Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
I`m a wax lover and my preferred machine is an 8mm with a 3.5" pad.
I keep an old model Torx10 just for waxing. It`s length and thin body coupled with the handle at the cord having a nice lip, where I tend to hold it while waxing.
The 3.5" pad I give it a quick spin inside the wax tub, then apply. My preferred pad would be a red LC Force, for the thickness and beveled sides (fat Bob )
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Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
Originally Posted by Mary B
I`m a wax lover and my preferred machine is an 8mm with a 3.5" pad.
I use a polisher with a 8mm throw as well, but I still run a 5.5" pad. Once I got my Griots G15, my old Harbor Freight polisher was demoted to things like sealant application. With the 5.5" pad on speed 2~3 I can apply to most vehicles pretty quickly.
Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
Originally Posted by Desertnate
I use a polisher with a 8mm throw as well, but I still run a 5.5" pad. Once I got my Griots G15, my old Harbor Freight polisher was demoted to things like sealant application. With the 5.5" pad on speed 2~3 I can apply to most vehicles pretty quickly.
Yep... 5.5 is very nice too, for hoods, roofs, door panels. Some of my wax tubs have a wider opening to spin the pad.
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Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
I have a Porter-Cable DA and I use a LC 4" black "Force" pad or the blue "Fine Finishing" pad for wax application. I use paste wax and apply it with a butter knife to the pad to get s[read evenly and thinnly. I "dislike" taking out on my finger and speeading it that way, but the heat from my hand does make it easier to spread, but it wastes time and is a mess to wipe of my fingers.
Now is it worth doing it by a DA over by hand. THat depends on the wax and how tired I am. It sure is a more even distribution by a DA machine (no missed spots) BUT getting into certain places STILL requires hand application (Like under rear spoilers/wings, door handle cups/recesses, louvers, etc.)
GB detailer
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Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
When I LSP by machine, I like to spritz on a tiny bit of a *compatible* leaves-stuff-behind QD in a kinda "pseudo-spitshine" manner. DO NOT overwork the application lest it bite ya If..I mean "when" ...you get it right it can result in the tiniest/most spherical beads that LSP ever delivered (at least that`s been my experience).
Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
Years back I switched ALL the backing plates to 5" and have not looked back.
This includes my Rupes 21`s but obviously not my 3" and iBrid machines.
Now I only purchase one size of pads 5"-5 1/2" It keeps inventory to one size.
Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
Originally Posted by Older
I use my Cyclo 5-speed for everything. It`s the only full-size machine that I have. I also have the old 2-sided QD pads.
Ah, glad to hear that And you have the fancy newer one too!
Heh heh, when it comes to "old Cyclo pads", I still have some of the ones from the days before velcro, let alone the QD system! Talk about a [freakin`] PIA, those old-timers give your hands a workout getting `em on/off the machine.
Re: Preferred orbit size DA for applying wax and sealants
Originally Posted by Accumulator
Ah, glad to hear that And you have the fancy newer one too!
Heh heh, when it comes to "old Cyclo pads", I still have some of the ones from the days before velcro, let alone the QD system! Talk about a [freakin`] PIA, those old-timers give your hands a workout getting `em on/off the machine.
I tried the original stretchy-bonnet type when I first got it. I`ll use them again----never. Way too much work, to be sure.
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Originally Posted by Mary B
And you have the fancy newer one too! 
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