Minimum drill for Meguiars DA Power System?
- Thread starter CWTurner
- Start date
kevin_1981
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- Apr 11, 2014
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CWTurner - I would imagine that the drill would be adequate for the DA power system, but I dont have hands on experience with the DA Power System.
When you say "clean and wax", what do you mean? Are you talking about a wash and wax, or any correction/polishing? If you're just using the DA system to apply a wax, i think its a poor investment, as this can easily be done by hand.
Based on the size of the power system pads and the scope of your work, you might be working a very long time, depending on the size of your vehicle. You may want to consider investing in a DA polisher/pads. I'm sure there are others that will also chime in on this.
When you say "clean and wax", what do you mean? Are you talking about a wash and wax, or any correction/polishing? If you're just using the DA system to apply a wax, i think its a poor investment, as this can easily be done by hand.
Based on the size of the power system pads and the scope of your work, you might be working a very long time, depending on the size of your vehicle. You may want to consider investing in a DA polisher/pads. I'm sure there are others that will also chime in on this.
glh17
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- Aug 10, 2014
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I've never used the Megs da kit but the literature states that 1200-3500 rpm as compatible. Your drill is within the lower end of the range. It seems it would work but I'm not sure as to how well.
You might want to do some research (read reviews) on the Harbor Freight DA polisher. I believe it's around $55. It's about half what a PC 7424XP runs. I don't know enough to recommend it, but I've heard some good things about for the money. My experience with HF tools has been mixed at best (terrible experience with a benchtop drill press).
P.S. One other thing. You could try your drill and if it doesn't work you could get a more powerful corded drill for not alot of money. I have a Ridgid 3/8" and they are less than $40. The Ridgid has a max rpm of 2700. Thing is that if you only need a set up for car polishing a DA would be the better option unless these are truly the only two cars you will polish with it.
You might want to do some research (read reviews) on the Harbor Freight DA polisher. I believe it's around $55. It's about half what a PC 7424XP runs. I don't know enough to recommend it, but I've heard some good things about for the money. My experience with HF tools has been mixed at best (terrible experience with a benchtop drill press).
P.S. One other thing. You could try your drill and if it doesn't work you could get a more powerful corded drill for not alot of money. I have a Ridgid 3/8" and they are less than $40. The Ridgid has a max rpm of 2700. Thing is that if you only need a set up for car polishing a DA would be the better option unless these are truly the only two cars you will polish with it.
Detailing by M
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- Mar 25, 2013
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basicly any drill will work.
I've used a corded and a dewalt 18 volt and it worked fine.
I've used a corded and a dewalt 18 volt and it worked fine.
glh17
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- Aug 10, 2014
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CWTurner
I failed to mention a problem with the HF DA. It's really not a DA problem but a pad problem. Assuming HF hasn't corrected the problem, the pads they sell are designed for a 5" backing plate and the backing plate on their DA is 6". The consequence is that the plate digs into the edge of the pad and destroys it. Saw this on a youtube video.
If you choose the HF DA, I'd go with the 6.5" pads sold by AG.
I failed to mention a problem with the HF DA. It's really not a DA problem but a pad problem. Assuming HF hasn't corrected the problem, the pads they sell are designed for a 5" backing plate and the backing plate on their DA is 6". The consequence is that the plate digs into the edge of the pad and destroys it. Saw this on a youtube video.
If you choose the HF DA, I'd go with the 6.5" pads sold by AG.
Eric
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- Jun 26, 2010
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I have the Harbor Freight DA. It's a great machine. Very well built and powerful. I can't recommend it enough. I've got close to 30 complete, multi-step details on mine and it has given me zero trouble.
I think the better idea would be to get a Lake Country or comparable 5" backing pad. The factory backing pad, besides being too big, is just not that well balanced. The Harbor Freight pads (made by Warrior) are actually pretty good though if you have a proper backing pad.
glh17
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- Aug 10, 2014
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I was going to suggest that but wasn't sure if it would fit the HF model.
CWTurner
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- Sep 5, 2012
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- Thread starter
- #8
I really appreciate the good ideas and thoughts. As it turns out, there is a HF store in my area and they had a sale going on. I purchased the HF RO Polisher ($52) and some of their pads..
I worked on one car this weekend and found it a pleasant experience: the unit is 5 to 6 lbs, heavier than I thought it would be, but seemed to have loads of power. Though I didn't need to do a lot of cleaning, I did use a Meguiars cleaning wax for first step, then followed with a Meguiars wax.
The pad for cleaning did get chewed up on the edge, but not so much that I had to stop or change out. Waxing was a real pleasure compared to by hand!
I think a 5" backing plate would be just the ticket and will look for one this week before I work on my Acura.
Much appreciate all the good advice here.
I worked on one car this weekend and found it a pleasant experience: the unit is 5 to 6 lbs, heavier than I thought it would be, but seemed to have loads of power. Though I didn't need to do a lot of cleaning, I did use a Meguiars cleaning wax for first step, then followed with a Meguiars wax.
The pad for cleaning did get chewed up on the edge, but not so much that I had to stop or change out. Waxing was a real pleasure compared to by hand!
I think a 5" backing plate would be just the ticket and will look for one this week before I work on my Acura.
Much appreciate all the good advice here.