Drill buffer/polisher - a "do" or a "don't"?

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Drill buffer/polisher - a "do" or a "don't"?

#1 v_therussian

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 04:44 AM

I'm planning on detailing my baby girl for a pre-sale prep, just wondering if a drill bit-type buffer/polisher is a good solution or I should do by hand?

I've heard conflicting opinions on the subject, so I'm curious to hear opinions of other Alpine White owners particularly. And also any recomendations for brands and types of buffers are - as always - appreciated.

PS I'm sure I'll get a few "use the search" and "here's a link" - those are appreciated too, y'all :wink:

'06 530Xi Sport Stick with a few mods and a few more on the way...
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#2 v_therussian

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:03 AM

ok, so here's my plan:

1. Take the car to a car wash and have it cleaned.
2. Go over the whole car with Mother's Clay bar and some detailing spray for moistening
3. Polish with Zaino All In One (AIO) - possibly repeating the step 2-3 times (should I?)
4. Wax/polish with some kind clear finish (Zaino CS clear, probably)
5. Layer of Zaino grand finale spray

I'm investing in an orbital brush for sure, so that I can still lift a shot glass after I'm done :thumbsup:

Can you guys comment on my plan, above, please?

BIG Thanks to Calton (C's Bimmer) and Keith (westcoast550) for their previous posts, among others for providing some great starting info for me.

#3 Anzafin

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:20 AM

Sorry I don't know what do you mean by a drill bit-type buffer/polisher? A pic?

530D- Sapphire Black -

Mods:Body: M-Tech kit / ACS style roof spoiler / Hamann style front splitter / Trunk finisher / Shadowline trim / Black grille Suspension: KW Street Comfort coilovers
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#4 v_therussian

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:40 AM

Anzafin, on May 14 2009, 07:20 AM, said:

Sorry I don't know what do you mean by a drill bit-type buffer/polisher? A pic?

Basically an orbital brush that you can use on your cordless drill, something like this one:

123.jpg (97.26K)
Number of downloads: 40

#5 Anzafin

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:46 AM

v_therussian, on May 14 2009, 02:40 PM, said:

Basically an orbital brush that you can use on your cordless drill, something like this one:
Attachment

123.jpg

Doesn't look very good idea to me :nono:

.
The drill is very difficult to handle and I think the rpms it runs are way too high! A big risk to burn the clearcaot.

#6 v_therussian

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 07:07 AM

Anzafin, on May 14 2009, 07:46 AM, said:

Doesn't look very good idea to me :nono:

.
The drill is very difficult to handle and I think the rpms it runs are way too high! A big risk to burn the clearcaot.

My drill's not that powerful and I'm sure I can handle it - not a big difference between my drill and an orbital buffer.

I've seen mixed opinions on the orbital buffer, but I want to try it and see. Obviously, if I don't find a good soft brush, I won't risk it. :nono:

#7 lightfytr

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 07:49 AM

v_therussian, on May 14 2009, 07:07 AM, said:

Not that powerful? Dude that's a Dewalt! That's the e60 of power tools...

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#8 unknown

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 08:43 AM

porter cable 7424 :thumbsup:

#9 v_therussian

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 08:44 AM

lightfytr, on May 14 2009, 08:49 AM, said:

Not that powerful? Dude that's a Dewalt! That's the e60 of power tools...

LOL no sir, that's not my actual drill in the pic - mine's a real POS, trust me

#10 sportzfan76

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 09:11 AM

If your going to detail your bmw yourself you might want to invest in a PC7424 or a McGuiars G110. I would forget all about the drill idea. :thumbsdown:

Zaino AIO is not a polish - its a wax with some mild cleaners. Its a good product, but you would probably want to use a polish after the claying, and before the AIO.

Check out a website like autogeek.com for a wealth of products and info.

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#11 Anzafin

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 11:31 AM

Here's what you need:
Flex XC 3401 VRG orbital polisher :thumbsup:

Strong as a bull! A real all around machine. I've had it for 1,5 years now and works great!
See some results I've got with it here:
Honda Civic Type R
MB CLK 320
My own E60: The first time, The second

#12 Brit_in_NJ

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 11:52 AM

unknown, on May 14 2009, 09:43 AM, said:

porter cable 7424 :thumbsup:

+1 can I borrow it? :lol:

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#13 unknown

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 12:17 PM

Brit_in_NJ, on May 14 2009, 12:52 PM, said:

+1 can I borrow it? :lol:

absolutely, i brought $500 worth of premium detailing supplies! you can help offset the cost :whistle:

#14 Cwest

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 12:43 PM

Anzafin, on May 14 2009, 09:31 AM, said:

Here's what you need:
Flex XC 3401 VRG orbital polisher :thumbsup:

+1 Flex

great work Anzafin

2004 525I (Mystic Blue)A08 Premium //~~Umnitza M5 Front bumper~~// M-tech Authentic Hamman Splitter/// LED Front turn signals,side markers, OEM LED License plate// LCI Taillights w Bruce Miranda V5.1 cables// (Nicke60gre) Euro sticker// M-Tech sides// M5 mirrors// Brabusamg M-tech V2 AE//~~18' 166 style M5 rims~~// 20' IForged Sprint Front: 20" 20x9 w/ 245/35/20 Tires Rear: 20" 20x10 w/ 275/30/20 Tires/~~Axxis Delux brake pads~~ Hawks brake pads// ~~M-tech Hartge Splitter~~//Shadowline window Trim// M5 Rear bumper// R-Dash super bright LED License Plate lamps// Hartge Diffuser //Projector Fog's w 6000k HID's //RD Sport roof spoiler// ~~Umnitza M5 splitter~~// Trinity's Matte Grill// Adaptive Pre LCI headlights

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#15 khooger

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Posted 14 May 2009 - 12:48 PM

Brit_in_NJ, on May 14 2009, 12:52 PM, said:

+1 can I borrow it? :lol:

I also have the porter cable 7424 ....maybe on the day of the meet we do an early detailing session at my place...I supply the power :lol:

2004 545i
Production Date: 02/04
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