shark_90 Posted April 12, 2007 Report Share Posted April 12, 2007 Now I have a black car I've quickly realised that there is no way that I can keep it clean without some serious maintenance, and after spending 6 hours on it at the weekend and aching for nearly 2 days, I think I should invest in a polishing machine! Most people I know that are into detailing will straight away say "Porter Cable" but I wanted to ask for opinions on what to buy. I don't particularly have a budget although I don't want to spend a fortune. I'd rather spend £100 and have the right thing than £60 and replace it in 6 months when it turns out to be rubbish. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwind101 Posted April 12, 2007 Report Share Posted April 12, 2007 Hi FYI, the Portor Cable comes in many different models. The current one is being ceased in replacement for more powerful model. PC are finally working out that more people use them for paint then wood!! To get a PC in the UK will come in at around £170. If you like Pinnicle i know Motorgeek will sell you the whole lot with the UK plug and power adapter for £230 with liquid PS, polishes etc. and all that stuff. Great for black!! There are few kits on Ebay.co.uk too. I have the Cyclo, an all metal heavier but more refined beast, twin pads. Using the Edge pads on this thing and some Optimum products this wouldent hestate on VAG paintwork!! £215 for the UK example. Some people have posted about for the £20 or £40 (299 Krona) version of the Cyclo. After looking, it doesnt weigh as much so you dont have that easy of just applying to the bonnet and moving it about. Also, pads (4inch ones you can get here) dont fit appear to be right size for the device. Just a few ml out but you have to have them centred. I contacted Clas Olson about this: Polermaskin Co/Tech med steglös varvtalsreglering obelastad 1200-3200 v/min. En kraftig maskin med effekt 350 W. Dubbla polerhuvuden (2 x 95 mm) för bästa resultat. Lev. med 2 st. polersvampar. But no shipping to the UK. Uk stores opening 2008 located 4 city centres though. So you might want to wait for the more uprated PC, this may recieve CE mark making it ready for EU sales. Megs were working on there version of the current model called the G100 and they said Q1-Q2 last yr for arrival. I have asked about it rcently and just got the cold sholder so i suppose that hasnt gone according to plan. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snail Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 I think the most important thing is not the quality of the polisher, but the pads you use with it. I only have a halfords polisher, but it does a fantastic job, as im extremely an@l about keeping the pads dirt and dust free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssFour Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Some people have posted about for the £20 or £40 (299 Krona) version of the Cyclo. After looking, it doesnt weigh as much so you dont have that easy of just applying to the bonnet and moving it about. Also, pads (4inch ones you can get here) dont fit appear to be right size for the device. Just a few ml out but you have to have them centred. I contacted Clas Olson about this: Polermaskin Co/Tech med steglös varvtalsreglering obelastad 1200-3200 v/min. En kraftig maskin med effekt 350 W. Dubbla polerhuvuden (2 x 95 mm) för bästa resultat. Lev. med 2 st. polersvampar. [/ QUOTE ] That'll be the Biltema. There is one on ebay now. I have one and it is definitely up to the job. It has successfully detailed both of our Audi's, product selection is vital though as with other DA machines. Very similar to the Cyclo, a little lighter but has variable speed. Even if you pay up to 100 for it from the auction it is IMO value for money compared to the 170 PC and 200+ Cyclo. I use SFX pads, yellow, white and blue, on mine and they are slighty larger but it is not too difficult ot centre them. I have also extended the cable to approx 10m which is a very simple task. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted April 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 I'm keeping my eye on that auction at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwind101 Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 If the auction gets to high just email the some Scandinavian companies, most speak english and im sure one will ship to you!! ESSfour, good to hear that is the one like cyclo. IM intreasted in getting for KR299 it has to be worth it for testing purposes. With regard paints, i know that MB have even hard cerami clear now. But companies like Honda (they do b/c they can i suppose) are using the waterbased paints which is why they are soft. Correction of these is much much easier. Waterbased are nice for enviroment and much nicer for the people who apply them, consumer level correction is also easier. I dont know if alot of companies will take them up, i suppose that eventually they will be forced too!?!? Its probably just the Honda alike who can afford to dable the moment. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnss8 Posted April 13, 2007 Report Share Posted April 13, 2007 Ben, ask yourselve do you need one? Don't forget we'll be polishing it and corrcting the paintwork so as long as you wash it properly afterwards you only need to pc 2 / 3 times a year and mines sat here doing nothing mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted April 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 I just feel like I'd be putting a burden on you mate, there's only so many times I can fix your computer without it really being broken It's more about giving the car a proper coat of wax etc which I'd like to do more regularly. Would a cheapie Halfrauds job be the best for that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwind101 Posted April 14, 2007 Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 Shark, if you just want to apply wax then your hand is your answer. Applying LSP's by buffer is often not worth it. You have to get it out, make sure the cable is off the car etc. Just get an applicater type that fits comfortble in your hand. Some are better at liquid some are better at paste and off you go. What product are you choosing for your lsp?? Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnss8 Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 Ben, once the car is polished the LSP will be applied by hand then you just keep that topped up Don't worry about using my pc thats what mates are for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyGTi Posted April 15, 2007 Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 Having a Diamond Black Golf myself I know how you feel. I got myself a Porter Cable 7424 from Motorgeek with the full kit and hav'nt looked back since. Would'nt be without one now. I use it regularly to remove minor scuffs and scratches which show up so easily on Diamond Black. I also use it for applying waxes and sealant with a finishing pad. I know you can do this by hand, but believe me the PC makes it a lot quicker and easier. It also helps you spread the wax/sealant very thinly. I then buff off by hand. I suppose the bottom line is how keen you are on keeping your car looking good - is it a chore or a hobby ? If it's the latter the PC is right for you , if it's the first, then probably not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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