where are you in Va?

Maybe I could stop by and let you check out some pads and tools. Duetto and HF DA.

Do some testing, or tag team it for a couple bucks.

I don’t think I really have any for OTC polishes/compounds. If you have, or pick up something you want to try, we can do that too.
 
just a thought, but the pc is a pretty popular tool, and wildly available. Some upgrade to nicer machines. I imagine many keep the pc around but if you're on a budget, and not in a time crunch maybe you can watch ebay and craigslist. There's really not much too these machines so I wouldn't be afraid to buy a lightly used one.
 
If $120 is your budget then find a Harbor Freight sales catalogue to get a coupon for the HF DA. With the sales coupons you can usually get it for about $60. Then you have about $60 to purchase a 5" backing plate and some pads. Probably white and orange pads will serve you the best. You can always purchase a bottle Meguiar's Ultimate Compound at Walmart, AA or AZ when you need it (about $12). You can also get some M205 at AA and AZ or get some Meguiar's Ultimate Fininsh for a finishing polish. Those 2 polishes and 2 choices of pads should be able to do anything you'll need to do since you're only working on your own cars.

I have no doubt that the HF DA will out perform the Mother's Wax Attack polisher. I think of a machine like that only as a wax/lsp application machine.
 
Belo said:
just a thought, but the pc is a pretty popular tool, and wildly available. Some upgrade to nicer machines. I imagine many keep the pc around but if you're on a budget, and not in a time crunch maybe you can watch ebay and craigslist. There's really not much too these machines so I wouldn't be afraid to buy a lightly used one.
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^DITTO^

Enthusiast / Hobbyist the way to go...keep an eye out on sale here and sister site.
 
I was wondering about the Harbor Fright machine as well. I have looked at videos about the machine on FaceTube, YouBook, and YouTwitFace. It seems that people like to mod it by cleaning out the cheap grease and repacking the ring and pinion with better grease. Some also like to relocate the switch by turning the head of the unit. I was also looking into the three step type system of consumer grade compound, polish, and wax from the major mainstream brands. It is hard to beat the prices at Wally's World. I am very thankful and grateful for the wonderful help on this forum.


DBAILEY said:
If $120 is your budget then find a Harbor Freight sales catalogue to get a coupon for the HF DA. With the sales coupons you can usually get it for about $60. Then you have about $60 to purchase a 5" backing plate and some pads. Probably white and orange pads will serve you the best. You can always purchase a bottle Meguiar's Ultimate Compound at Walmart, AA or AZ when you need it (about $12). You can also get some M205 at AA and AZ or get some Meguiar's Ultimate Fininsh for a finishing polish. Those 2 polishes and 2 choices of pads should be able to do anything you'll need to do since you're only working on your own cars.

I have no doubt that the HF DA will out perform the Mother's Wax Attack polisher. I think of a machine like that only as a wax/lsp application machine.
Click to expand...
 
I did the mods to my first HF DA, but the second machine I did not and it has been fine. If the machine you get is unusually loud then repacking the grease would be worthwhile. The switch location doesn't bother me. I now use the machine for carpet scrubbing duty. No need to use a $125 PC or $160 GG6 to scrub carpets. The $60 HF DA is perfect price for carpet duty machine.

FYI. I got the extended warranty on my first machine and had it replaced under that warranty when I finally killed the bearings in the spindle. It was only like $12 for the warranty. You have to purchase a new warranty with the replacement unit. So, I have spent about $90 total on 2 HF DA's and 2 extended warranties. The second unit is still under the extended warranty.
 
DBAILEY said:
I did the mods to my first HF DA, but the second machine I did not and it has been fine. If the machine you get is unusually loud then repacking the grease would be worthwhile. The switch location doesn't bother me. I now use the machine for carpet scrubbing duty. No need to use a $125 PC or $160 GG6 to scrub carpets. The $70 HF DA is perfect price for carpet duty.
Click to expand...

Carpet duty you type? I have noticed that you can get brush attachments for a DA polisher. I am really starting to see why the $120 Mothers kit can be limiting. I think that I will enjoy a DA polisher once I get one. I am excited about the idea.
 
you can also save some money on pads and product by trying one of the more popular all in one's. They wont provide the cut that a dedicated polish or compound does and wont provide the sine and longevity of a dedicated lsp, but for a well maintained car (you seem like you've taken care of yours pretty well) they will get the job done. Over time, you can add some more pads and dedicated products. LC sells a green pad designed for AIO's, but many use orange and white too.

i also think it goes without saying, AG will offer those nice 25% off and free shipping sales if you pay attention.
 
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