Poke holes in my setup!

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Kealokian

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I am a relatively new to auto detailing and completely self-taught (outside of what i've learned from this forum). I recently started doing details for a used car lot I've worked at for a number of years. My boss bought all the gear I have and I'm trying to find out what I should get to help complete my setup.

I have a DeWalt Rotary DEWALT DWP849X 7-Inch/9-Inch Variable Speed Polisher with Soft Start - Amazon.com

An assortment of wool and foam pads

Prowax P-34 Pro Gold Wax
Prowax P-31 Polish
Prowax P-26 Clear Cut Compound

Ardex 4216 Diamond Crystal Four

I don't know if this is too much info.

But basically what I'm trying to get at is what I should look for in a non-rotary polisher. I'm no expert with the rotary, and I'm sure I'm not using it very well.

I'm trying to decide between a Griot's DA and a Flex 3401. I feel like the flex is similar to my Rotary, and the GG would better diversify my setup.

I'm willing to hear arguments for other machines as well! Or if you think I should just keep at the rotary and learn to master it.

Sorry if this post seems aimless.
 
My vote for you would be GG. Flex is too much $ is my main reason.
 
I would go for the Groits DA the reason is cause it's cheaper but also cause it is easier to learn, and is the safest when doing paint correct but after your comfortable with an DA then you slowly move to a rotary
 
One of my big questions in regard to the GG:
Does it have enough oomph to take care of most surface swirls/clear scratches?

Where is the point where something like a Flex is required over a GG?
 
on hard paint, or removing lower grit size

from what i seen, most pros use either the gg6/rupes.. and will only bust out the fire power (flex/rotary) when needed
 
kealokian said:
i am a relatively new to auto detailing and completely self-taught (outside of what i've learned from this forum). I recently started doing details for a used car lot i've worked at for a number of years. My boss bought all the gear i have and i'm trying to find out what i should get to help complete my setup.

I have a dewalt rotary dewalt dwp849x 7-inch/9-inch variable speed polisher with soft start - amazon.com

an assortment of wool and foam pads

prowax p-34 pro gold wax
prowax p-31 polish
prowax p-26 clear cut compound

ardex 4216 diamond crystal four

i don't know if this is too much info.

But basically what i'm trying to get at is what i should look for in a non-rotary polisher. I'm no expert with the rotary, and i'm sure i'm not using it very well.

I'm trying to decide between a griot's da and a flex 3401. I feel like the flex is similar to my rotary, and the gg would better diversify my setup.

I'm willing to hear arguments for other machines as well! Or if you think i should just keep at the rotary and learn to master it.

Sorry if this post seems aimless.
Click to expand...

flex all day
 
When first coming here Kealokian I asked the same question (in a way)

I had only used a Rotary at a body shop and didn't even know these types of machines existed. Flex, Rupes, DA's etc...

I found a website called www.autogeek.net and bought a kit I saw on there. It was a PoorBoys PC Kit.
I was actually somewhat bummed to later learn that it was considered somewhat weak (PC) for the type of work I did with a Rotary at work. And it could only remove up to 3000. Which I found hard to do at to what I was accustomed with a Rotary.

But I am really glad that I have my PC I switched the backing plate to a 3" and do headlights with it or when needed I use it to damp sand with a 6" backing plate.

I then debated between a Rupes and a Flex. I went with a Rupes. It is such a breeze to work with. It can easily remove 1500 grit with little to no pressure. I tried it with a Blue Hybrid Wool Pad and Menzerna FG400.

I still plan on getting a Flex just to see what more I can keep learning.

If given the choice between a Flex, Rupes, Rotary. I would still choose a Rupes, then Flex, GG, PC and lastly a Rotary

I do believe Rotary still have a place but more if your sanding whole repainted cars and more if your doing production style work like at a body shop.

Having a Flex or Rupes can separate you from those that just show up to one's house and start buffing the car with a Rotary. Your paint details will greatly improve IMO and experience.

Well those are just my two pennies. Good luck, keep learning and ask away!

Art
 
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