Be careful with the UDM Ultimate Detailing Machine

[TortoiseAWD]

Yes you could. However living in a rural area why should I have to pay $9.00 for gas, $5.00 for the switch and use my time to go pick it up? It is not my fault the design is flawed. There are methods for product recall / replacement. It's not if someone is going to get hurt, its when. Judging by the post here, if one of the top detailers on this forum has had a problem, then I know it is a real concern.

DavidB has already addressed the switch issue, and is working on an update. A short-term solution (a felt pad to increase the slide-resistance of the switch) and a long-term solution (redesigned switch) will be made available. Check the http://autopia.org/forum/ultimate-d...-detailing-machine-project-25.html#post962729 thread for more info on the switch and other upgrades.



Tort

 

[TortoiseAWD]

The switch was one thing, but the part that annoyed me the most about my UDM is the casing is misaligned so the handle only screws in on the right side. I'm use to having it screwed in on the left side like when I use a PC.

I'm sure you could get a replacement unit shipped to you without much trouble. Have you called the vendor yet?



Tort

 

[Adam's Polishes]

So what I'm gathering here is I should just stick with my PC since I already have it.... not really worth changing out for the UDM??

 

[Paulie Walnuts]

I'm sure you could get a replacement unit shipped to you without much trouble. Have you called the vendor yet?



Tort

Your avatar cracks me up everytime.

 

[DM101]

So they know I bought a UDM. They have my address. But I have not gotten any info on updates on the UDM (or parts). I don't check autopia every day. Is it my respondability sp to check? NO!!! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THATS NEEDS ADDRESSING ASAP AND SENT TO CURRENT OWNERS!!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT, MAYBE LOSE THEIR EYESIGHT AND YOU SAY THERE ARE UPDATES AVAILABLE? WHO ELSE BESIDES THE MANUFACTURE IS LIABLE HERE. The updates should be sent out automaticlly! SORRY BUT WORKING ON AND MADE AVAILABLE (TO WHO, NOT ME THE UNKNOWN) GETS MY GOAT!!!!!!

DavidB has already addressed the switch issue, and is working on an update. A short-term solution (a felt pad to increase the slide-resistance of the switch) and a long-term solution (redesigned switch) will be made available. Check the http://autopia.org/forum/ultimate-d...-detailing-machine-project-25.html#post962729 thread for more info on the switch and other upgrades.



Tort

 

[YoMike]

The right thing to do might be to costly to even think about. But in the long run it might be the cheapest and safest, recall?

 

[NavindraLR]

wow it just seems like thread after thread, after post all about the udm having this design flow with the power switch. almost everytime i log onto autopia there's a different thread regarding this problem in the "recent threads." I'm glad I got my pc 3 years ago, and also have a makita rotary. I'm guessing I won't need the udm correct? i hope not, after all these complaints

 

[Black Ex Coupe]

I'm sure you could get a replacement unit shipped to you without much trouble. Have you called the vendor yet?



Tort

It was really annoying the first week I had it when I was using it with the handle on the right side, but then I came to the conclusion I liked it even better without a handle, so I decided to just keep it since I waited weeks for it.

 

[ZoranC]

The UDM should not have been released with that switch. A quick group of users prior to realease would have found the problem right away.

Are you saying you have a feeling UDM was released without extensive enough field test?

 

[TortoiseAWD]

So they know I bought a UDM. They have my address. But I have not gotten any info on updates on the UDM (or parts). I don't check autopia every day. Is it my respondability sp to check? NO!!! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THATS NEEDS ADDRESSING ASAP AND SENT TO CURRENT OWNERS!!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT, MAYBE LOSE THEIR EYESIGHT AND YOU SAY THERE ARE UPDATES AVAILABLE? WHO ELSE BESIDES THE MANUFACTURE IS LIABLE HERE. The updates should be sent out automaticlly! SORRY BUT WORKING ON AND MADE AVAILABLE (TO WHO, NOT ME THE UNKNOWN) GETS MY GOAT!!!!!!

Deep breath, man . . . the upgrades were only announced two days ago, and due to certifications required for the electrical bits, it's going to take some time before the upgrade hardware is made available. But it IS coming. Registered owners will be notified either via e-mail or snail-mail about the upgrades as they become available. If you haven't registered, this is a good time to do so.



Tort



P.S. While I sympathize with the safety issue you raise, should ANY of us really be polishing without safety glasses? Probably not . . . I know I'm guilty of it, and I've been sprayed by both my Cyclo and PC in the past.

 

[DM101]

Absolutely!!! After reading everyone else's post it is clear someone did not or did not listen to field testers. I did not even know there is a big UDM thread on the UDM forum. I thought all is well they released it. DON'T GET ME WRONG IT IS A NICE POLISHER WITH A COUPLE QUIRKS!!! But I'm like the above a full recall would probably be the best thing to happen.



I understand now, today that it would take 30 minutes to change each switch. A big project and costly. However the problem must be addressed somehow, someday. If not there is a possiblity lawyers would be involved in a lawsuit.



