a few tips:

1. use a random orbital machine
2. start with your beater car- do it first to learn on
3. with any polish, you gotta work the product (not just apply and remove like waxes)
4. always use the least abrasive product that is likely to work on the surface you are working- swirl removers are the least aggressive of the polishes and that is where you should begin when learning how to polish
5. keep the machine speed low until you get more comfortable with it
6. dont lean into the machine- let it do the work
7. for the details check these out:

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=15

and about random and fixed machines:

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=24

 

A rotary buffer will give you better results than an orbital, the only caveat being the orbital is safer for the novice to use. I have no experience with them myself, I'm of the orbital persuasion, but if you have some practice and are confident in using one, I'd say go for it. You'll probably end up getting better results in less time than with an orbital. All the body shops have been able to make the paint on my various cars look like GLASS when they were done. I've never been able to duplicate that to this day, no matter what polish or machine I use.

One of my close friends/coworkers used to run a detailing business, and I've seen him in action with a DeWalt. It is a sight to behold. I'll ask him what his tips are when I get to work today. I should have something tonight. I do know he's a BIG fan of the Ardex line of products. More to follow....

C

P.S. - He also said he's burned through more than one hood learning how to use the buffer correctly! Just be careful!!

 

ok. i am buying the PC and using the dewalt for extreme measures only. I will probably go through pakshak first because i can call up Ranney and meet him somewhere. If you guys have products you reccomend for the cars i have listed on the top of the post please tell me the products and the website you can get them from. For the pads i plan on getting these http://store.pakshak.com/lake-country-vari...ntact-pads.html. Is there a really a difference between the regular pads and the HI-gloss pads? if there is i want to get the better one. I might want to try the 3m swirl remover that wanabe uses for the S, since his car is perfect . hmm... Also i would like to purchase a different wax/sealant products because i dont want to zaino all those cars, except my berlina . would the next best be Klasse AIO/SG combo? thanks alot!


-Steven