Porter Cable in UK

S

SP 325i

New member
Hope you can help!!



After seeing so many stunning finishes that have been done using a PC, I want one. Here in the UK I cannot find that brand but have found this on ebay UK :

polisher/sander



what do you think ????

What else would I need ??? Compunding pads ????



And what is the difference between above and this :



Orbital polisher



sorry for such basic questions - i used to work for PPG but on the OEM side so never really had to use this type of thing. I have done searches but are still not clear.



thanks



Steve
 
The first item is a rotary polisher. There are many threads about them here including one filled with tips and tricks. Rotaries give great results but have a steep learning curve and can easily damage your paint if used improperly. Be cautious of this tool.



The other item is your basic orbital buffer. It will not provide near the results of a PC or a rotary but are very safe to use. Since the orbiting speed is low the tool is virtually fool proof.



A PC is kind of between those two tools. Its a random orbitial machine but operates at higher speeds and has more torque so it can really produce results without the risk of a rotary polisher.



With the rotary you will need a velcro backing plate and various polishing pads and polishes. Perhaps a local auto body supply stockist can help. Maybe ask someone who resprays cars where they get their supplies from. Here in the States most auto paint stockists sell polishes and pads.



Looking in my 03Aug issue of Practical Classics, the Machine Mart advert says, "full range of compounding and polishing heads. See catalogue for details". www.machinemart.co.uk is their website.



Finally, I imagine a trip to Halford's may turn up a few supplies. Worth a look, I suppose.





Good luck. I hope you can get the tools you want.
 
Ok, I think I am getting it. Is this more suitable even though described as a sander:

www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=060312400&r=2114&g=115



In the UK you seem to be able to get high end or low end no problem but nothing in the middle. Maybe because of the weather here extreme detailing is not as popular as in the US so no demand=no products.



A shame Amazon.com won't ship here as they have a PC for 129.99 + free shipping -oh well.



Steve
 
Steve

Nice to see you back on Autopia :)



I bought my PC from Coastal Tools for about $109 plus roughly $25 shipping. I use a 240 - 110 converter, easy to find as this is what is used on building sites and other industrial places. New ones are about 50 pounds or half that for second hand. http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/...24.htm?L+coastest+lcls7456ffbb32bb+1058496012



For an alternative view, have a look at http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16906



When I looking to buy a PC, there were many places which would ship to the UK. Coastal Tools were the cheapest and included the backing plate etc all for $109. PC's are for sale in the UK but are at least 350 pounds, which is just silly.



The difficulty with many machines in the UK is their high speeds. A PC will do 2,000 to 6,000 opm where UK will start at 10,000



HTH



Steven
 
Steven,



Thanks for the info. A baby boy has stopped my weekly car detailing routine. I avoid sites now that make me want to do things but as winter approaches I want to get a good base on the car so I thought I would drop back in on the Autopia forum!!!



Will let you know how I get on. Also check out www.raceglaze.co.uk - give them a call and ask for a sample of their carnauba (they send them out free). See what you think, I have been pretty impressed.



Steve
 
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