geofff Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 Hi, Right......I'm getting bored of the karate kid wax on wax off bit so thought I'd look for a power tool..... What d'ya reckon to one of these? I'm going to use it for polishing me ali panels up. I don't like the idea of painting them all black which was the other option. Ta Geoff Quote
JeffC Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 imho... crap. have tried one once that had been left in a car , more power in your arm. Quote
geofff Posted February 7, 2006 Author Posted February 7, 2006 hmmmm....okay. What do you reckon to air driven ones - Machine Mart? I don't actually mind the work out on the arms just takes too much time. I've got a list of jobs to do on the car............ Ta Geoff Quote
JeffC Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 yes that will be better, but in my experience they take a fair bit of wind to run them, it says 5cfm , but I reckon it will use more to run at any speed ~ i use a 6 speed version of this for machine polishing bodywork .. try again not cams but a buffer! Quote
gadrego Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 I've had good results with one of these. Garrflex Quote
adhawkins Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 i use a 6 speed version of this for machine polishing bodywork .. here. That's a link to a set of cams for sale on here... Andy Quote
Ian Podmore Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 i use a 6 speed version of this for machine polishing bodywork .. here. That's a link to a set of cams for sale on here... Andy Not for me, link seems OK Quote
adhawkins Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 The link in JeffC's post, not the one in gadrego's post? Andy Quote
geofff Posted February 7, 2006 Author Posted February 7, 2006 Hi, Actually am I using the right material then? I've been using Autoglym metal polish. On the dulled ali panels it comes up a treat but it's the oil / petrol / hydraulic fluid / mud foot area and engine bay (fully floored) that are taking the time. Ta Geoff Quote
tex Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 Hi, Actually am I using the right material then? I've been using Autoglym metal polish. On the dulled ali panels it comes up a treat but it's the oil / petrol / hydraulic fluid / mud foot area and engine bay (fully floored) that are taking the time. Ta Geoff try using some fine wet and dry first - go steady mind - in straight lines - and make sure its fine - then use autosol - it will work Terry (King of Bling) Quote
smithydar Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 dont know what theyre like but theres lots of polishers on e,bay in the garage equipment section.some for about 30 quid.. it may be of some use. darren Quote
stu999 Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 Geoff, I've tried pretty much everything when it comes to polishing aluminium panels. And believe me, sadly there aint no substitute for elbow grease! I actually use a polishing machine on my car, like the one in your first post. It gives the best results of any machine I have used yet. Sadly, I tend to get through one polishing machine per session! I would strongly advise against purely rotary polishers, especially air driven ones (again, I have tried air and electric). They tend to 'burn' the ali, making it a worse mess than before. Slightly worried about Gadrego's offering... Maybe as a start point, but not for a shine... As Tex says, it it is *really* scuffed, scratched etc, use wet and dry paper. According to how bad it is, start with 800 grit (bad), and work up to 1200, or even 1500. Cutting paste also make a good 'clean up' polish. Halfrauds own brand cutting paste seems to work well. Then get the Autosol out. it is one of the best all-rounders I have tried. Apply it using the machine, or in hard to reach corners etc, by hand with a cotton cloth (this is important too, as the wrong choice of cloth will scratch the ali). Wipe residue off with a cotton duster dipped in flour. Yes really! The flour lifts the black scum off with ease, and the cloth itself will last for hours, even though it will look terrible. This tip will save you hours alone... if you *really* want a deep shine, Alu Belgom rocks. Again, polish scum off with flour, and make sure you are wearing your sunglasses Quote
gadrego Posted February 7, 2006 Posted February 7, 2006 Slightly worried about Gadrego's offering... Maybe as a start point, but not for a shine... You're right, its a good start point to give the panels a decent clean up. Its left mine pretty shiny though but does leave a visible "grain" so I've been careful to only rub one way. Its pretty, good for what I wanted, but if you're a mirror man, you probably need a decent polish as well. Quote
geofff Posted February 8, 2006 Author Posted February 8, 2006 Thanks everyone. Not really scuffed or scratched just badly discoloured in places so I will use elbow grease / autosol and the cotton duster dipped in flour tip from stu999 The money I save on the polisher I'll put towards some other bling Ta Geoff Quote
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