Thoughts on Meguiars DA power system

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 12:15 PM
  #1  
mattcl-s's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 423
Likes: 36
From: st paul
Thoughts on Meguiars DA power system

Hello everyone I have been thinking about getting a Meguiar's power system buffer to attack those annoying swirls I have going on, has anyone ever used one at all? let me know what yall think. Thank you
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 01:17 PM
  #2  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
the problem with using a drill to activate the DA heads, is that YOU will have an inconsistent trigger finger.

that is, your trigger finger cannot maintain a certain RPM for prolong periods of time. which will then provide inconsistent results. not to mention, the DA head isnt random...but a pattern.

real machine polishers have a RPM dial that you can set it to, providing consistent RPM's !!!! making for consistent results. it's why its hard to mess up paint with the trusty PC7424XP
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 01:33 PM
  #3  
ulrblitzer's Avatar
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 166
From: MN - Twin Cities
What Justn said.

Finger controlled trigger means varying rotational speeds. I would use this for buffing headlights. I wouldn't use it anywhere else on the car.

Come over in the spring with a wad of cash and I'll help you out.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 01:36 PM
  #4  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
^your avi is mesmerizing! look at the reflection in the hood!!
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 02:12 PM
  #5  
mattcl-s's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 423
Likes: 36
From: st paul
ok I was just looking for a possibly cheaper way of getting rid of swirls instead of spending 200$ on a nice buffer, but thanks for the input
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 02:14 PM
  #6  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
Originally Posted by mattcl-s
ok I was just looking for a possibly cheaper way of getting rid of swirls instead of spending 200$ on a nice buffer, but thanks for the input
yeah, you cant cheap out in this department. if you do, you will end up with severe scratches and swirls. which would end up costing you more to get out by a professional detailer.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 02:23 PM
  #7  
mattcl-s's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 423
Likes: 36
From: st paul
I might have to buy that porter cable in the spring. I was kind of broken hearted yesterday after I did a clay bar and hand wax last night, then after I got it some good lighting I realized how bad the swirls are on it. I am no professional but at least it tried.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2015 | 02:28 PM
  #8  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
i'm no pro either, but i have fun detailing!
it's awesome to see your hard work(and believe me, its hard work) shine! (pun intended)
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2015 | 06:14 PM
  #9  
Jesstzn's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 294
From: Trail BC CanaDUH
Before you get a Porter Cable look at the Griots Garage unit, way more powerful and a life time warranty. I use both and I am a pro.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2015 | 08:28 AM
  #10  
CheeseyPoofs McNut's Avatar
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 1,405
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by mattcl-s
ok I was just looking for a possibly cheaper way of getting rid of swirls instead of spending 200$ on a nice buffer, but thanks for the input
That's just the tip of the iceberg. Over time you will (if you're like me) have several shelves full of different types of polish and pads and sealant and cleaning products and microfiber towels etc etc...

To follow up to Justin - you don't want to cheap out on this part of the deal. You (likely) spent a fair amount of cash on your car - is it worth trying to save a couple hundred dollars now when you would be putting the car's finish at risk?

A quality DA (PC or Griots or Flex or Rupes etc etc) will make it almost *impossible* to damage the finish of your car and you will be able to use it for years to come - likely on other cars you buy. Get the right gear - you'll be very happy you did.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2015 | 08:39 AM
  #11  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
the griots is more powerful! takes less passes to achieve same result as PC
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2015 | 08:59 AM
  #12  
ulrblitzer's Avatar
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 166
From: MN - Twin Cities
A cheaper route if you wanted to see if detailing is your thing is to pick up a Harbor Freight DA (use their 20% off coupon) but replace the backing plate and pads (can be found on Autogeek). I've heard people have really good luck using it as a beginner DA, only downfall is the backing plate and pads suck.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2015 | 08:23 PM
  #13  
JimLew's Avatar
10th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Detroit
The Griot system is a great safe way to correct paint defects and maintain your finish. I learned to wheel paint with a wool pad on an angle grinder 30 years ago. The new foam pads (and the newer microfiber pads from Griot and others) and DA's make the task enjoyable and rewarding for an enthusiast. Like many, I have a shelf full of products and I enjoy experimenting and finding the right combinations for a particular car. Purchase a high quality DA and you will be amazed at the talent you uncover in your own garage.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2015 | 06:58 PM
  #14  
t3hhcaptain's Avatar
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 389
Likes: 57
From: Cincinnati, OH
Just my two cents... I have the Meguiars DA drill attachment. It's too small, and justnspace is right about inconsistent trigger finger. I used it once for cutting/polishing, glaze, and wax... Took me all day and shit my finger hurt.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
massr1
1G TSX Problems & Fixes
6
Dec 29, 2018 08:12 PM
RainCityCLS
2G CL (2001-2003)
8
Oct 28, 2015 12:01 AM
Maber001
2G TL Problems & Fixes
5
Oct 22, 2015 03:41 PM
thegipper
3G TL Problems & Fixes
8
Oct 12, 2015 03:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:27 AM.