How would you go about this? Rotary and body lines

evolutionwc3 · 10-16-07, 07:44

First, let me say that this site is incredible. I've been lurking for a while and have learned so much- I like how everybody is so helpful- very soon I hope to be contributing on a regular basis. I've been out of detailing scene for several years (school) and I'm looking to get back into it. I used to be pretty good with the rotary (my dad had the black and decker which I think preceeded the DeWalt?) but having not used one for so long I am little nervous. Anyway, I am going to practice and practice on my DD Cherokee and several other beaters before becoming comfortable again and want to know how everybody tackles rotary work around sharp body lines? My first inclination is to tape them and err on the conservative side, but part of me thinks I'm over-reacting. Details are: Makita 927, SIP, and CCS orange on an '01 Cherokee with 92K on it- arrows show the points of interest. Thanks in advance.

Ticman2 · 10-17-07, 12:31

I would use a four inch pad on the door between the body line and window just to keep the pad fairly flat or at least a shallow angle.

For the hood I would tape off the space between the hood and fender and use a 6.5 pad there. Be sure to polish "off" the edges not "on" to them. (I hope that makes sense)

Last but not least (for me) I would slow down to 600 on my Mikita to work around those edges so there's less chance of a mistake. Takes a little longer but much safer.

Tic

themightytimmah · 10-17-07, 01:25

I usually just do the edges at 1200 instead of 1500, and try to use a soft touch. While you're learning, though, it's probably good to tape them.

SpoiledMan · 10-17-07, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by themightytimmah

I usually just do the edges at 1200 instead of 1500, and try to use a soft touch. While you're learning, though, it's probably good to tape them.

That's my take as well.

Grouse · 10-17-07, 05:36

You can also use a slow pass polish and put less stress on yourself.

I would recommend 1z HGP.

SVR · 10-18-07, 01:46

I'd attack that pretty much same as ticman's way
You can angle a 4 inch pad and polish that sharp line on the door, I do it all the time
Some guys I know use the bevelled edge of an edge foam pad to buff them.