Need help choosing polishing machine

  • Thread starter Thread starter WeekendWarrior
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WeekendWarrior

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Hello everybody!

I´m planning to buy polishing machine, but I don´t know exactly which one. I want to buy one polishing machine for polishing all car (all areas). Car I need to polish and fully detail is Audi A6 C7
Options are: DAS-6 PRO Plus, DAS-6 PRO or DAS-6 v2.
DAS-6 PRO Plus have 15mm throw and I think it can´t be used everywhere?

Which one you would suggest?
 
Hi!
I don´t have any experience with machine polishers at the moment and It will be my first polisher. I have watched many videos and most of detailers use and recommend polishers with throw. But I think I can´t use them on front bumper (many curves and tight areas). One option will be using drill with backing plate and stuff. Actually I would like to go for PRO Plus, it seems solid.

Last year I used hand polishing on my car and it took me almost 3 full days to get it almost ok. After hand polish I used carnauba wax. This time I want to go for CQUARTZ UK and I need to polish the car as perfect as I can.
Picture of last year hand polish and wax:
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We were all beginners once...

I see you are in Tallinn, Estonia. I also read (above) that you have not used a Dual Action machine before.
I'm not sure what Dual Action machines are available in your area. Is this the machine you are asking about?
For a beginner I might suggest a Porter Cable 7424xp and it has a small shroud under the backing plate for 3" pads.
I'm not familiar with the DAS line on machines but it looks like they have large shrouds under the backing plate.
the machine in the video (above) appears to have a smaller shroud and would work with a 3" backing plate and 3" pads.
I'd check to see if a 3" backing plate can be used on any of your DAS choices to be able to get the small areas.

Are you able to look at these machines to see which model has a smaller shroud and see if a 3" backing plate will work?
 
Thank you Merlin!
In Estonia we have Flex, Rupes, Vertool, Meguiars etc. Im looking something a little bit cheaper. Porter Cable have 110V power and probably I need to order it from USA and I have to pay extra customs taxes.
I´m planning to order my stuff from http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/cat_68.html
Ihave found out that I can use 3" and 3,5" backing plates and 3"-4" pads on DAS-6 PRO. So have decided to go for DAS-6 PRO.

I have some questions more :)
Please recommend good flashlight for swirls find and paint thickness gauge. I´m looking something cheaper what can do the job.

Thank you for your time!
 
Thank you Merlin!

In Estonia we have available polishers like FLEX, Rupes, Vertool, Meguiars and cheap no brand DA-s. First four are quite expensive for first polisher. I need something with good user feedback.
I know that Porter Cable is good machine but it is hard to get it in Europe and it is probably 110V. If I order it from USA I need to pay customs taxes.
So I think I go for DAS-6 PRO it is similar to Porter Cable and I can use 3" and 3,5# backing plate.

Also I have couple of more questions. If I buy polisher I want to buy pads and compounds/polishes. I can buy the DA with Menzerna, Chemical Guys kit. Both include polishes and pads. I know that Audi paint is quite hard and Menzerna is recommended in some forums. Actually I have also heard good stuff from CarPro Fixer, Reflect and Essence. Which one to go? What pads you recommend? My Audi don´t have big scartches, only light scratches and swirls.
 
Checking the map I found a Carpro Distributor near you...

TMT SIA
Lubānas 78, Rīga, LV-1073
Tālr: +371 26442797
Email: [email protected]
http://carcare.lv/

I'm not one for purchasing a "kit" for MANY reasons.
Get what you need and not what they are "bundling".

If it were me...I'd purchase the machine, backing plates and pads separately.

You will need
_________________________________

Wash
CarPro Reset Car Wash
CarPro Merino Wool Wash Mitt
2) 5 Gallon Wash Buckets
2) Grit Guards

Dry
Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy

Decontamination
CarPro Iron X Snow Soap
CarPro Iron X
CarPro PolyShave Decon Towel
CarPro ImmoLube
_________________________________

Machine
Your choice will accommodate both 5" and 3" pads ...I like the Rupes 15/Mini.
I'd suggest a 5" and 3" backing plate. I'd pick the Meguiars DA backing plates.

Backing Plate
Meguiars Soft Buff DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate
Meguiars Soft Buff DBP3 DA Polisher 3 Inch Backing Plate

Pads

Compounding
CarPro Microfiber Cutting Pad - 3"
CarPro Microfiber Cutting Pad - 5"

Medium
CarPro Polishing Pad 3"
CarPro Polishing Pad 5"

Finishing
CarPro Gloss Pad 5"
CarPro Gloss Pad 3"

Compound
Possible not needed "only light scratches and swirls"

Polish
CarPro Essence: EXTREME Gloss
and/or possibly
CarPro Essence PLUS: Non-abrasive Gloss Agent
_________________________________

LSP
Then you get to your Last Step Product (LSP)
Do you want to use a wax, sealant or coating?

2400_5step.jpg
 
Thank you again for very informative post!
I´ll buy polisher, pads and polishes separately. I go for CarPro Fixer, Reflect and Essence and Chemical Guys pads (Orange, Green, White, Black) because CarPro pads are not available at that store where I´m order stuff. I order everything in one place - discount + smaller shipping costs. I buy 3 different 250ml. polishes, maybe I need them some day or can test on other cars. How many pads I need for polishing whole car with one polish f.e. Reflect. Is one f.e. CG Green pad enough? :)
As LSP I want to use coating (CQUARTZ UK). I´m planning to apply two coats.

My plan for application: (Is it correct?)
1. Apply first layer. Small sections at a time and puff with MF towel. Puffing time depends on temperature.
2. After at least 60min. of cure I apply second layer.
3. About 45-60 minutes I apply Reload.
4. Keep the car dry first 48 hours and wash the car with shampoo after 7 days.
 
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