How long does it take you guys to polish a car with a DA machine?

prince_ramses · 05-24-05, 05:30

Hello all,

I just used my DA machine together with Speed Glaze for the first time last weekend. It took my approximately 8 hours to do the entire car (5 series BMW). I was following the instructions on the meguiars website on how to use the DA machine.

By the time i broke down the panels into several smaller section, with around 3 minutes per section and resting in between, i spent the whole day on the car. Am i doing something wrong? It does not seem to be as easy as most of you guys have described.

Also, the vibration on the DA is quite severe. I've almost got blisters just holding on to the DA machine for the whole day. Is that right, or is there something wrong with my machine?

Would greatly appreciate some feedback.

Thank you

Prince

scottabir · 05-24-05, 06:18

In reverse order: Yes the vibration can be a killer. I am assuming you are using the PC, which kills my wrists after a while using it.
No you are not doing anything wrong...it takes time to get faster at polishing. Maybe fewer breaks in between sections

just kidding.

Alfisti · 05-24-05, 06:28

You shouldn't get serious vibrations with a PC. To me it feels like a gentle electric massage.

Are you using the side handle or holding the head?

scottabir · 05-24-05, 06:30

Both ways I get serious vibrations through the machine...

Alfisti · 05-24-05, 06:36

At what speed do you feel the vibes get serious? Which pads do you use?

I have the Megs branded PC...I'm not sure which counterweight it comes with.

White95Max · 05-24-05, 06:38

A typical midsize car takes me about 1.5 - 2 hrs. It all depends on the condition of the car though. Sometimes you need to make more than one pass.

scottabir · 05-24-05, 06:46

I used to use it on speed 5-6...with pads from all sorts of vendors, it still is the same. It is the 7336 model with the correct counterweight. I dont mind at all really anymore though...the rotary and cyclo replace the pc

The PC is really now only used for cleaning carpets in minivans and suvs.

vdog0531 · 05-24-05, 07:26

i would say it takes me about twice as long with pc that with my rotary

. but really, one polishing phaze with my pc took me about 3 to 3.5 hours on a bigger sedan like yours.

Vernon

stevet · 05-24-05, 07:33

It can easily take me several days to polish out a car with the PC. I break it down into sections now because it takes so long. I will do the hood one day than the roof etc. I don't see how people are doing entire vehicles in 3 hrs. I have spent that on a hood alone.

As for the vibration, I use a 6 inch counter weight and 5 inch backing plate and 6 - 6 1/2 inch pads. Of all the combos I have tried this produces the least vibration. Also hold the PC by the head not the handle this really cuts down on the vibration. I can polish a car all day on 6 and feel no discomfort.

Alfisti · 05-24-05, 07:58

Quote:

I can polish a car all day on 6 and feel no discomfort.

Same here.

scottabir · 05-24-05, 08:04

Quote:

As for the vibration, I use a 6 inch counter weight and 5 inch backing plate and 6 - 6 1/2 inch pads. Of all the combos I have tried this produces the least vibration. Also hold the PC by the head not the handle this really cuts down on the vibration. I can polish a car all day on 6 and feel no discomfort.

I used the same set-up...holding onto the head or the handle produced the same results. dunno.

prince_ramses · 05-24-05, 08:34

Hello guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

I bought the PC from autopia, so i'm not sure which counter weight was provided with the machine. I tried using the handle and holding directly on the head, the change in vibration was minimal.

Yes, i'm surprised to read how some of you guys can finish a car in 1.5 to 2hrs. I spend like 3 minutes in one section(ex: i break down a door panel into 3 sections). Am i spending to much time in one section. I'm using Meguiars Speed Glaze. I'm afraid if i don't spend enough time polishing, the diminishing abbrasives will not breakdown and will leave some micro-marring.