[Geektechlive]

ok been doing alot of research on how to detail and where to start etc.. one thing I cant seem to find is a post or posts saying "hey most of us bought our pc 7424 at [insert URL here] " LOL

so I did see one that stated Lowes carrys them.. well after going to my local one and asking... I got total wierd looks. they were like... " umm we dont sell those types of tools but you can buy this $29 orbal buffer wheel if you like"

am I asking for the wrong thing when I go to lowes? is it only available online? where did you get yours?

[328i]

Lowes used to have them a year or 2 back, but they all went on clearance over time and they don't stock them anymore. I suggest getting a flex instead, it's just as safe and much better at removing defects.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by xanaduguy

ok been doing alot of research on how to detail and where to start etc.. one thing I cant seem to find is a post or posts saying "hey most of us bought our pc 7424 at [insert URL here] " LOL

so I did see one that stated Lowes carrys them.. well after going to my local one and asking... I got total wierd looks. they were like... " umm we dont sell those types of tools but you can buy this $29 orbal buffer wheel if you like"

am I asking for the wrong thing when I go to lowes? is it only available online? where did you get yours?

I did the same. hehe.
I ended up ordering a Flex.

[Geektechlive]

ok so i didnt know if the flex woudl be a good starter for me as i have only used elbow grease before this but i really woudl like to get better results with less time and thus i am looking at buying an orbital.
I thought the flex was a rotary. .. shows how much i read eh?

ok so where does one go to get me a flex?

[purplewidow]

makita all the way!!! if it's good enough for Paul Dalton it's good enough for me!!

[haper]

Originally Posted by xanaduguy

ok so i didnt know if the flex woudl be a good starter for me as i have only used elbow grease before

i jumped straight to the flex from 'elbow grease' and had no problems, but i would suggest your first car to be a 'test'. maybe someone in the family has an older car they'd let you detail?

as for where to get the flex, i never found anyplace OTC and ordered it from online. you'll need to get all the proper pads and such online anyhow so just do it in one order.

[Geektechlive]

ok so two last questions....

1. Anyone use /test/ review the griots buffer/polisher? i just got their catalog in the mail yesterday and saw they have their own "brand" of random orbital.

Assuming the griots polisher isnt gettingrave reviews....

2. anyone care to refer a good online company for purchasing a flex?

and yes I have my mom's 2005 elantra (black) and my inlaws buick le sabre (red/magenta/Idunnowhatcolor) to "practice" on.

[Former_Boosted_IS]

The problem is that from a Porter Cable 7424 to a Flex is a difference of almost $150. If we have new cars and don't expect to work on anything else, is the Flex worth the difference?

[haper]

Originally Posted by xanaduguy

1. Anyone use /test/ review the griots buffer/polisher?

i doubt you'll find anyone that actually uses this machine, but from what i hear it is very similar to the PC but runs a bit faster at its highest speed. i would think you're better of w/ the PC or Flex, so many of the how-to videos are based on these machines so you'll have something to learn from.

Originally Posted by xanaduguy

2. anyone care to refer a good online company for purchasing a flex?

Detailed Imagine, i believe they are a forum sponsor.

[haper]

Originally Posted by Former_Boosted_IS

is the Flex worth the difference?

general consensus is a PC will get 75% of scratches and swirls while the Flex will get 90% - 95%. i'd assume the Flex will also get the paint 15-20% cleaner then the PC, giving you that better 'pop'.

it really depends on the result you are looking for and how much $150 is worth to you. for me, it came down to time and effort - why spend all that time (10 hrs for me), money on pads and products but use what i knew was a lesser machine? that didn't make sense to me.

[Former_Boosted_IS]

Originally Posted by haper

general consensus is a PC will get 75% of scratches and swirls while the Flex will get 90% - 95%. i'd assume the Flex will also get the paint 15-20% cleaner then the PC, giving you that better 'pop'.

it really depends on the result you are looking for and how much $150 is worth to you. for me, it came down to time and effort - why spend all that time (10 hrs for me), money on pads and products but use what i knew was a lesser machine? that didn't make sense to me.

How new is your car? I am extremely careful on how I treat my car. I only have tiny marks on my car. I have a little halographic swirling on my doors. None are not visible unless you are in direct sunlight and looking from the right angle. I just want that gone and I cannot decide on what is best for me. I doubt I will be detailing 10 year old cars either. I am having a lot of trouble deciding what is best for my needs.

[darkcloud]

Detailed Image all the way.

www.detailedimage.com

They sell a great starter package for both the PC and Flex. You really can't go wrong with either since you're just starting up.