One handed polisher?

Lowejackson

Lowejackson

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One handed polisher?


A question arose on another forum whereby someone with one arm asked about what type of polisher could be used. I have no idea as I cannot see how you could control a machine and alter the pressure but I thought the question should be put to a larger audience.

So, any ideas on how to polish with one arm?
 
You could use a PC DA machine with one arm. You would have to pay very close attention to what you are doing, and probably have to take breaks, but it could be done for sure.
 
Flannigan said:
You could use a PC DA machine with one arm. You would have to pay very close attention to what you are doing, and probably have to take breaks, but it could be done for sure.
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Maybe they could attached some very light weights to put some downward pressure on it too. Its definitely plausable.
 
I'm not trying to be a smart ass here but I think polishing with a dual action polisher in the Porter Cable lineup is easily doable. From mounting the pad to applying product and getting the pad on the finish, I see no problem other than additional time and practice..

Many times I work an area with my right had on the back of the polisher balanced so I an bend down and check a reflective shot....But that's just me, I don't know how everyone else feels about it...
 
Like any handicap, it's amazing at how one can adapt. I concur with Bobby completely on this. Besides, I have been doing the rotary one handed to reach areas that are difficult for a long time. Using one hand with a DA is even easier.
 
I have nerve damage in my left shoulder so I use the pc da with just my right hand and have not had any problems. I just did my 2009 Ford Explorer and it came out great.
 
I'm sure a pneumatic palm sander can be modified in some way for use as a buffer/polisher.:xyxthumbs:
 
BobbyG said:
I'm not trying to be a smart ass here but I think polishing with a dual action polisher in the Porter Cable lineup is easily doable. From mounting the pad to applying product and getting the pad on the finish, I see no problem other than additional time and practice..

Many times I work an area with my right had on the back of the polisher balanced so I an bend down and check a reflective shot....But that's just me, I don't know how everyone else feels about it...
Click to expand...

And he does it again ^ :applause:

Kinda reminds me of the thread we had not to long ago about the blind guy wanting to start a detail business. This business is hard enough w/out having that obstacle IMO

Having said all that, the drummer from Def Lepard was able jam pretty good w/one arm, so I guess anythings possible
 
One handed with any of the DA Polishers is easily doable...


1939 Lincoln Zephyr - Swirls Removed - Modeled by Nicole

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1957 Chevrolet Bel Air - Remove Swirls - Modeled by Kristin

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Two hands when working on valuable components like the fender skirts off a 1957 Chevy...
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Flex 3401

1957 Chevrolet Belair Extreme Makeover - Flex 3401 & Wolfgang Smackdown!


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Rotary Buffer

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1967 Starline Deville - Extreme Makeover


[video=youtube_share;jQtBLjOI8Co"]FlexRBwithXMT4 - YouTube[/video]






Cyco can be used with one hand too...


:)
 
Lowejackson said:
So, any ideas on how to polish with one arm?
Click to expand...


Out of all the tools, in my opinion the best tool for someone that will only be able to grip the tool with one hand would be to opt for the Griot's or PC DA Polisher.

You could use the Meguiar's G110v2 but if it were me I would grind the tool stand off...


From this article,

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle


With the Bail Handle removed off the Meguiar's DA Polisher, there's a built-in tool rest that keeps the polisher from tipping over if you place it on it's back with the Bail Handle removed or adjusted to the extreme forward position. While this does provide a benefit, the problem is if you use this tool without the Bail Handle, this tool rest gets pressed into your hand.

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It would help if the person exercised their existing arm doing things like curls, reverse curls, triceps exercises and grip strengthen exercises as buffing out an entire car using only one arm and hand will be taxing...

:)
 
I have been using the small 3" Griot's DA for years and many, many times use it one hand on the boat. When you are standing on a cabin top and polishing a sat radome, you can only do it with one hand!
buffer.jpg
 
glen e said:
I have been using the small 3" Griot's DA for years and many, many times use it one hand on the boat. When you are standing on a cabin top and polishing a sat radome, you can only do it with one hand!
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Throw a 3" Microfiber Pad on that tool and you'll notice how much more pad rotation you get since they are thinner and dissipate the energy less than a traditional foam pad.



Like this,

Dampsanding with 3" Griot's Garage Mini Polisher

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Removing Sanding Marks
The Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher is also able to rotate the Meguiar's microfiber discs. This is a 3" microfiber cutting disc removing #3000 Unigrit dampsanding marks.

It works but it's so much faster and effective to learn how to use a rotary buffer if you're going to sand down and buff out an entire car. If you're just doing spot repair then it's doable.

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:)
 
Wow, what a response, this is way more than I anticipated, thanks to everyone especially Mike for the great pictures, the last ones reminding me to stop complaining when my hands get a little numb when polishing in the cold
 
Thanks Mike, I did you one better - saw your video on the ultralight flex rotary with 3 inch pad and ordered that from you guys last night!
 
Check out the 6" and 3" pneumatic orbitals from Griot's Garage. If you have an air compressor this may be the best tool for one handed work. it's on page 16 of their latest catalog and you can check it out online.
 
Paul Mitchell said:
Check out the 6" and 3" pneumatic orbitals from Griot's Garage. If you have an air compressor this may be the best tool for one handed work. it's on page 16 of their latest catalog and you can check it out online.
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I just got both of those. the 6" orbital is easily used one handed. Same with the smaller one. Thanks for the 3" microfiber pad tip Mike.
 
The size of an air sander... powered by electricity!

A guy wanting or needing to polish with one hand will appreciate the palm throttle lever, and the machine weighs 2 pounds.

Still testing it out for polishing purposes. I know what pad combo works, but it's not available quite yet.

Best random rotation of the backing plate I have ever seen. Incredible rotation, 10,000 RPM max.

Very quiet... at 68dB(A), you'd have to run 6-7 of these at the same time to equal the sound level of a typical random orbital.

Available in 3/32", 3/16", and 5/16" stroke diameters.

3M also makes a similar product, although I think it's a bit outgunned by the CEROS.
To be fair, I haven't tried 3M's machine yet.
Either one would be easier to manage than a typical random orbital, especially for turning off and on.



p.s.- If the mods don't want this on the site, please feel free to remove the post.
Not sure of the rules in this regard, although no links have been posted.
 
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richy said:
Like any handicap, it's amazing at how one can adapt. I concur with Bobby completely on this. Besides, I have been doing the rotary one handed to reach areas that are difficult for a long time. Using one hand with a DA is even easier.
Click to expand...
In my younger years, I built mobile homes (12 per day) in a Fleetwood Homes manufacturing plant. I worked with a guy they called "Lefty" who had lost his right arm at the shoulder in a combine accident. "Lefty" out worked a lot of guys with 2 good arms and there wasn't much he couldn't do. I have no doubt that if he wanted to rotary polish paint for a living, he would figure out a way to do it. To work beside him while he wrapped 14' x 70' mobile homes with full sheets of OSB using a Senco M-3 pneumatic stapler was quite inspiring to say the least. Many newbies were intimidated and embarrassed when they couldn't keep up with "Lefty".
 
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