HI GUYS & gals DAVE from NewZealand

[laserracer]

hamilton stay away from franchises just my opinion others may disagree the biggest dis advantage of franchises is you are always paying them money that could be in your bank account the problem is most car owners dont know what swirl marks are so your market is confined to car buffs car clubs and people that really like there cars to look the part
if buying a generator 6 kva or more honda are the best you dont need a big vehical
all my stuff fits in a honda odyssey thats genie, 200litre watertank , vac, waterblaster,etc

[SVR]

I'm stationary in an 850 sq metre facility.

[TonyFromOz]

Mark.

Originally Posted by markathome

As I'm a novice it seems best for me to start with a Porter-Cable and not a rotary. Where do I get one from in NZ? Import like everyone around the world? Is there an alternative to PC?

The Porter Cable is undoubtedly a fine tool for the work involved in detailing.
The minor problem that a lot of people from Australia, and in your case New Zealand, have is that the supply of electrical power is different.

My background is an Aircraft Electrical Trades Technician in the Royal Australian Air Force, where I served for 25 years, the last 6 years teaching the electrical trade.

So when Australians see our American friends having so much success with the PC, the idea immediately springs to mind about getting one of them. Reluctant as I am to caution against it, I do think you should be aware of some of the other requirements and some of the other things that are not readily (or easily for that fact) understood.

True, you may be able to obtain a PC, but unlike other Companies who do make tools that can be used for this application, the PC is only made in the US specifically for US usage. Hence the tool works on the American Power supply of 115 Volts and 60 Hz.

So having paid for the PC, you now also have to purchase a transformer power unit to step down the voltage from your 230/240 in NZ to the PC's 115. In doing so, the current is stepped up by the same proportion.
No problem there, as it's just Power in equals Power out. The problem lies in the frequency of that delivered power. In the US, it is 60 Hz, and in NZ, it's only 50 Hz. This might seem negligible surely, and will make little difference you might think. Not so.
The tool now runs just that little bit slower, and you may think that this is also of little consequence, but you will read here on this Forum that you run the PC on a certain speed with a certain coloured pad to achieve a certain result. As the tool now runs slower, those marks are different, and the results achieved may differ.

So, in the long run, cruise forums that will recommend a tool specific to your power requirements, and in nearly every case, you should be able to obtain the correct tool for a lot cheaper, and with less hassle than the PC which is absolutely ideal for use in the US, but not in Countries where the power is not the same.

See how it's not easy to explain. To that end, I hope I have shown you some of the differences.

Sorry to take so much space.

Tony.

[markathome]

Cheers Tony, I just need to find whats ideal for NZ.
BTW I'm ex Avionics, RAF for nearly 26 years.

[SVR]

I've got a PC but it was a free gift. The voltage adaptor/plug adaptor costs 150, industrial one is 300 but I have all the backing plates and pads for it
I'll be using it sparingly

Mate go get a rotary, if you don't start practicing with it, you'll never master it
I went from hand to a rotary and with no formal training, just read threads on here and practiced.

[markathome]

Whats a good value, lightweight, easy to use rotary? And best place/cost to purchase.

[SVR]

Makita's not the lightest but around $340 to 390
I got mine three years ago from gasweld for 360.

metabo is I believe lighter again and goes from 700 to 3000 rpm but deerer
Don't get a de walt. damn heavy and noisy

[adamkerrnz]

Hey guys,

Adam here checking in from Auckland, NZ.

Great to see other locals around

[laserracer]

hi adam welcome aboard are you a car valet here in nz ??
cheers dave

[adamkerrnz]

Unfortunately not hehe

I'm an 18yo student just finishing 7th form in Auckland. I have been really keen on finding a holiday job with a valet company. I'd enjoy it a lot more than working at the warehouse thats for sure. I found there is also an automotive refinishing training center in east tamaki, Might give them a call sometime and find out when they are running courses for machine work etc. I really want to get into machine polishing

At the moment I am building up my collection of products/accessories for use on my own (toyota echo) and family/friends cars (for a small fee ) I just found L.J. Smits here in wairau park stock meguiars professional products although they are probably overpriced and meguiars may not be the best its working for me at the moment

Hopefully I will be importing a UDM for christmas, along with some sonus polishes and pads

[steelwind101]

Hello Guys,

I cant see why Meguiars G110 or UDM wont be avalible AUS or NZ, they are making 240V versions for the UK. I would assume, at some point in 2008 you could purchase one there, or even get a UK one and change the plug?!

Hello Tony, i read your posts on Mothers!

Geoff

[adamkerrnz]

I've been looking but cant find a 240v UDM anywhere?

Laseracer: What MF towels do you use? I have just been collecting the Kenco ones (can get them in 6 packs from kmart) but wandering if there are better ones available locally?