Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

I think I'm going to order a DA polisher from Harbor Freight for $60.00. What I need now is to find a good, all inclusive, kit that includes the compound, polish and pads. I've read great things about M105 and M205, but can't seem to find an all inclusive kit that has the M105, M205 and the needed pads. Is there anything out there like this?

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

Skip the Harbor Freight machine, it wont do anything. You can find a PC or Griots with the polisher, pads, and some accessories. M105/205 are cheap and can be found at places like Auto Zone. Check out autogeek.net for everything you need but it will have to be pieced together. Also if you want to do it right, plan on spending around $400-500..

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Do you have any experience with the Harbor Freight DA polisher? How did you come to that conclusion? From everything I've read about it, it's pretty much exactly the same machine as the coveted Porter Cable, but at a fraction of the cost.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

PM me a link to it. My dad has one from there and its good for spreading wax and thats about it. Not nearly powerful enough to correct paint. Ive never seen anything from Sears/Harbor Frieght recommended by anyone who knows what their talking about when it comes to detailing.

homerunhtr21

iTrader: (18)

The harbor freight DA is a copy of the 3D polisher. The only bump is the backing plate which seems to be its only downfall but thAt is easily fixed. This has be widly discussed by many people who "know what they are talking about".

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...ight-6-da.html

M100 has quickly become my choice over m105. It is easier to work with, less dusting, and a better working time. Autopia can answer almost any question you have.

P.s. go to RETALMENOT.COM and you can find an extra 20% off at HF

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Here is what I copied and pasted off their website:

Get smooth, swirl-free finishes with this powerful 5.7 amp dual action polisher. Two-way action creates a random orbit pattern for a glass-smooth finish. With six variable speed settings, you'll be able to handle a variety of tasks and materials!
•Dual-action random orbit for glass-like finishes
•Runs at 2000-6400 OPM for optimum polishing
•Two position side handle for optimum control
•Hook and loop pad attachment
•Comes with 6" backing pad, side handle, spindle wrench, carbon brushes


And here is what I found on the Porter Cable:

•4.5 Amp, AC only
•Electronic variable-speed dial 2,500-6,800 OPM
•Random orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing action
•Includes 6 in. proprietary counter balance for use with 6 in. sanding/polishing pad
•Accepts 5/16 - 24 spindle thread accessories
•Features two-position (left or right) removable side handle for greater comfort and control
•Compact lightweight design - 5-1/2 lbs
•100% ball and roller bearing construction


I don't see why the Harbor Freight DA wouldn't work for removing swirl marks and marring. It goes to 6400 OPM, which should be plenty to remove swirls and marring. I had even been looking into the Meguiars DA Power System that attaches to a drill. You can buy the complete kit (DA Power System, Compound Pad/Product, Polish Pad/Product and Waxing Pad/Product for $79.00. I ready two detailed write-ups on it, which also included a bunch of pictures, and it did remove swirl marks, marring and hard water spots.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

The specs are clearly comparable. Ive never seen it mentioned on here and I stopped researching machines on autopia awhile ago since I bought a GG that Ive had great success with. I just know when all was said and done between a machine, polish, pads, wax/sealant, MF towels, clay, buckets, grit guards, wash mits, and everything I needed I spent well over $400. That was with nothing fancy either.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Ok, so looks like I'm going to order the Harbor Freight DA Polisher. It also looks like I can get the M100 and M205 locally, so that leaves me with the pads. Can anyone suggest what pad I'll need for the M100 and what pad I'll need for the M205?

homerunhtr21, thank you for the advice. I assume the M100 is just as effective as the M105 at removing modderate to heavy swirls/marring?

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

Just FYI, M100 is a rotary compound - hence "speed". Buy some nice pads, like the Lake Country hybrid foam pads (the 7/8" ones - several in each color). I'd also grab at least one pack of microfiber cutting pads as well, I prefer the Lake Country, but have used and do like the Meguiars ones as well. Grab some M101, D300, M205, and something to seal her up with.

I really would spend the extra $40 and get a PC/GG/MEG's over the HF POS, but that's just me.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

So would you suggest the M105 over the M100? My plan is to use either the M105/M100 and then the M205 and then seal it in with a good wax. Is there a specific pad I'll need to use with the M100/M105 and the M205 (part number would be great)? I've heard good things about the Lake Country pads, so that's likely what I'll go with.

egott_91

iTrader: (1)

If you're looking for Meg's kits:

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-6inch-polish-kit.html

http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfibe...r-kit-6in.html

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-swirl-remover-kit.html

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Thank you so much!!! That last link is exactly what I was looking for. With the Harbor Freight DA polisher and this kit from autogeek, that looks like everything I'll need. I'll obviously apply a good wax once the correction is done. What pad would you recommend for applying the wax?

homerunhtr21

iTrader: (18)

True but i've had great results with m100 on a DA also. I also have m101, 105 also cause there is a different application for everything. I agree with with the LC pads and a few microfiber pads. Rare96 hit it on the head with the 101, d300, and 205. Great products to start with.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Since the Harbor Freight DA Polisher has a 6" backing plate, I'll need 6" pads, correct?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Does LC have any kind of "bundle" of pads, or do you have to get them separately? I'm new to all of this, so I have no idea how many pads I'll need, or what pads to get. Am I wrong in saying that I'll need 1 pad for the M105 and then 1 pad for the M205?

egott_91

iTrader: (1)

I'm assuming you'll be using a liquid wax?

You'll want a gray/black foam pad for that. If you're going to be using a paste wax, just apply it by hand.

Like this?

http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-6pack.html

You'll definitely want to get quite a few pads, probably at least 3 or 4 for each polish.



There's also Adam's new polishing system. They make their products idiot proof. They color code the polish w/ the pad and everything.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-734-a...arter-kit.aspx

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-755-a...shing-kit.aspx

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-738-a...shing-kit.aspx

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-956-n...ad-system.aspx

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

egot 91, will this kit from Adams work with the 6" back plate, or do I need different sized pads?

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-738-a...shing-kit.aspx

egott_91

iTrader: (1)

Right from the description of that kit:

"Our Generation 4 Foam Polishing Pad System works on any type of quality polisher, from random orbital and dual action to rotary, with a 6" hook & loop velcro plate."

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Thanks again.

Do you feel this kit from Adams will be just as good, or better, than the M105 M205 kit in regards to removing moderate to heavy swirl marks/marring?

egott_91

iTrader: (1)

I personally love all of Adam's products, except for their old 3-step polishing system they got rid of when they released this new 2-step system.

Adam's always spends a ton of time testing competitors products when desiging new ones. They won't release a product until it is just as good as or exceeds what the competitions product does. With that said, yes, I believe that it will be just as good, if not better, than M105/M205. In addition, there is a code you can use for 10% off (LSONE) at checkout. Lastly, if you aren't satisfied w/ the product, they always have their 110% guarantee. If you don't like it, contact them, send it back, and you get 110% of the purchase price.

From my experience, M105 cuts well, but it dusts like no other. M205 left a light haze on my brother's former CTS-V (black). On a light color you probably wouldn't even notice it though.