Starting from scratch

1Hunter said:
Folks - thanks for all the information. I've spent a number of hours reading up on this the past couple days and have determined the DA and backing plates to purchase but am more confused now than when I started as to the which 5.5 & 3.5 pads, polish, seal and wax to purchase- go figure!! Feel like a kid in a candy store!!!
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I totally get what you're saying, I'm new to the detailing game. Been lurking for years, and just took the plunge and bought some equipment from autogeek last week. If you're looking for an all inclusive package, I think the Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424XP Swirl - Free Kit is great. Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit It gives you just about everything you needs to get started. I ended up buying a clay bar kit along with some more microfiber towels, but that's pretty much all I did. So far the results have been fantastic!

Do yourself a favor, jump in, get your feet wet and you'll quickly figure out what works best for you!
 
1Hunter said:
Folks - thanks for all the information. I've spent a number of hours reading up on this the past couple days and have determined the DA and backing plates to purchase but am more confused now than when I started as to the which 5.5 & 3.5 pads, polish, seal and wax to purchase- go figure!! Feel like a kid in a candy store!!!
Click to expand...

Welcome! As a fellow beginner, the best teacher is experience. Most of the folks here are experts compared to us and speak from years of doing the work. That said, Get either a Griot's DA (GG6) or a Porter cable (PC). You can get the most advice on these machines should you have a problem that you need to come back here for. Most people have used these so the expert advice you have access to WILL be worth it. Griot's will generally be a little less expensive.

Typically you'll find DA's come with 6 inch or 5 inch backing plates. Pads usually are about 1/2 inch bigger in size so that you have some overlap. Its safer. You can get a 3 or 3.5 inch backing plate (and 3.5 or 4 inch foam pads) to go with these when you need to get into smaller spaces around mirrors, door handles, headlights, etc. (You can also use your polisher when restoring headlights). You should be good with 5" plate and 5.5 inch pads.

Get an all in one (AIO for short) product since you are not trying to get your car show ready. Its easiest and offers the most protection without having to invest in a compound/polish combo like Meguiar's M105 Compound and M205 Polish. HD Speed has been recommended to me by 10 separate individuals. If you search the forum for HD speed and look at the results it gets, you will see it is a strong choice.

When considering the amounts per use/per car people are tossing out, please consider that you'll pay shipping for all these items unless you can find them at a local retailer. Check local stores as that will save you time and money. If not, Autogeek has great prices and price-matches on a lot of different items. I shop here for mostly everything because I can come right to the forum for advice.

Good luck sir!
 
Folks - Thanks for all your help. With this help I took the plunge and ordered a GG6 with a Megs MF system ( 5.5 & 3") along with some additional MF towels and misc. items. Additional question regarding the order I placed and certainly understand if you don't know. The order was in the $300 range and they charged me $21 freight. Didn't I understand that orders over $150 was to be freight free or do I have my wires crossed? I'd call them for clarification but they are closed.
 
I think some items are excluded from the free shipping. Like odd shaped/overly large or non UPS/FedEx deliverable items.

EDIT: Below is there policy on shipping.

*Free shipping applies to order over $150 with ground service within the 48 contiguous United States. Regular shipping charges apply to garage flooring and mats, air compressors, and carpet extractors as noted on those products. Regular expedited charges apply.
 
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