[haper]

My first detail using a machine buffer, a Flex, on a '99 wrangler that I used as a 'test' car. Outside temp was in the high 50's / low 60's, humidity around 75% - i was working in my non-heated garage w/ the door open.

- wash, dried and clayed

- didn't bother to re-wash after the clay, but might add this step when i do the bmw

- SIP w/ orange pad, top speed 6: The SIP was a struggle, maybe it was my inexperience w/ a buffer, maybe i thought it should be cleaning up the scratches better then it was (I went back over certain spots a second time w/ not much improvement).

After some feedback from this forum it sounds like i used too much product and the pad broke down but i continued to use it. For the bmw I'm going to use one pad for the top panels, a new one for front and side, and a third for the back and the other side to make sure i always have a fresh pad.

- 106FF w/ white pad, top speed 6: this went much better then the SIP, seemed easier and quicker to use, cut like i thought it would, brought out a nice shine

- re-washed car: to make sure all the polish residue was gone, but i'm not sure if I liked this step. I was worried about creating scratches and water spots that would be sealed in. It also caused water to gather in cracks and such, and even though i waited an hour after the wash, the applicator i used for the 109 was getting wet.

- 109, applied by hand: applied, waited an hour, removed, reapplied, waited two hours, removed; tough to apply evenly - might use the flex w/ a gray pad next time. real easy to remove.

Observations:

- painter's tape is your best friend !! tape everything you don't want wax to get on. I only taped the obvious stuff and should have taped more. The jeep is a PITA w/ exposed hinges, windshield bumps, black plastic wheel wells, etc. I expect the bmw to be much easier.

- having a buffer made the job much easier and i achieved better results then i ever did by hand

- the flex was very simple to use, i would assume the PC 7424 would be even easier. i was worried about damaging the paint at first, but i quickly cranked the Flex up to the max speed setting w/o any problems w/ the paint.

- think about getting something to protect your ears, I already had a something i grabbed from work and was glad I did.

- i wonder if I would have had better results if the temps were in the high 60's low 70's. i'm going to wait for that weather before doing the bmw

- continually found myself doing more then a 2ft x 2 ft section at a time. maybe i was eager to use the buffer and see the result. gotta figure out a way to avoid this next time

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

[Z06-Goose]

Thanks for the review
I've been waiting to get my Flex. I'll probably be getting one in two weeks from now
For what I hear, the best speed for paint correction using the Flex is 4-5 on the flex, 6 seems too fast for the SIP. I actually have the PO85RD3.02 and not the SIP, and I find that by working it slow, you'll get better results as Menz stays wet longer than other polishes

[reefer_bob]

The flex is easier than the PC. The PC simply vibrates the ish out of your hands and arms.

I enjoy applying 109 with a gray or blue pad and the Flex on speed 1. Very easy to do.

tape tape tape! Yes, it's a PITA, but it easier than cleaning polish out of or off of places it shouldn't have gotten.

Sounds like you had fun! It only gets better.

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

[haper]

Originally Posted by Z06-Goose

For what I hear, the best speed for paint correction using the Flex is 4-5 on the flex, 6 seems too fast for the SIP.

I'll give that a try.

I applied the product to the pad and blotted it onto the surface (found rubbing it on caused too much product buildup on the edge of the pad). Turned it on 2 to spread, then to 6, then backed down to 3 for the final pass.

I'm happier w/ the results now that I got a chance to look at the car in the sun for the first time today - most, if not all of the swirls are gone.

Originally Posted by ReeferBob

I enjoy applying 109 with a gray or blue pad and the Flex on speed 1. Very easy to do.

Just ordered a gray pad today.