Newbie to the DA polisher

Snowdrifter

Snowdrifter

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So my flex 3401 should be in the mail in 2 days. This is my first polisher, so I was wondering if some of you might be willing to share some tips/dos&dont's/other information that might be helpful(either in general or specific to the flex polisher).

I have read the basic guides on AG but I'd like a bit more from you guys :)

I will be starting out using it for claying, putting down some glaze glaze and waxing. I will move onto the actual polishing aspect after I get more experience.
 
I think the most important recommendation would be to

  1. Work in small areas
  2. Tape trim
  3. Take your time
  4. Use pads no larger than 6"
  5. Practice
 
A couple of general tips for the flex with forced rotation.

1. Keep the pad flat against the paint. You really do not need as much downward pressure as a non-forced DA.

2. Body/arm position is a little more critical to guide it especially on vertical panels.
 
Congrats on your new Da, BTW claying is a step used without a da. Spray lubricant on a rub the bar over the lubricant
 
How To Properly Use Flex Polishers DVD

FlexDVDwithMikePhillips.jpg





:)
 
I'm thinking of getting one too but I have some questions please.

I have a brand new car, no problems with the paint on new car and I like to wash and wax (in the 3 months I own the car, I have waxed it 3 times already).

Do I really need a DA Polisher ? Will it help me saves time in waxing my new car ?

or is the DA polisher more for cars with paint issues ?

Thanks in advance.

Last question, would you say that Flex is better (for newbie) that PC ?
 
Oz_TCH, I had the same dilemma after I bought a brand new Mercedes ML350 at the end of May. I took it home and gave it a good wash and clay. Then I sealed the paint with Duragloss 601/105 (two coats) followed with a topper of AquaWax. It looked beautiful and glistened so much (especially under lights and in the sun) that I named it "Diamond Jim". The color is called Diamond White and was a $1500 option. I think it is something like five layers of top German paint but whatever it is it is fantastic looking and will never show swirls, oxidation or anything else - as long as I treat it half way decent.

I figured that if it looks this good now just think what I could do with a machine. Since I live in Texas it would never see salt, snow or sand and it is basically a garage queen, leaving the safety of the garage only about twice a week. Since I retired I have never put over 7500 miles a year on a car and I never go off road or haul anything. So I debated about really needing a polisher. I never owned a DA polisher in the 50 years I've been driving automobiles. I've always done everything by hand but my hands are getting old and I thought a polisher might also help in the finger joint soreness department. So, I bought a Griot 6" and a bunch of pads. I tested it by cleaning out my hot tub, golf cart and shower stall and it did a great job although the golf cart was no better than I did by hand.

After everything was said and done I thought to myself that no way was this beast getting near that Mercedes paint. One false move and I've destroyed a great paint. I simply felt I did not have experience enough to work on this vehicle and did not have confidence even though I read all the books and saw all the videos. Having said all this, I decided that I will experiment further and I have my girl's older car and I also own a seven year old pick-up truck I can hone my technique with before going to the Mercedes.

The point of this story is that no, you do not "need" a DA polisher, especially for a new car. But I am certain that once I (and you) get the hang of it we will wonder how we lived without it. Even though an expert might do just as good a job as by hand on a new car, if for no other reason, a machine will make this go much easier and faster.
 
Oz_TCH said:
I'm thinking of getting one too but I have some questions please.

I have a brand new car, no problems with the paint on new car and I like to wash and wax (in the 3 months I own the car, I have waxed it 3 times already).

Do I really need a DA Polisher ? Will it help me saves time in waxing my new car ?

or is the DA polisher more for cars with paint issues ?

Thanks in advance.

Last question, would you say that Flex is better (for newbie) that PC ?
Click to expand...

Washing and waxing is how each and every one of us began taking care of our vehicles including yours truly. Once you do a bit of reading and understand the effects of weather and airborne contaminates has on your finish, you begin to see how and why correct finish care is so important.

Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax
Just because your car is new doesn't mean the finish is pristine and doesn't need much care. As an example, I clayed half the hood on a 3 month old Hyundai Elantra Limited.

Clay-01.jpg


Dual Action Polisher

A dual action polisher is one of the most important tools to have in your detailing arsenal. Using a dual action polisher will ensure consistency and uniformity in any process its used.

Here is just a few;

Compounding
Polishing
Finish polishing
1-Step products
Sealants
Waxes

Time is another important consideration.

Applying both sealants and waxes correctly and thinly is critically important and applying it correctly takes only a few minutes to cover an entire panel....

The Flex 3401 is the finest and most robust dual action polisher available today. It's forced rotation ensures consistent pad rotation regardless of the force applied. The Flex 3401 is very easy to use for both the novice and veteran alike. With all of its well deserved accolades it's not without one criticism....its price.

The Flex 3401 tips the price scale at almost $400 so keep this in mind when deciding which machine is right for you. Spend some time reading and determining what machine is right for you...

How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project

How to pick the right polisher

Here's more great information by Mike Phillips that will help you.

Articles by Mike Phillips[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

 
overall you'll never achieve the results by hand that you would with machine polishing, and not only will it save you time, you'll get better more uniformed results. it will pay for itself within a dew details and is one of the best investments you can make for your car. trust me, you'll wonder why you didn't buy one sooner and there are plenty to choose from these days...
 
BigAl3 said:
overall you'll never achieve the results by hand that you would with machine polishing, and not only will it save you time, you'll get better more uniformed results. it will pay for itself within a dew details and is one of the best investments you can make for your car. trust me, you'll wonder why you didn't buy one sooner
Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it better myself...

The human hand just cannot compete with the machine...



:xyxthumbs:
 
bobby, great tips here (as i'm now on the fence between the porter & the flex... i'm thinking the extra $$$ for the flex may be worth it long-term).
couple newb questions... 1) how often do you re-use the clay? eventually it must get pretty gritty... throw it out after a couple of details or keep it for dozens? 2) same question involving the pads for the DA... if you clean them thoroughly between uses, can you use other materials on them, or do you stictly use one product with one pad?
 
I never use clay more than 2 or 3 times, now pads, if cleaned and not run over rough surfaces, last for years...
 
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