Buffer or Polisher Usage.

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Egleone6

New member
I am wanting to know, of the many on here that do not have a business or detail others. How many of you have a PC or UDM or a Rotary. I am just deciding on if I want to spend that much money on something I am going to only do 1 or 2 times a year.



So how often do you use your polisher/buffer without profit I guess.
 
I just bought a UDM, used it on my daily driver, works great. Then my project car has been wetsanded, worked on it w/ the UDM and discovered that it would take a long time to get right so I bought a Makita rotary. Just tried that this weekend and man its a hole different ballgame, cuts like a dream. I dont plan on using them much at all, but may help a few friends out ect...Also I like cars as a hobby and know many others also and may help them for a little $$



Was it worth it, ??maybe not after all the $$$ for products/pads ect.., but I'm the type of person that likes to learn to do things myself, rebuilt my car from the ground up, highly modified, by myself w/ little help from others.



Put it this way, heres an example: I was going to pay to have someone rebuild my auto trans in my project car, thought about it hard and long. I figure that it will be the 1st thing to fail even professionally built because it was only made to support 180ft/lbs and I'm going to push 3 times that through it w/ slicks. I decied to research it and do it myself. This way if it fails then I will not be n the same situation again, I will be able to fix it myself. So far it works great have no probs w/ it, haven't turned it up all the way yet(its on low boost till next year).



Same w/ a PC, UDM, if you pay someone to detail your car how much is that going to cost??, then figure if later you have a few scratches and pay again. The way I figure it you may as well give it a shot. Its your money in the end.
 
2 completely different Monsters, Dual Action Polishers can take out a lot of deffects when used properly and patiently, but they are not going to do what a rotary can. Although some may differ, I think you can finish with either I have seen great results of DA in the right hands, but a rotary creates more heat, letting the compounds and polishes do there job more efficiently. If just starting off Buy a good DA and find a used Rotary to practice with. Check the trading post areas
 
I guess I am just worried that if I invest in this, I will only use it a few times I own it. That and I may screw up my paint trying to fix it.



I did ask my Auto body guy if I could practice and get some used parts to practice on, he said take what you want. So that might be a good thing to learn on.
 
Get a PC/UDM (just man up and do it)

spend some here reading and understanding and you will not screw up your paint!



if after a year or so you think it was not a good idea

you can sell it here and get most/ all of you $ back



if you got a rotary the practace panels are a great idea

because there is a large learning curve with it

but the PC/UDM is very user freindly and I don't think the panels are needed
 
I only detail my own car and 1-2 others (family) I started with the PC then for the hell of it (1 year later) I bought a rotary just to see what it was like. I can tell you that if you keep your cars in semi decent condition you will very very very rarely find a need for the rotary.



I like using the rotary, it's fast it's powerful but it's usually just too much machine given the condition I keep my paint in. I give my cars a complete once over (swirl remove, polish, wax) about once every 3-4 months so the need for the rotary is very rare. Truthfully the PC has been able to (with the right products) do some amazing paint corrections.



One tip is that if you ever find the need to use a rotary they can usually be rented at equipment rental type places. So if it's a one time deal that might make more financial sense.



So....my recommendation is stick with the PC: cheaper, more versatile, easy to use, and not as heavy lol.





good luck
 
I have a PC and it is the best purchase that i have made for my car. I also use it for sanding wood projects. and scrubing the shower.
 
I have only had the UDM since June. I did the two family cars, and already consider it to have been worthwhile. The cars look great, and I really enjoyed getting them into shape. I'm not usually one to spend money without needing to. But every once in a while, it's cool to just buy a toy. In this case, it is a toy that also saves money versus paying for a professional detailing.



Comparing the UDM with a PC, the clear concensus at our local Autopian gathering was that the UDM was more powerful and smoother. Clearest difference is that the PC bogs down with pressure, and the UDM powers through.
 
Egleone6 said:
1.) I guess I am just worried that if I invest in this, I will only use it a few times I own it.

2.) That and I may screw up my paint trying to fix it.
Click to expand...



1.) Why worry.....?

Think how much having this done by someone else whould end up costing. A PC will pay for itself very quickly.....



2.) You'll be just fine with a PC. A great place to start btw......





Good luck......:xyxthumbs
 
Yeah, just get it. Easy for me to spend somebody else's money, but still...



I hardly ever do any correction on our vehicles, but I still wouldn't be without any of my polishers (two PCs, two Cyclos, two rotaries). I sometimes tell people to try 1Z polishes by hand, but overall IMO this is a case of simply doing the job the right way.



It's like having a full set of wrenches or other tools...if you're gonna do your own work you might as well have the right equipment.



And no, you don't need to practice on scrap panels or beater cars. Might be a good idea with the rotary, but I just don't see it with the PC/Cyclo/UDM as long as you think about what you're doing.
 
Just another opinion - but, the brushes that fit the Cyclo polisher also fit the PC/UDM. I don't know about you, but, after using a brush on my PC, I'll NEVER scrub carpet by hand again!
 
I think I will get it. Can't leave with it.



Thanks guys. I try to keep my car in good condition, so rotary is really overkill.
 
yeah i did my poorly cared for daily drive w/ the UDM(just got it). Man it brought back the deepness/gloss/shine. I believe it was worth it, most wont need a rotary for personal use if your cars have been cared for. I just needed a lil more because I wetsanded my car and was taking forever w/ the UDM.

I just got a carpet brush also but have yet to try it.
 
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