Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Does that count as alliteration? Anyway, after spending the day trying to get rid of some scratches on the Mini, I've hit a bit of a stalemate. The scratches aren't under the clear coat, and I've managed to get rid of them 95%, but there's still a 'shadow' of where they were. Crap description, I know, but I'm trying to portray just how minimal they are. They don't show in pics, else I'd post one. I used my trusty DAS-6 along with a Lake Country constant pressure orange pad, and some Megs UC. I don't have anything more aggressive than this setup, and it's served me well for everything else I've attempted to correct including the 911. Clearly I need something more abrasive, but what? I'm loathe to change pads as I get on very well with the LC range, so ideally I'd like someone to recommend me a compound that sits above the UC in terms of abrasiveness, but isn't too harsh so I'm likely to screw it up. I like the safety of a DA and using that + UC you absolutely cannot wreck the paint, however I've clearly found the limit of that. Apologies for rambling a bit, but suggestions for something that would suit me would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I use 3M and Menzerna, you need a medium cut and a rotary to be honest. Stubborn areas are useless with a DA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350 Russ Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 i use menzerna and 3M, same as above, try and see if you can rent a rotary out of a tool shop to save buying one as a da wont cut it as you found out. i recommend trying this compound http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/car-polish-compounds/menzerna-250ml/menzerna-intensive-polish-ip2100/prod_1097.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilogikal1 Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I know you said you're happy with your current pads (I don't blame you, I'm a big fan of those pads myself) but have tried or considered the LC Hydro-Tech pads? They're better suited for hard paint and they're still LC pads. And as above, a rotary would be more suitable for this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 I use the Menzerna FF as a finishing polish which is great stuff, so may well give that IP a go. So realistically, and working on the principle that I'm used to working with power tools in general and am very comfortable with a DA, how much chance is there of screwing something up completely with a rotary? I'm not against trying one, it's just nice to have the safety net on the DA. What compounds in particular do you use Ian? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 I know you said you're happy with your current pads (I don't blame you, I'm a big fan of those pads myself) but have tried or considered the LC Hydro-Tech pads? They're better suited for hard paint and they're still LC pads. I must admit to looking, and if a tougher pad & more aggressive polish would work on a DA, then I'd consider switching. Cheaper than buying a rotary, at any rate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350 Russ Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I use the Menzerna FF as a finishing polish which is great stuff, so may well give that IP a go. So realistically, and working on the principle that I'm used to working with power tools in general and am very comfortable with a DA, how much chance is there of screwing something up completely with a rotary? I'm not against trying one, it's just nice to have the safety net on the DA. What compounds in particular do you use Ian? if i was you i would try it first on the MX-5 (presuming your not that fussed about it) and see how it goes, i was a bit worried about using mine first time around but as long as you dont take the p*** it will be fine, just work all the compounds fully until they go clear and keep checking the temperature of the panels as you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 If you're experienced with a DA you're ready for a rotary. Same principles but you have increased results and less agro. The rotary I have includes slow start, holds the pads better than a DA and just overall rewards better results. A rotary is also cheaper than MEGS DA, so for me a rotary wins every time. With a rotary gradually build the speed with confidence. Start with bonnet and practice then work door panels. Wings are the hardest but with practice and control you'll never use a DA again. When mine died I was so glad. I love my rotary at half the price of a MEGS DA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 Go on then, recommend me one, I think I may take the plunge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Start simple http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/cleanyoucar-ep801-compact-rotary-polisher/cat_100.html Lightweight is your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 Okay, I'm convinced! I think Russ' idea of using the '5 as a sacrificial test bed is a good idea, so I'll grab that combo kit I think and see what happens. That's guys, even though you've just convinced me to spend roughly 1000% more than I originally intended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350 Russ Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Start simple http://www.cleanyour...er/cat_100.html Lightweight is your friend. i bought the menzerna kit of the previous model of this and its still going strong, highly recommended! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Agreed the kit package thing is a good deal, especially when you look at compound and pad costs. The Megs stuff does my head in, its amateur stuff. No disrespect but its a bit like halfords. But then I still use the industrial sized Last Touch for my clay work. Otherwise I use none of Megs nowadays. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 No disrespect taken I tend to agree, I still use their blue pro clay though as I've yet to find anything better, but the UC has obviously hit it's limits. Oh, and I buy their Last Touch too, great stuff. I did the Megs day that Tim organised when they sorted the bonnet on Darren's car, great results but it only sorted the swirls. That's pretty much why I started using it, as I'd seen first hand how to use it and what it can do. Onwards and upwards though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I'm the same. Used UC for ages till I realised its capabilities. I now use Dodo Juice clay (medium) but its very tacky. Very good but like a rotary, you need some skill to apply it. Although I'll always recommend AutoGlym clay. Its a fantastic all rounder. Good for noobs and pro's. Flexible and manageable along with being purposeful. But my days have moved onto DD medium. I was also at the same Megs day, was a good day out bar the snow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share Posted July 21, 2013 Ah yes, that did make for an interesting drive up. Which is why me and Rich were nearly late, IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 Yep happy days up at Daventry although it didn't give me the detailing bug I guess it's just something you go into 100% or not at all, no point being half ar$ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350 Russ Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 (edited) Yep happy days up at Daventry although it didn't give me the detailing bug I guess it's just something you go into 100% or not at all, no point being half ar$ed they didnt really tell us anything new though i thought, just tried to sell us their stuff no surprise really Edited July 21, 2013 by 350 Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 Agreed I bought a heap load, and yes there wasn't anything "new" but an interesting day out. The best part was meeting others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 It was more for complete noobs not your seasoned or occasional detailer.... to be fair thrre were plenty of bargains to be had Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 Sooooo... dredging up an old thread since I still haven't bought one yet! Any reason I cannot use pads from my current DAS unit on a rotary? I see no reason why not, but some places are advertising rotary-specific pads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 To be fair, as cheap as rotary pads are, I'd just invest, might cost you £30 for a selection of pads. If the DAS pads have a lip like the Megs do, then you "might" have an issue, but to be fair, I'd still get some new decent rotary pads, a 3rd of the price of Megs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 I binned all my Megs pads ages ago, think I'm using Lakes Country ones now. For the minimal cost I'll grab a couple then, just in case. Cheers bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arran Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I use chemical guys hex logic pads, very good pads and not much monies either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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