Hello.. long time lurker, first time poster.. 
Just a quick overview/question:
I was taught how to detail by a detailer in the area who has been doing this for over 24 (going on 25 years). I like his process and it works well but I'm wondering if he's stuck in the past. His process for the paint is what I am currently questioning.
The process is as follows:
Wash, claybar, polish, then wax...
now this is a standard run of the mill detail... no high speed work or anything major... the thing that kicks me is that he likes to use the Gem 11' orbital. Now I've been using it also but have been playing with a flex 3401 and a pc 7424.... the 7424 is cool with the 4" pad but the 3401 is just sweet in general.
recently I have been questioning my use of the orbital as products I use (ardex hi def for standard stuff, M105/205 with DA's for major correction)... are all starting to veer towards usage with foam pads (with disclaimers that say 'can be used with an orbital.. like an afterthought imo)... Sometimes application with the bonnet and orbital combined can cut more than I'd prefer... And the general 'feel' and applying/removal of product seems much more flawless with the 3401...
Basically my question is this:
Should I just start adopting the 3401 to my general basic detail or should am I still ok w/ this big arse buffer?
I'm just mainly curious as to see what most of you all prefer.
thank you for your time,
xavier
Just a quick overview/question:
I was taught how to detail by a detailer in the area who has been doing this for over 24 (going on 25 years). I like his process and it works well but I'm wondering if he's stuck in the past. His process for the paint is what I am currently questioning.
The process is as follows:
Wash, claybar, polish, then wax...
now this is a standard run of the mill detail... no high speed work or anything major... the thing that kicks me is that he likes to use the Gem 11' orbital. Now I've been using it also but have been playing with a flex 3401 and a pc 7424.... the 7424 is cool with the 4" pad but the 3401 is just sweet in general.
recently I have been questioning my use of the orbital as products I use (ardex hi def for standard stuff, M105/205 with DA's for major correction)... are all starting to veer towards usage with foam pads (with disclaimers that say 'can be used with an orbital.. like an afterthought imo)... Sometimes application with the bonnet and orbital combined can cut more than I'd prefer... And the general 'feel' and applying/removal of product seems much more flawless with the 3401...
Basically my question is this:
Should I just start adopting the 3401 to my general basic detail or should am I still ok w/ this big arse buffer?
I'm just mainly curious as to see what most of you all prefer.
thank you for your time,
xavier