Again a recall would be best IMHO....



Regards to the manufacture, inventor, and all Autopians.

Are you saying you have a feeling UDM was released without extensive enough field test?

 

[Black Ex Coupe]

Deep breath, man . . . the upgrades were only announced two days ago, and due to certifications required for the electrical bits, it's going to take some time before the upgrade hardware is made available. But it IS coming. Registered owners will be notified either via e-mail or snail-mail about the upgrades as they become available. If you haven't registered, this is a good time to do so.



Tort

I tried registering before, but it never does anything when I click go. :nixweiss

 

[Pats300zx]

You people crack me up. All because of a small "tweak" that David is sending out to all UDM owners everyone is ready to throw their UDM in the trash. I have used the UDM even before it was released and have never had an issue with the switch. Yes I did comment did David about the switch and how extremely sensitive it was.



Now he has stated that he has a fix for the problem in the works which will be sent out to all owners. What more do you want? Is the UDM not usable without the switch enhancement?



I have personally polished like 20 cars with the UDM and have no issues with it. Do I have to be careful with the switch "YES". Is a fix coming? "YES".



For those that are not purchasing the UDM for this issue...well your loss. To me the UDM is such an improvement over the standard PC. If you don't want to try it then stick with what you have and "Happy Detailing"



I think everyone needs to take a deep breath as Tort mentioned.

 

[DM101]

Hey Pat,

It is strange that I sent David a PM three days ago about the issue. But you did not know that..... It is also funny that today or yesterday David said "he has stated that he has a fix for the problem in the works which will be sent out to all owners" And made more statements about upgrades TODAY....



I have said in several post what a nice polisher it is!!!! I even have said I would buy it again !!!! (look back jack)



Yes I know a fix is coming. But I also know it was said to replace the switch was a 30 minute job. That means sending you unit back.



You are fortunate not to have turned the unit upside down to add polish to the pad (like I always do) and have it Slung (Meg. #80) back into your eye. Burning like ____ .....



I have taken "a deep breath ".... Its not a issue like it needs a guard or cosmetic change. I am talking about the safety of others.



So you can get all "crack me up" all you want. I hope it's not you next to get the polish in your eye treatment. "All because of a small "tweak" """"



Regards..........................

You people crack me up. All because of a small "tweak" that David is sending out to all UDM owners everyone is ready to throw their UDM in the trash. I have used the UDM even before it was released and have never had an issue with the switch. Yes I did comment did David about the switch and how extremely sensitive it was.



Now he has stated that he has a fix for the problem in the works which will be sent out to all owners. What more do you want? Is the UDM not usable without the switch enhancement?



I have personally polished like 20 cars with the UDM and have no issues with it. Do I have to be careful with the switch "YES". Is a fix coming? "YES".



For those that are not purchasing the UDM for this issue...well your loss. To me the UDM is such an improvement over the standard PC. If you don't want to try it then stick with what you have and "Happy Detailing"



I think everyone needs to take a deep breath as Tort mentioned.

 

[ZoranC]

It is nice to hear fix is coming. I still wish it did not go out without a fix. I got quite solid whack with wrench across my thumb as unit got turned on while I was trying to change backing plate even though I did take precautions that it does not. While I did not suffer any damage and pain was not near to what polish in the eye is that is still one pain I could have lived without.

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

If you find the product to have a safety issue, the fault is with the manufacturers. If your aware of the fault, and continue its use, and you get polish in your eyes, or worse yet, an injury, you have no one to blame but yourself. Ive lived with my "faulty" switch for several months now, but have learned to adapt until the switch is replaced. I feel comfortable using it, and will continue to do so.

#1 I would advise unplugging the unit while changing BP's!

#2 When applying polish maintain a downward pressure on the switch when the machine is upside down.

#3 If your installing a pad (The way I do) after centering when you turn the machine over to give the pad a couple slaps, keep that other hand on the switch so it doesnt activate.

Just use some common sense knowing it has a temporary shortfall. Its been recognized, and is being dealt with. At least you have some answers to this issue.

Im sure DB is trying his hardest to remedy this situation.

 

[Superblackbird]

What about the UK version will it have the same issue?or do we have to wait for the series 2 if theres any with all the problems resolves?

 

[Paulie Walnuts]

I agree, everyone needs to take a deep breath, I am sure DavidB is doing all he can. He is only one man working to please so many. I used the UDM again today for the 3rd day in a row and it didnt turn on on me. You just have to adjust how you use it. I still wish it had more power but as I posted in another thread I might have a defective product, which happens with EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT LINE EVAR not just this one.

 

[YoMike]

Little kid pulls on the cord, WAM across the room he goes! His fault, stupid kid should have read the boards! LoL

 

[phamkl]

You'll have to adjust but I think the machine is fine even with the spotty switch. I've only had it turn on once without my intending to turn it on. The "trick" is to hold the machine so that you have a finger in the indent where the switch would go to to be turned on.



I would be concerned if the switch could be actuated with gravity and it definitely can not.