New member with Cyclo, PC, & Hitachi SP18VA

[CrashNburn]

Greetings all!!

Just getting into the scene & bought all three Machines. I have yet to use the cyclo, & the Hitachi is not here yet.

I wanted to know the best backing plate & pads to use with the Hitachi. (Web address also please)
Also what products would you stock for use with all three machines? I have a bunch already but nothing from Megs yet or other products I see on this site. I want to be prepared for any defected paint problem that comes my way. I have LC pads for the Cyclo, (Yellow, Green, Blue & white) I have Orange, blue, & green for the PC that comes with the kit from Autopia .. I think that is where I got it.

I know this is a broad question but, what compounds/polishes would you have on hand to fix heavy scratches, swirls and oxidized paint. I can work the PC like the best of them, I never used the cyclo yet or, a rotary for that matter. I will be doing plenty of practice with both before I take on another’s car.

So bottom line, what pads & backing plate for Hitachi. And what polish/compounds should be in my line-up. Thanks in advance

[Neothin]

your LC pads will work on the rotary also... I had LC pads, but decent to get Propel pads from exceldetail hwen i got the rotary (just for the hell of it really, my LC pads were fine, i just wanted something new). I got the original propels and a 6" backing plate. 2 greys, 2 blues, 2 greens, 1 orange, and 1 yellow. This pad setup will let me tackle anything i come up against (well, unless wool is needed, but im not going there yet).

I liked the optimum polish lineup on the PC, and i've heard it works even better on the rotary.

[gtbaka]

I'm new here too. I was enthused with finding such a great wealth of information. For the past couple of weeks I've been unable to sleep looking up stuff and ordering away as I'm getting into the Detailing scene myself. I've learned so much here just lurking the past couple of days. Amazing forum.

Anyway, I've got a new PC and a bunch of Hi-Temp product. I'm like a kid waiting for my new toy in the mail. UPS says that tomorrow I should be receiving my Metabo Rotary. I am freaking dying here as a mere day feels like an eternity.

The backing plate that I got was the universal flex one from Top Of The Line

http://www.topoftheline.com/polisher-back-plate.html

It has an adapter that will make it fit a PC or any 5/8" Rotary. I tried fitting it on my craftsman Polisher but apparently the Craftsman's thread is 1/2". Boo. I think I'll just use this thing for sanding.

The Hi-Temp polishing products I got were everything except for the compound. That's the Extreme Cut Leveler, Heavy Cut Leveler, Medium Cut Leveler, and Light Cut Polish. I don't know if I'm ready to use the most aggressive stuff yet.

But come this weekend

[3Dog]

Extreme Cut Leveler is the most aggressive compound I have used. Be extremely careful with it until you get a good feel for your Metabo.

[gtbaka]

Originally Posted by 3Dog

Extreme Cut Leveler is the most aggressive compound I have used. Be extremely careful with it until you get a good feel for your Metabo.

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

I was looking at top of the line's website and they say the compound can take out 600 grit scratches whereas the Extreme Cut Leveler takes out 800 grit. I assumed their compound was more harsh. But I'll heed your advice for both anyway.

[3Dog]

I wasnt aware that had something above Extreme..but then again they have ALOT of products.
I used Extreme Cut to remove scratches from where a ladder came off the rack and slid across the roof and hood.

[gtbaka]

I'd imagine pretty bad scratches from something like that. If that's the case, maybe I won't need the compound unless something really drastic comes up.

[wannafbody]

Originally Posted by gtbaka

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

I was looking at top of the line's website and they say the compound can take out 600 grit scratches whereas the Extreme Cut Leveler takes out 800 grit. I assumed their compound was more harsh. But I'll heed your advice for both anyway.

Personally if i had to use something that aggressive to remove scratches I'd just as well live with them-I wouldn't be comfortable using someting that aggressive. Wouldn't that remove a lot of clear coat?

[CrashNburn]

Thanks for the help guys. I been reading and reading .. Just bought 425.00 in goodies at Top of the line. Been going a bit crazy I have a nice setup thus far ....
Here is the invoice from my order. I already have tons of other products. (Zaino, P21s, Klasse etc.)

Universal Flex Pad Holder #TL-BP46230 (5/8 in 1 19.95
Optimum Compound #OPT-COM32 (32 oz 1 12.95
Optimum Car Polish #OPT-CP32 (32 oz 1 12.95
Intensive Polish: 32 oz. #MEN-IP32 (32 oz 1 23.95
Finishing Touch Glaze: 32 #MEN-FTG32 (32 oz 1 21.95
oz.
Final Polish ll: 32 oz. #MEN-FPII32 (32 oz 1 24.95
Menzerna Power Gloss #MEN-PG32 (32 oz 1 23.95
Menzerna FMJ Kit #MEN-FMJ16 1 39.95
Pinnacle Souveran Wax #PIN-311 (8 oz 1 69.95
7.5" Pad Sample Selection #TL-PAD-DF7S (6 pads 1 53.70
Heavy Cut Leveler: 1 #HT-357G (1 gal 1 26.95
Gallon
Medium Cut Leveler: 1 #HT-300G (1 gal 1 24.95
Gallon
Light Cut Polish: 1 #HT-61G (1 gal 1 24.95
Gallon
Five Assorted Swabs: Six #TL-714600-6 (6 pkgs 1 10.00
Packages of 5
Black Again Rubber Renew #RI-BA8 2 6.95
Tire Cleaner: 1 Gallon #HT-1G (1 gal 1 15.95
303 Spot Remover #303-303551 (32 oz 1 6.95
Subtotal 427.90
Shipping 33.46
Total 461.36
No Megs stuff yet other then some NTX stuff.
Any other Recommendations? .. Thanks again

[gtbaka]

Crap that's a bunch of stuff. But then again, I basically did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. I want to get the Optimum and Menzerna stuff though.

Anyway. Look what I got.

[CrashNburn]

Originally Posted by gtbaka

Crap that's a bunch of stuff. But then again, I basically did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. I want to get the Optimum and Menzerna stuff though.

Anyway. Look what I got.

Very nice ... if you're gunna be a bear .. Be a Grizzly

[3Dog]

Originally Posted by gtbaka

I'd imagine pretty bad scratches from something like that. If that's the case, maybe I won't need the compound unless something really drastic comes up.

Seemed pretty bad...the installer was in a panic.