Random Orbital Polisher

[Javaman]

Random Orbital Polisher

Hey Mike - giving serious thought about making life easier by switching to a orbital polisher for waxing.

My thoughts were that the machine could be used to apply, as well as remove the wax. I’m now hearing from a number of people that the machine should only be used for applying the wax. Removal should be done by hand.

In my mind, this in part defeats the purpose of the machine (for me).

Appreciate your guidance and advice.

Larry

 

[Mike Phillips]

Random Orbital Polisher

Hey Mike - giving serious thought about making life easier by switching to a orbital polisher for waxing.

My thoughts were that the machine could be used to apply, as well as remove the wax. I’m now hearing from a number of people that the machine should only be used for applying the wax. Removal should be done by hand.

In my mind, this in part defeats the purpose of the machine (for me).

Appreciate your guidance and advice.

Larry

Hi Larry,

You're thought process is correct but in the real world, if you're using products that wipe off easy, then it's faster to remove a coat of wax off an entire car by hand than by machine. For example, 3D SPEED and 3D POXY after they dry for about 15 minutes will dang near fall off the paint they wipe off that easy. So it's faster to take a couple of clean, quality towels and remove the wax by hand than it is to remove by machine.

The machine removal process would look like this,

Step 1: Using an 8mm random orbital polisher like the 3D DA Polisher or the Porter Cable DA Polisher, you would attach a 5.5" foam polishing pad to a 5" backing plate, (6" backing plate and 6.5" pads are too large for these types of tools), and then you would place a microfiber bonnet over the pad and backing plate.

Step 2: Next you turn the polisher on the the 5-6 speed setting and start running the bonnet over a panel. This will work except the face of the bonnet will load up with the wax you're removing fairly quickly. You have two options, clean the face of the bonnet off with a nylon brush or flip the bonnet to the other side. Either way, once you start removing wax the face of the bonnet will load up again. Now repeat the cycle.

If you were removing wax on one side of your beautiful Corvette by machine and I was removing wax off the other side of your Corvette by hand - I would be done by the time you knocked out your half of the hood and the front driver's side fender.

I use to show machine removal of waxes but I stopped because it's simply faster to work by hand but the caveat is you have to be using quality products to start with that do wipe of easy. If a wax or sealant wipes off hard - you could never remove it by machine in a timely manner.


Stop by the shop some day and I'll show you in person on your Corvette.

 

[Javaman]

Hi Mike - as always, thanks for your guidance and advice!
Took a look at the 3D POXY.
Needless to say, I value your opinion!
Like what I read and I’m definitely planning to stop by a pick up a bottle.
As far as the random orbital polisher, I am leaning towards the G9.
I see the advantage of applying the wax this way while removing it by hand.
See you sometime next week.
Larry

 

[Mike Phillips]

Sounds good.

 

[Javaman]

Hey Mike - took your advice!
Stopped by the shop yesterday and picked up a bottle of PROXY from Yancy.
All I can say is WOW!
Product went on super easy and came off even easier!
As good as it looks on the Arctic White, it's brilliant on the black splitter, skirts and Grand Sport badge.
Will be talking it up for sure at next week's Becker Rd Coffee and Cars.
Thanks again!
Larry