Help me - what am I doing wrong

A

ashsarna

New member
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.
 
Once the pads are caked with product (I get it a lot with Opt. Hyper Compound) you can either switch to a new pad or get a nylon bristled brush and clean it on the spot.

For the LCVC pads, either the backing on the pads itself is worn out / malfunctioning so it won't stick or the velcro on the backing plate is worn out. How does the backing on the pads look? Clean and looks normal? Same with the BP?
 
Thanks budman3,
I never realised how fast the pads wood cake up. It seems I would need like at least 3 pads each (of the ones I am using) to complete the car. Guess need to save up for more.

The LCVC are new with only one use before and the BP is new too. It seems that the LCVC ones may be the issue as he edge ones stay on. Too bad for me as I bought them like over 2 months ago, so probably wont have any recourse for replacement.
 
You might also be using the wrong amount of product. I'm not too familiar with the machine you're using, but is the speed adjustable? If it is, that could also be a problem.
 
ashsarna said:
It seems I would need like at least 3 pads each (of the ones I am using) to complete the car. Guess need to save up for more.
Click to expand...
Not being familiat with the DeWalt 443, I can only pass on some of my experiences with the Porter Cable random orbital.
The fact that I use different products makes for even more differences, but....
1. The PC doesn't always rotate and I doubt that the DeWalt does either.
2. I could probably do three vehicles with one Meguiar's polishing pad using any of the following products. Meg's #80, 83, 82, Klasse AIO, 4 Star UPC. Three pads per vehicle sure sounds like way more than should be needed.
3. As mentioned, it could very well be that you are using too much product.
4. When my Meguiar's pads started to be less securely attached, I bought a new backing plate from Dwayne. That took care of it, so the backing plate must have been the problem.
5. A word of caution. The new backing plate gripped the pads so firmly that you need to be careful in removing them so you don't damage the Velcro on the pads. I think the Velcro grips tighter than the adhesive when the pads get some age on them.

Charles
 
Yeah, I am thinking that I may be using too much product: how much do you guys ussually put on? I lay down a circle around the pad or sometimes I make two lines 6inch long. Either way, I then spread it with the machine off.

CharlesW,

"1. The PC doesn't always rotate and I doubt that the DeWalt does either."

That was my biggest concern, I do not know if it was ok that the Dewalt stopped rotating (it would continue to 'jiggle'/occilate back and forth). It would rotate for the first minute then only very intermitent (but at a much slower speed). However, The 'jiggling' would continue appropriately. Even, lifting the machine off the car, it would only 'jiggle'. Is this what happens with the pc? or is something up with the machine (the mechanics/how it works should be same as a pc). Thanks.
 
ashsarna said:
Yeah, I am thinking that I may be using too much product: how much do you guys ussually put on? I lay down a circle around the pad or sometimes I make two lines 6inch long. Either way, I then spread it with the machine off.
Click to expand...
Here again, apples to oranges since I use different products than what you are using.
My first panel, I put 5 dime size globs on the pad then with the machine off, I dab it on the vehicle in 3 or 4 places. Then I turn the machine on and polish.
After the first panel, I just put 2 or 3 globs of product on the pad. The extra the first panel was just to get some product in the pad.
ashsarna said:
CharlesW,
"1. The PC doesn't always rotate and I doubt that the DeWalt does either."

That was my biggest concern, I do not know if it was ok that the Dewalt stopped rotating (it would continue to 'jiggle'/occilate back and forth). It would rotate for the first minute then only very intermitent (but at a much slower speed). However, The 'jiggling' would continue appropriately. Even, lifting the machine off the car, it would only 'jiggle'. Is this what happens with the pc? or is something up with the machine (the mechanics/how it works should be same as a pc). Thanks.
Click to expand...
Don't know about the DeWalt, but the PC does sometimes rotate and always "jiggles". I never paid much attention, but it seems like with no load it will rotate and with any load it will only jiggle at slower speeds. If I were to remove the pad from contact with the paint with the machine at speed 6, I would very possible sling the pad off the Velcro of my original Meguiar's Velcro backing plate. The backing plate I got from Dwayne has much more grip, but I try to not run the machine unless the pad is on the paint.

Charles
 
Thanks for the assistance guys. It seems that the DA was not working as it should. I happened to have a Dewalt repair center locally, so they are taking care of it (still under warranty:) ).
 
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