HELP me - what am I doing wrong

[ashsarna]

I am using my DA polisher (Dewalt 443) with my flat Edge pads. During the compounding/polishing process, THe polisher would not turn /not turn as fast anymore (I was not putting pressure on it and it would still not turn ). Is it because the pads are `caking`. I was doing it in the sun and 55 degrees weather (using Optimum Compound, IP among others).



Also, when I moved to my LCVC pads towards the end of the process they flew of my DA. I would put it back on and it would fly off in seconds. Why would that happen?

Thanks all.

[metal]

Are you saying that it wouldn`t turn at all? I don`t think that`d be cus the pads were caking; what are the specs on that polisher? For the LCVC pads, maybe the velcro is worn down and not holding properly? Thats whats happened to a couple of my pads.

[Accumulator]

I`m not familiar with the Dewalt 443 but I`ll assume it`s very similar to the PC.



I`m also assuming that the 443 behaves the way you want it to (both of the "dual action" movements) when you start out and then quits rotating after you`ve been polishing for a while.



As the pads get more and more satuated with product they`ll get heavier, so *maybe* that`s what`s causing the lack of desired motion. If you`re using big pads it`ll compound the problem as most polishers *originally designed as sanders* are made to spin a single sheet of sandpaper, which weighs a *LOT* less than a big foam pad soaked with polish.



If the Dewalt is suitable for this kind of work, you might look into a smaller backing plate and some smaller pads.



The pads flying off is a velcro issue, either with the stuff on the back of the pad or the stuff on the backing plate. If other pads fly off too it`s the backing plate, if only that one LCVC one does it`s that pad. Whichever is causing the problem needs replaced.

[ashsarna]

Thanks guys,

A clarification - initially the 443 (similar to the pc) would rotate and `jiggle`. At higher speeds the rotation and `jiggle` would obviously be increased. However, after maybe a minute the rotation would stop, the `jiggle` would continue. Intermitently the rotation would come back at a much slower pace (when I either swirt some qd). Even if I srub the pad, this scenario would continue :( . I even held the DA in the air and still would not see the rotation.



Secondly, yes it was the LCVC pads that had the issue. Thanks on thst tip Accumulator.

[Accumulator]

Ah, the old "it just jiggles" issue :think2



That *is* a matter of just overloading the machine`s ability to do the rotation. Get a smaller backing plate and some 4" pads and it will do both motions (if it`s anything like the PC, which I`d sure expect).



Note that this is the basic shortcoming of using a "sander/polisher" for the auto detailing application and one of the advantages of a purpose-built polisher like the Cyclo.

[Eliot Ness]

I wonder if your 443 has a motor problem. The Dewalt is supposed to have a heavier motor than the PC and not as prone to bogging down:



http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=49723



You might want to PM turbomangt, he has had one for a while and really seems to like it.




Get a smaller backing plate and some 4" pads and it will do both motions (if it`s anything like the PC, which I`d sure expect).I don`t think that is possible with the 443..... the BP is attached with screws and I don`t recall anyone offering a different size BP for it.... except for the custom made 5" BP (http://autopia.org/forum/showpost.php?p=570470&postcount=16) the member from Malaysia found.

[ashsarna]

Thanks all,

I took the advice and pm several 443 users. So far it seems that this is similar to their experience. However, since I have a Dewalt repair shop locally, I gave my 443 to get checked (its still under warranty :o ).

[Accumulator]

That sounds like a good idea. Let us know what the shop tells you.