Help with polisher, tools, etc

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bp7392

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Hello all,
About 6 months ago I picked up my new 2015 BMW M4. Loving it to death, and just starting to get into detailing. I have never used a polisher before, but am eager to learn. The car has about 5-6k on it so the paint is pretty new with minor imperfections (really just surface swirls). I was wondering if someone could recommend a good DA polisher for just personal use. Should I go right for the Rupes, or is that a waste and the GG or PC will suffice just fine. Also, is it imperative that I get a mini polisher for the hard to reach spots, or is there a way to reach these places with the regular 6 inch? Also not familiar with polishes, glazes, pads, etc. What do you guys think would be the right pad/polish setup for a fairly new vehicle? Thanks guys. I appreciate it greatly. Happy detailing.
 
In my book it depends heavily on how deep you want to delve into this obsession - oh I mean hobby. If you are not sure and want to get some exposure to the mechanical options I would suggest the GG 6" along with the 5" backing plate and a selection of the three types of pads - cutting, polishing, and finishing.

If you find you have the time, interest, budget for more than you would need to decide between the Rupes and Flex and maybe a 3" backing plate for the GG 6".

A lot of people like the Menzerna line of products or the Pinnacle set. I am sticking with Meguiar's for now and might up the game to one of those in the next few months.

In any case make sure you continue to have fun.
 
everyone should own at least one traditional PC style DA, and with that said the GG6 would be an excellent choice. it has lots of torque/power and a great warranty as well. purchase a 3.5" & 5" DA backing plate so you can use both 4" and 5.5" pads. i would pick up some 4" & 5.5" B&S pads, and to start pick up three each of both the green (polishing) and orange (med cut) 5.5" pads and two of the 4". later down the line you can purchase different variety of more pads as needed; mf pads/light polishing/lsp, etc, as you feel the need...

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Buff and Shine Dual Action 3.5 Inch Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Dual Action 5 Inch Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Green Foam Polishing Pad - 4 Inch (2 Pack)

Buff and Shine Orange Foam Medium Cutting Pad - 4 Inch (2 Pack)

Buff and Shine Green Foam Polishing Pad - 5.5 Inch

Buff and Shine Orange Foam Medium Cutting Pad - 5.5 Inch
 
VISTOR hit the nail on the head with the GG6 and B&S pads, but I would suggest 4 orange and 4 greeen. You might also want to pick up a couple of their red pads if you plan to use the DA to apply your wax or sealant. If you're going to apply your wax or sealant by hand the B&S red hand applicators are the same foam as the DA pads and are excellent.

As far as polish--since you're just starting out I would suggest you start with something not too aggressive until you get the hang of machine polishing. HD Polish would be a good choice as it's easy to work with -- long working times, little to no dust and easy to remove. Do a test spot with the green pad then step up to the orange if you have to.

3D HD Polish

Here's a list of how to articles and videos by Mike -- pick and choose what will answer your questions---http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-car-detailing-articles-mike-phillips.html
 
agreed^ on HD Polish, you can determine the cut with a change of the pad...
 
As with most kits it doesn't have enough of some items, no small backing plate or 4" pads and it has plenty of items you don't need. I've never seen a kit that was a good value. And this one doesn't even have a GG DA.
 
irvsmith said:
In my book it depends heavily on how deep you want to delve into this obsession - oh I mean hobby. If you are not sure and want to get some exposure to the mechanical options I would suggest the GG 6" along with the 5" backing plate and a selection of the three types of pads - cutting, polishing, and finishing.

If you find you have the time, interest, budget for more than you would need to decide between the Rupes and Flex and maybe a 3" backing plate for the GG 6".

A lot of people like the Menzerna line of products or the Pinnacle set. I am sticking with Meguiar's for now and might up the game to one of those in the next few months.

In any case make sure you continue to have fun.
Click to expand...

VISITOR said:
everyone should own at least one traditional PC style DA, and with that said the GG6 would be an excellent choice. it has lots of torque/power and a great warranty as well. purchase a 3.5" & 5" DA backing plate so you can use both 4" and 5.5" pads. i would pick up some 4" & 5.5" B&S pads, and to start pick up three each of both the green (polishing) and orange (med cut) 5.5" pads and two of the 4". later down the line you can purchase different variety of more pads as needed; mf pads/light polishing/lsp, etc, as you feel the need...

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Buff and Shine Dual Action 3.5 Inch Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Dual Action 5 Inch Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Green Foam Polishing Pad - 4 Inch (2 Pack)

Buff and Shine Orange Foam Medium Cutting Pad - 4 Inch (2 Pack)

Buff and Shine Green Foam Polishing Pad - 5.5 Inch

Buff and Shine Orange Foam Medium Cutting Pad - 5.5 Inch
Click to expand...

ski2 said:
VISTOR hit the nail on the head with the GG6 and B&S pads, but I would suggest 4 orange and 4 greeen. You might also want to pick up a couple of their red pads if you plan to use the DA to apply your wax or sealant. If you're going to apply your wax or sealant by hand the B&S red hand applicators are the same foam as the DA pads and are excellent.

As far as polish--since you're just starting out I would suggest you start with something not too aggressive until you get the hang of machine polishing. HD Polish would be a good choice as it's easy to work with -- long working times, little to no dust and easy to remove. Do a test spot with the green pad then step up to the orange if you have to.

3D HD Polish

Here's a list of how to articles and videos by Mike -- pick and choose what will answer your questions---http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-car-detailing-articles-mike-phillips.html
Click to expand...

VISITOR said:
agreed^ on HD Polish, you can determine the cut with a change of the pad...
Click to expand...

Jaretr1 said:
Here is a great kit that has all you need:

Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424xp Ultimate Polishing Kit
Click to expand...

ski2 said:
As with most kits it doesn't have enough of some items, no small backing plate or 4" pads and it has plenty of items you don't need. I've never seen a kit that was a good value. And this one doesn't even have a GG DA.
Click to expand...

Thank you all for the great helpful comments. I guess consensus is i shoulg go with the Griots over the Rupes. I'm just always reluctant to cheao out on things, but from what I'm hearing its not a "cheap" unit. Ill let you know what I end up with. I still need to understand the whole pad and polish type thing.
 
Be sure to read this too....

Video: Mark your backing plate to make it easy to see pad rotation


Scroll down the page, lots of tips and techniques besides marking your backing plate.

I wrote this before we carried the B & S pads and before Meguiar's introduced their thin pads but all three types of pads work great.


Don't lose your compression washer. That's in the article too....



:dblthumb2:
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Be sure to read this too....

Video: Mark your backing plate to make it easy to see pad rotation


Scroll down the page, lots of tips and techniques besides marking your backing plate.

I wrote this before we carried the B & S pads and before Meguiar's introduced their thin pads but all three types of pads work great.


Don't lose your compression washer. That's in the article too....



:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Thanks so much Mike. Appreciate the guidance. In your opinion, given my lack of experience, should I start with the griots or go straight to the Rupes.
 
I went straight to the Rupes system because it's "idiot proof." Meaning I didn't have to mess around with wondering what pads or polishes I need to buy. That was important to me as a novice.
 
I'm currently getting rid of my GG6 comes 6" and 5" Backing Plates also the White brissel attachment for carpets and seats. I've had it a year. If your interested shoot me a PM. Pics are available.
 
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