[SpecC]

Got a rotary polisher, and I've never used machine polishers before. I know all about the great potential of a rotary and why I should use one if I am serious about detailing.

But man, I've gotta say that I'm a bit afraid use the rotary because I have NO experience whatsoever. The risk is also so great too. I mean I'm not sure I'm ready to burn through some of my friends' cars' paint!

I just plan to polish my old PC mid-tower cases first hahahaha. Yeah I know to keep it moving. Yeah I've watched videos on how to do it, but it still scares me.

Any words of advice from you pros?

[328i]

If you have no experience definately practice on some beaters first, or acquire some scrap panels.

[b335i]

I am in the same boat. Just got a Flex and need to get some practice before I do my car or any other nice car. I am planning to use my sisters civic as to fine tune my skills

[oneshare325]

Originally Posted by b335i

I am in the same boat. Just got a Flex and need to get some practice before I do my car or any other nice car. I am planning to use my sisters civic as to fine tune my skills

Which...3403 or 3401?

If you got the 3401 you should be fine, it is not a "real" rotary...not too much risk (unless you left it in one spot for a really long time!)

[J-Sud]

Originally Posted by oneshare325

Which...3403 or 3401?

If you got the 3401 you should be fine, it is not a "real" rotary...not too much risk (unless you left it in one spot for a really long time!)

+1...I talked to Greg at DI and he said he left it in once spot for like a good 30 sec. with a good amount of pressure and didn't burn the paint or come close to it. (3401)

[haper]

Originally Posted by J-Sud

left it in once spot for like a good 30 sec. with a good amount of pressure and didn't burn the paint or come close to it. (3401)

i did the same on my 'test car' w/ the same results. as long as you follow the youTube videos for the PC and Flex and use common sense you should be fine. but you need to be careful w/ the plastic bumpers, one guy melted a section when he went after a blemish a bit too aggressively.

for the OP, if you've never used an orbital and jumping straight to a rotary i think you'll need a few lessons from a rotary user and then a few test panels b/f you'd want to touch a real car.

[J-Sud]

Originally Posted by haper

for the OP, if you've never used an orbital and jumping straight to a rotary i think you'll need a few lessons from a rotary user and then a few test panels b/f you'd want to touch a real car.

i agree...I will be buying a rotary once I get more comfortable with the flex. And even after that, I will still get some test panels to work on

[328i]

For people making the jump to a rotary, I also highly recommend going with wool pads for cutting, they are much safer than orange/yellow foam.

[SpecC]

i'll head out to a few shops to ask some people to show me. then i'll give it a go on some panels to get comfortable with my rotary

thanks guys!

[agentm]

I recommend use a lower speed until you get a hang of it. Watch some of the video out there.

[JOYRIIDE1113]

They have great potential. Good luck.

Get some Optimum Polish. Its a good polish for "fish" like yourself to practice with. It has a long working time, great lubricity, and is not finicky under certain climate conditions like the Merzerna polsihes are.

-Start with a finishing pad and keep the speeds under 1000rpms.
-Keep the machine moving at about 4-5 inches per second.
-Avoid vertical panels until you master horizontal surfaces.
-Tape up trim, they burn really easy, even with a finishing pad.
-be careful with plastic bumper lips, they generate heat quickly and warp just as fast.
-Avoid sharp edges.
-Keep the pad flat but don't be afraid to lift the buffer about 3-4 millimeters to help you steer the machine.
-Do not apply pressure.
-Understand that not ALL defects can be "safely", so think ahead, and count you losses.



I may be missing come key points so I'm sure someone else will chime in.

[SpecC]

for any other beginner checking out this thread, this is what i'm reading to prepare myself. It's been the most complete guide that I've come across

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=66024

youtube videos are helpful too. I'll be looking for any sheets of metal i can practice polishing when i pick it up from the mailbox on monday

[haper]

here's another reference for you, the videos are very large since they are in HD, but it allows you to see how the polish breaks down which is a very important step.

http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...tyle-3493.html

[SpecC]

wow thanks a lot haper