UDM thoughts from a normal guy....Dissapointed - Page 2

DavidB · 07-18-07, 09:31

WilliamHBonney... Thank you for your feedback. IMHO, there is no such thing an an invalid comment. Your perception is valid for you. Still, I would like to reply with a bit of my own information and feedback.

First, this machine is sensitive to the backing plate weight. I believe I was very forward about this issue in the notes I have posted in this forum. I'm not happy with the situation, and that's why I'm putting in long hours to develop not just a fix, but a better system. Because of this situation, I have a much better understanding of the physics of this tool. The final result will be a much better polisher. You will have an opportunity to upgrade.

Next, my original theory that a larger pad on a DA was better was flawed. I have learned through my experience with spot pads that a smaller pad on a DA is what is needed to remove flaws. A larger pad works well for pre-wax polishing and waxing. That's why I changed our DAS pads. If you look at the new DAS pad line, they are smaller, starting at 5.5" (ScratchBuster).

When the average car enthusiast is doing paint correction, they are not whipping around with a rotary trying to crank it out and get to the next job, they are dojng the job with care. So, 4.75" backing plate provided with the UDM is what I felt was the best size for 90% of the people who will use it. I could have easily selected a very cheap 6" backing plate made in China that would be the same weight as the quality backing plate provided. I was not willing to compromise backing plate quality.

In regards to our marketing, we're not marketing to people who fear a rotary; I truly believe this is a better way to polish for all but 10% of paint problems. Most pros I know polish with a rotary because it is faster, but they always make a final pass with their PC. With the UDM, proper pads, polish and technique, the rotary is rarely needed. I can polish a badly swirled car end-to-end with the UDM in about an hour.

Now, as to your dream, I have developed a head design that turns the UDM into a rotary. We'll see how fast I can get it through the patent process and I will show the design.

SpoiledMan · 07-18-07, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

Now, as to your dream, I have developed a head design that turns the UDM into a rotary. We'll see how fast I can get it through the patent process and I will show the design.

You did WHAT????? Oh wow! Can you give a RPM range for it??

SuperBee364 · 07-18-07, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamHBonney

Well, I think that the intent of the marketing is to market it to those who may have a fear about the rotary and this is a medium between the rotary and the PC. Benefits over the rotary are lighter less chance to do damage. With the flick of a switch you can burn paint with the rotary but I dont see how you could with the UDM. Ive already tried and although I was unwilling to let it go more than 60 seconds in one spot on my car, it did no visible damage. I wish that I would have gotten the Hitachi rotary as I have the Porter Cable rotary and its just too bulky to use on vert panels.

I hear ya, brother... I hear ya.

On the bright side, though, I can now curl a Yugo.

WilliamHBonney · 07-18-07, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

WilliamHBonney... Thank you for your feedback. IMHO, there is no such thing an an invalid comment. Your perception is valid for you. Still, I would like to reply with a bit of my own information and feedback.

First, this machine is sensitive to the backing plate weight. I believe I was very forward about this issue in the notes I have posted in this forum. I'm not happy with the situation, and that's why I'm putting in long hours to develop not just a fix, but a better system. Because of this situation, I have a much better understanding of the physics of this tool. The final result will be a much better polisher. You will have an opportunity to upgrade.

Next, my original theory that a larger pad on a DA was better was flawed. I have learned through my experience with spot pads that a smaller pad on a DA is what is needed to remove flaws. A larger pad works well for pre-wax polishing and waxing. That's why I changed our DAS pads. If you look at the new DAS pad line, they are smaller, starting at 5.5" (ScratchBuster).

When the average car enthusiast is doing paint correction, they are not whipping around with a rotary trying to crank it out and get to the next job, they are dojng the job with care. So, 4.75" backing plate provided with the UDM is what I felt was the best size for 90% of the people who will use it. I could have easily selected a very cheap 6" backing plate made in China that would be the same weight as the quality backing plate provided. I was not willing to compromise backing plate quality.

In regards to our marketing, we're not marketing to people who fear a rotary; I truly believe this is a better way to polish for all but 10% of paint problems. Most pros I know polish with a rotary because it is faster, but they always make a final pass with their PC. With the UDM, proper pads, polish and technique, the rotary is rarely needed. I can polish a badly swirled car end-to-end with the UDM in about an hour.

Now, as to your dream, I have developed a head design that turns the UDM into a rotary. We'll see how fast I can get it through the patent process and I will show the design.

Man would I love to stand and watch that!!!

DavidB · 07-19-07, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamHBonney

Man would I love to stand and watch that!!!

I demonstrated it at my last clinic. I buffed out a badly oxidized, swirled and scratched 911 in about 90 minutes (while talking) and a student buffed out his swirled TransAm in an hour while the rest of the class watched.

ADHD · 07-19-07, 08:49

WOW!! cool so should i buy a model know or wait for version 2.0??

Jakerooni · 07-19-07, 09:35

If you make the UDM able to switch to a rotary you have my full attention. And I don't like to think I'm some sort of shill that "whips through with a rotary to get to the next job" I fully feel I can get a proper finish on anything I've come across with a rotary. Always have been able because that's how I was properly taught. But rest assured QUALITY is what I'm after. never quanity.

DavidB · 07-19-07, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakerooni

If you make the UDM able to switch to a rotary you have my full attention. And I don't like to think I'm some sort of shill that "whips through with a rotary to get to the next job" I fully feel I can get a proper finish on anything I've come across with a rotary. Always have been able because that's how I was properly taught. But rest assured QUALITY is what I'm after. never quanity.

I said I'll show it... didn't say I'd build it.

Long term I will put the ability into a new polisher, but not the current platform. The 2,500 to 6,000 RPM range is way too high. Talk about swirls and paint burns!

I will show it after I build 2-3 safe prototypes because I'd like to get feedback on the design. It will require an allen wrench to make the switch. This might be okay for the home user, but might turn off Pros.

db

WilliamHBonney · 07-19-07, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

I demonstrated it at my last clinic. I buffed out a badly oxidized, swirled and scratched 911 in about 90 minutes (while talking) and a student buffed out his swirled TransAm in an hour while the rest of the class watched.

Well get me a plane ticket from MN to CA, you can write it off on your taxes! I would have not problem flying out for a clinic if I had not just gotten married.

SpoiledMan · 07-19-07, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

I said I'll show it... didn't say I'd build it.

Long term I will put the ability into a new polisher, but not the current platform. The 2,500 to 6,000 RPM range is way too high. Talk about swirls and paint burns!

I will show it after I build 2-3 safe prototypes because I'd like to get feedback on the design. It will require an allen wrench to make the switch. This might be okay for the home user, but might turn off Pros.

db

You just let me know when there's a working prototype.

TortoiseAWD · 07-19-07, 11:02

DB will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe he has said he'll travel to any location for a UDM/Ultima clinic given enough committed attendees. I don't recall the number (seems it was around 30?). If you do the legwork in your area to get an audience together, you might get the UDM clinic to fly to you . . .

Tort

ADHD · 07-19-07, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

The final result will be a much better polisher. You will have an opportunity to upgrade.

Guess i shouldve directed my question straight to You DAVIDB!

I was looking into getting a UDM but after this post u say u are making a version 2.0??

When will this new version of the UDM be released?? How will we be able to upgrade and how much will it cost??

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

I said I'll show it... didn't say I'd build it.
I will show it after I build 2-3 safe prototypes because I'd like to get feedback on the design. It will require an allen wrench to make the switch. This might be okay for the home user, but might turn off Pros.

db

PLEASE POST DIY ASAP!!!