1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Polisher & Pads Question

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by dragonle87, Jan 14, 2016.

  1. Jan 14, 2016 at 7:42 PM
    #1
    dragonle87

    dragonle87 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2011
    Member:
    #67492
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    Atlanta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '13 DCLB TRD Sport
    Para8291 likes this.
  2. Jan 14, 2016 at 8:30 PM
    #2
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    Have you considered the Griots Garage 6" DA? More power than the PorterCable and only like $20 more. Autogeek is running a 20% off deal and free shipping (over $95) right now. After doing a bunch of research on various forums, the GG6 is a great way to go for a newbie. Even some professional detailers use it. It also has a lifetime warranty. I've been hearing really good things about Meguiars new thin pads. Just three to chose from, so it makes it easy. Cutting, Polishing, and Finishing (wax/sealant) pads. Another good choice for newbies are the lake country flat pads. Yellow/orange cutting, white polishing, and black/blue for finishing. Stick with a 5" backing plate for the pads listed above. And 5" meguires or 5.5" lake country pads for best results.

    This was all new to me, too. But the guys on the Autogeek forum were super helpful in narrowing down my options last month. Your question is a common one over there. And the info I'm passing on to you was passed to me from them. The above is a pretty common approach for new guys.
    http://www.autogeekonline.net

    For polish? Meguires ultimate compound and polish should do well for you. Easy to find locally.
     
    TacoYes and dragonle87[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 15, 2016 at 1:37 AM
    #3
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2015
    Member:
    #170351
    Messages:
    331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tacoma TRD Sport
    Bilstein 5100s all around, Toyo All Terrain AT II 285/70/17, Custom Car Grill, front windows tinted at 35%, door still protectors, bed Matt, tail gate lettering, center console organizer and detailed with Adam's Polishes products
    No sorry needed. We all had to start off somewhere. I've been detailing for about 10 years and the PC is bomb proof but vibrates like crazy. I used one for the last 10 years and I just jumped up to the Rupes Bigfoot 15. For a beginner the PC is pretty awesome. Easy to use and very powerful to get out those nasty swirls and stuffs.

    As far as pads go, I use Adam's Polishes pads and have been for years. I'm sure that all pads are the same but Adam's customer service is pretty awesome!! Just my honest option because I've tried products from Meguires, Griot's, Chemical Guys, Pinnacle, Wolfgang and the list goes on.

    At a minimum you will need the orange pad and white pad to get those swirls and spider web scratches out of your paid. They a black pad to apply the sealant. Glazes and waxes can go on by hand.

    If you have about 25 minutes check out this video from Adam's. It's very helpful:

    http://youtu.be/Iwd8mNcn66k

    You can find more videos on all their products on there as well. If you have any questions just ask away!! Good luck
     
    Simon's Mom, dragonle87[OP] and ace96 like this.
  4. Jan 15, 2016 at 6:42 AM
    #4
    AMarkham40

    AMarkham40 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2014
    Member:
    #141408
    Messages:
    454
    Gender:
    Male
    Roanoke, Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM DCSB TRD O/R
    thebaker and jokker1978 like this.
  5. Jan 22, 2016 at 2:51 PM
    #5
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    Hey OP, did you end up getting a machine?
     
  6. Jan 22, 2016 at 9:49 PM
    #6
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2010
    Member:
    #42591
    Messages:
    3,785
    Gender:
    Male
    Western KY
    Vehicle:
    '11 SWB DC TRD SPORT
    AVS bug deflector, Weathertech digital fit floor mats, TRD skid plate w/ Sockmonkey decal, SOS Cocept sliders w/ Line-x, Pioneer 3500, Hybrid Audio Technology Mirus 6X9s & 6.5s, back up cam mod, Wet Okoles-front & rear, TRD exhaust, 17X9 XD Spy w/ Falken Wildpeaks, Avid light bar
    Have you ever used a rotary before like the Makita? If not you run the potential of burning paint. The porter cable is much more forgiving. If new to polishing stay away from a rotary.
     
  7. Feb 3, 2016 at 6:41 PM
    #7
    dragonle87

    dragonle87 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2011
    Member:
    #67492
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    Atlanta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '13 DCLB TRD Sport
    sorry folks, I forgot I made this thread. Too busy with life.

    Just been getting lots of mixed reviews with rotary & DA polishers. I will look into more. As of now, financial is super tight.
     
  8. Feb 3, 2016 at 7:12 PM
    #8
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    I second what Ace said. Stay away from rotary if you're new to polishing or just working on personal vehicles. And in some instances, DA is required to finish after rotary anyway- to get rid of hazing and/or rotary instilled holograms. You'd be better off just going with a DA to begin with if you're just working on somewhat recent model year daily drivers. For maintenance work, or "putting a shine" on your Tacoma, a DA is plenty.

