Want to venture into using RO

[Precurser]

Hello all. I've been seriously considering venturing into using a RO to achieve better results than by hand.

 

1) Which is a good RO? Is the Porter Cable 7424 good? Where to get it locally?

2) What kind of pads do I need? Edge/Lake Country?

3) Where can I learn how to use a RO properly?

4) Is the Menzerna system of polishes recommended?

 

The only thing that's preventing me from going ahead is the fact that using a RO wrongly can burn the paint.

 

Would appreciate any advice from those who have experience in RO. Like Gen2?

Edited October 31, 2007 by Precurser

[Maddriver]

check with the seller is the item still up for grab.. very good deal..

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/classifieds/classifieds.pl?id=8795

[Gen2]

Hi bro Precurser,

 

1) Which is a good RO? Is the Porter Cable 7424 good? Where to get it locally?

2) What kind of pads do I need? Edge/Lake Country?

The link provided by bro Maddriver is an excellent deal, you should seriously look into it. Personally I prefer a Rupes to the PC, easlier to handle and slightly better finishing.

 

3) Where can I learn how to use a RO properly?

You can refer to MOL forum or Autopia for more details on how to use the RO properly.

 

4) Is the Menzerna system of polishes recommended?

Out of all the different brands of polish I have used, I find Menzerna polish give the best result, especailly IP and 106FF.

 

The only thing that's preventing me from going ahead is the fact that using a RO wrongly can burn the paint.

Generally, RO is a very safe machine and you must be pressing very hard in order to burn paint with it. Do some reading up and try out the machine on a not so obvious place (eg the boot) first, after you are more confident than go for the bonnet.

[Racerunner]

Hi Bro...actually I'm looking for DA polisher/Ro.

Where to get Rupes in Singapore?

What type?, how much it cost?

What is the advantages of Rupes compared to 7424?

[Gen2]

Hey bro Racerunner, you can find the details of the Rupes BR65AE here. Not too sure about the price now liao, should be around $450.

 

As mentioned earlier, I find Rupes is easier to use and the finishing is better than the 7424.

[Precurser]

I'm quite confused with the Menzerna range of polishes. The PO106FF seems to be out of place among the rest.

 

Should the process be:

 

1) Intensive Polish w/ Orange CCS pad

2) Final Finish

 

Apparently the PO106FF is very good.. so what should the right steps be if I get this polish?

 

After polishing with RO, can I still use Zaino hand polishes (Z2, Z5 etc) or I can apply wax after that?

Edited November 2, 2007 by Precurser

[Gen2]

Most of the time, most of the defects can be removed using IP and finish off with PO106ff and if you are only doing maintenance polish than 106ff will do the job perfectly. If you wan to achieve more depth, adding RMG to the polish will do the magic.

 

If you wan to do the proper Zaino method, than you should at least wash the car first with Z7, than apply Z2 or Z5. If you are using wax than go straight to it after the polishing.

[Precurser]

Thanks Gen2!

 

But I got a couple more questions that need clarifying

 

1) How do you buff at narrow edges such as the portion above the side windows? Where it starts from the A-pillar all the way back.

 

2) Is it necessary to tape edges?

 

3) Is it necessary to buff the whole car if other parts are okay, or if I don't do it the difference in look would be eminent?

 

4) Do I put the polish onto the pad first or put on the paint first then smear it with the pad?

[Racerunner]

Thanks for the explanations Bro GEN2.

Yes looks like Rupes is good product but unfortunately no handle for the left hand and the lowest RPM is 3000 this can splash wax and polish everywhere. I'm using Hitachi SAT 180 and have problem with that.

Your detailing job always have excellent result so I believe that Rupes is very good tools.

 

I'm using IP and Final Finish PO85RD, how much different PO85RD compared with PO106FF?

I learn that you mix RMG with polish, is that better to mix both than do one by one (IP then RMG)?

[Gen2]

Hey bro Precurser, you are welcome

 

1) How do you buff at narrow edges such as the portion above the side windows? Where it starts from the A-pillar all the way back.

I buff these area the usual method as the other panel, just move according to the area.

 

2) Is it necessary to tape edges?

I suggest that you tape up those rubber and plastic area that you might stain or damage them.

 

3) Is it necessary to buff the whole car if other parts are okay, or if I don't do it the difference in look would be eminent?

I really depands on your preference, there is no right or wrong to this. But I do suggest that you do a light polishing to the whole car every 4-6 months once to fully clean-up the paint.

 

4) Do I put the polish onto the pad first or put on the paint first then smear it with the pad?

You can apply the polish to the pad first than smear it with the pad.

[Gen2]

Yes looks like Rupes is good product but unfortunately no handle for the left hand and the lowest RPM is 3000 this can splash wax and polish everywhere.

Hi bro Racerunner, the machine does come with a side handle but usually I work without using it. As for the speed, it is actually OPM, so don worry about splashing of wax or polish, at least that never happened to me .

 

I'm using IP and Final Finish PO85RD, how much different PO85RD compared with PO106FF?

I learn that you mix RMG with polish, is that better to mix both than do one by one (IP then RMG)?

106FF has slightly more cut as compare to 85RD and it finishes down to as good as 85RD. Sometimes we can remove light swirls using 106FF with a light cutting pad and finish down almost LSP ready.

If you do IP and follow by RMG, the effect will be better in term of depth, wettness and shine. Mixing RMG to the polish you get something in between.

[Maddriver]

Agreed that 106 has some cuts..even by hand..I can remove some really stubborn stain

 

Have you try the PO115CQ finish glaze working/mixing with IP? i am getting confuse from the new range of Merz products.

[Maddriver]

Yes looks like Rupes is good product but unfortunately no handle for the left hand and the lowest RPM is 3000 this can splash wax and polish everywhere. I'm using Hitachi SAT 180 and have problem with that.

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Have you tried applying polishes on the surface first..spread out evenly and follow by having the machine to polish?..

[Racerunner]

Bro Gen2, I looking forward to try RMG from you.

[Racerunner]

Hi Bro MD, yes I always do that but I also spray water/alcohol mix to the pad, if I spray a little bit to much then the splash happens.

 

I think the difference is that PO115CQ contain clay that fills in minor imperfections, the PO106FF and PO85RD does not contain clay.

Edited November 2, 2007 by Racerunner

[Maddriver]

hmmm..yes, I believe 115CQ contain fillers in it.. but I find that 106FF and 85RD do have some as well..

[Gen2]

Hi bro Maddriver, I have not tried out the PO115CQ but I have a feeling it should be similar to the Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze sell at Properautocare. Alot of the Menzerna polish are re-named over in US (eg, in Autogeek Super Intensive Polish is PO85RD3.01/PO83Q whereas some other place claims it is PO85RD3.02) so it can be quite confusing but as long as we stick to IP and PO106FF, I believe the result will be outstanding.

[Precurser]

Hey bro Precurser, you are welcome

 

1) How do you buff at narrow edges such as the portion above the side windows? Where it starts from the A-pillar all the way back.

I buff these area the usual method as the other panel, just move according to the area.

 

With the same 6.5" pad? Doesn't that mean you need to tilt the DA?