    Rotary is more for restoration/body work, as far as I'm concerned. Thinking of rotary as a "time saver" because it's more powerful is not a correct approach for most users. You can go backwards extremely quickly with a rotary.
     
    pinktaco808 likes this.
  9. Feb 3, 2016 at 7:18 PM
    #9
    dragonle87

    dragonle87 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2011
    Member:
    #67492
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    Atlanta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '13 DCLB TRD Sport
    Thanks I will keep that in mind.
    Though what about the pads? I know each pads have different applications.
     
  10. Feb 5, 2016 at 8:56 PM
    #10
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    You'll get more info on the autogeek store website than I can give you here. Keep it simple with Meguires pads. One for cutting (correction of heavy defects), one for polishing (light swirls/general shine), and one for applying waxes/sealers. More options available with Lake Country brand. But similar scenerio. The LC flat foam pads are good for a newbie. Stick with 5" or 5.5" pads and backing plates on a DA. You can use 3.5" on tight spaces if you wish.

    And remember the golden rule-- "use the least abrasive pads/products to get the job done".

    The Autogeek forum is a good place to search for info. Search for "lake country", for example, and you'll find a ton of info about their pads.

    Also, if you're doing polishing/swirl removal, you'll probably want 4-6 of the same pad (1.5 pads per side/roof/hood, roughly). Then wash them when you're done. If you're just applying wax/sealer, one pad will do the entire vehicle.
     
  11. Apr 29, 2016 at 8:25 PM
    #11
    TacoYes

    TacoYes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2016
    Member:
    #184395
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver 2.5 Door
    Black Wheels, Grill, Running Boards
    If you guys don't want to spend 40 on a bag, this one would be a good second choice. I have one that I use to carry my flooring tools around in. Its a nice soild bag with big enough pockets around the outside to carry bottles. Just a second option...

    If the seller is out by the time you look at this just type in Husky 14 in tool organizer

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Husky-14-in...893026?hash=item3d17b749e2:g:pPEAAOSwnipWYYa7

    Also, the griots is a little cheaper on ebay, free shipping.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Griots-Garage-6-Random-Orbital-25-Cord-10813LNGCRD/400932142470?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=36499&meid=fba5eed5e6dd43be98db26a24f0521ec&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=121966172432

    Look at the next post for updated info...
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2016
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #11
  12. May 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM
    #12
    TacoYes

    TacoYes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2016
    Member:
    #184395
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver 2.5 Door
    Black Wheels, Grill, Running Boards

    I agree with all of this also, just spent endless hours over reading AG forum. Lots of good specific information and better yet video's. The deals on the Griots 6 are no longer available. I don't think (couldn't find them online) Advanced Auto is carrying the Griots 6. The price at AG website is 149, even with there once in while 20% off it still 120 plus shipping unless you spend 150 to get free shipping. I would recommend waiting for the 20% off then spend 150 (buying buffing pads for the buffer) which will take the total down to 130 plus free shipping.

    OR

    On ebay they have been selling for 100 - 110 after you add in shipping. Just picked up a new Griots 6 with a bag, never been used for 90 plus 15 for shipping. To most people this may not be a big deal but if you considering buying the Porter Cable for 70 or the griots for 150 and can get it for 105, the decision becomes a little easier to pick up the Griots. Some say the two buffers are the same other say the Griots with the lifetime warranty is better. Not sure how buying them off eBay affects this but sounds like there customer service is top notch.

    The buffing pads by Lake County and Meguiars is very popular. The Lake County ThinPro is liked by almost everyone who uses them. The Megs apparently can be washed in the washing machine for easier cleaning, not sure how it affects longevity.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #12
    NMTrailRider[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. May 1, 2016 at 11:05 AM
    #13
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    Don't forget... The GG6 has a little more power than the PC. Maybe you mentioned it. But that's another of the reasons a guys recommend the griots over the PC.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2016
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #13
  14. May 1, 2016 at 11:28 AM
    #14
    TacoYes

    TacoYes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2016
    Member:
    #184395
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver 2.5 Door
    Black Wheels, Grill, Running Boards
    I hear ya, if I made the statement, it IS better, there would be multiple people wanting to challenge the statement as I noticed on the AG forum... So I just left it a little open ended. I probably do this because of the field of work I am in and cannot make statements that are 100%, no, I am not a lawyer.

    Like you said, almost everyone suggest buying the 5" backer with the 5.5 pads.

    Additionally,

    I found some good prices on Microfiber towels on The Rag Company website. I am going to order several different kinds (high GSM), all will be Korean made, since they are known for better made towels, is the word on the street. Once I get them I will give my $0.02 worth on what I find out, so people don't have to buy multiple kinds like I am doing. They also carry some of the Optimum car products including the grit guard for 9.99 (goes in the bottom of the bucket) and 12.99 for the wash board, which is a good price.
     
  15. May 1, 2016 at 1:16 PM
    #15
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    check out Amazon for rag company towels. You can get the eagle edgeless (Korean) cheaper than from the rag co website. On Amazon they are like 5 for $21. I just picked up 10 "creature edgeless" from Amazon. 10 for $17 and they are 420 GSM. Not quite as nice as the "eagle edgeless" but about half the price. I decided I'd rather have twice as many towels for the money, so I opted for the cheaper ones. They arrived and are very plush. I'm happy with the route I took. Basically I ended up with 10 for $17 instead of 10 for $44. The creatures are much more plush than the Costco's. There is also a version on Amazon called the "spectrum". Same as the creature but they have a sewn border edge.

    Here are the creatures compared to Costco...
    image.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2016
    stbear likes this.
  16. May 1, 2016 at 1:25 PM
    #16
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    FYI: autogeek will price match online competitors. Join the forum and then email them with a link to the competitors product. They'll set you up. Once you join, just ask on the forum who to email. Someone will give you the contact info.
     
  17. May 1, 2016 at 9:36 PM
    #17
    TacoYes

    TacoYes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2016
    Member:
    #184395
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver 2.5 Door
    Black Wheels, Grill, Running Boards
    I joined the forum. There are so many different kinds and types it tough to find the exact match. Started doing that but realized it was a pain. The rag company has money off at different spending amounts or free towels. Plus they have free shipping after 40, AG you have to spend 150 to get free shipping. Never knew I could spend so much time on researching towels...

    As a side note I put you down as the person who referred me to the AG website, hopefully you get some credit for it. If you need to know my user name for AG just send me a PM.
     
    NMTrailRider likes this.
  18. May 1, 2016 at 11:16 PM
    #18
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    thanks! Haha yeah I don't know how many hours I've spent researching towels. It sucks you in! The eagle edgeless seem to be the ones that are the most popular rag co. towels among the forums I've looked on (5 for $21 on Amazon). I THINK they are the same as the woobie on AG, but I could be wrong. A lot of the towels all the companies sell are rebranded and sold under different names. It takes some sleuthing to figure out what is what. One thing I did read about the Eagles is that some people have probs with them linting. I was very happy to find that the creatures I got on Amazon didn't lint at all.

    I have some of the gold plush jr's from AG. I got 9 of the largest size on one of their 20% off + free shipping sales. They're just fine for drying. I'm thinking about trying those gray ones with the black border next- I think they're 520 GSM. I'd like to have about 20 of the 16x16's for buffing and quick waxes.

    They do those 20% off plus free shipping sales at the end of the year. They also have just 20% off sales periodically. Now that you're hooked up to the forum, you'll see when they have the sales.

    Unfortunately the won't price match on the towels.
     
  19. May 2, 2016 at 7:47 AM
    #19
    TacoYes

    TacoYes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2016
    Member:
    #184395
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver 2.5 Door
    Black Wheels, Grill, Running Boards
    That's all very useful information. Reading the feedback can only get you so far, hearing from one of our own is so much better. I was going to order 10 of the Eagles, but now I am second guessing. This may seem like a nominal issue with towels, who gives a shit about towels but its actually one of the more important things to you can have. Dont want to spend 30 hours doing 4-5 different steps and then cause swirl marks by the towel you use. Plus, if your doing the waterless washing or just simply drying off the truck after a cleaning can set you back. I think I caused swirling with a towel I WAS using :mad:. Or the community brush the guy at the automatic car wash uses to pre-clean the truck before entering, pushing around all that wonderfully abrasive salt in winter :frusty:. I feel like I just went to forum confession.

    Yes, they (AG) have those 20% off sales, just had and missed one this weekend. Will have to wait until the next one to get the LC pads go get out the swirl marks.

    What kind of backer plate is best. Should I go with the LC since I am going to get there pads or should I get the Griots backer since I am getting there buffer?
     
  20. May 2, 2016 at 8:43 AM
    #20
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2009
    Member:
    #23469
    Messages:
    5,291
    New Mexico
    Get the LC backing plate if you're going with LC Pads. Always try to match brands on your pads/plate. Generally speaking, the hook and loop (velcro) on the pads is made to go with that on the backing plates. Each brand manufacturer has their own kind of hook and loop that only works *best* with itself.
     
    TacoYes[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top