HI From Queensland Australia

[skyzie]

Hi all my name gavin,and i live in Queensland Australia.Im new to the detailing game and i look foward to speaking to other enthusiasts and gaining as much knowledge as possible.Autogeek would have to be the coolest and best detailing forum i have come across,with so much to offer a newbee like me.I own to vehicles,one Nissan Navara duel cab 4x4 and a Suzuki swift sports with a wicked midori green paint.I have just started to remove some defects in the paint on my Navara :buffing:,and hope to post some pics of both vehicles soon cheers.http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Ted S.]

:welcome:

[CEE DOG]

Welcome Gavin!

[mitchyp]

Hello,

I'm also from Queensland.... And also a novice. Im looking to buy the flex 3401 vrg. The thing I'm wondering is: The american flex works on the 110v and the export on 230v and different Hz. Will I need to run either of them through a step down transformer to maintain the life of the motor? Would be great to hear if anyone has used these machines in aus........ Just not purchased in aus obviously. too pricey

[Meghan]

:welcome:

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online Galvin! :props:

This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

This is something I've posed several times and it covers many areas at a high level but give you an idea of what's available and some of the prices.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Make detailing enjoyable and practice. Take your time and do not become overwhelmed. Just because there are a thousand product doesn't mean you have to use them all.

Pick one product from each category from the steps above. You already have some great waxes so you're that far ahead of the game..

Autogeek has a kit section that contains everything you need to get started. For starting off I recommend a dual action polisher. These come on a variety of flavors and Autogeek carries most of them so take your time and educate yourself.


Kit Page

Car Care Kits, Car Care Cleaning Kits, Complete Detailing Kits (http://www.autogeek.net/kitspecials.html)

Decent kit

Pinnacle Twins & Meguiar's G110v2 Dual Action Polisher Kit FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-twins-ultimate-detailing-machine.html)

Much better kit

Menzerna Porter Cable XP Maximum Shine Kit FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-porter-cable-maximum-shine.html)

Flex Kit

If I were in the market for a kit this would be the one I'd choose.
Pinnacle Flex XC3401 Polishing & Swirl Remover kit, Pinnacle polishes, swirl removers, finishing polish, flex buffer (http://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-flex-polisher-kit.html)

Don't overlook a one step product

One Step Product

Klasse

Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Auto Polish, Klasse All In One, klasse aio, Acrylic polish (http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html)

Menzerna Sealing Wax

Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60, Menzerna APO 60, Menzerna wax (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-sealing-wax-apo-60.html)

Meguiar's D151

Meguiars Paint Reconditioning Cream D151 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-reconditioning-cream-d151.html)

Pinnacle XMT

Pinnacle XMT Clean & Shine Bundle (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-clean-shine-bundle.html)

Forum Favorite

Klasse All-In-One, Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, Pinnacle Souveran, Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Wax come together to create a forum favorite kit. (http://www.autogeek.net/forfavkit.html)

Sealants

Menzerna Power Lock Paint Sealant

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)

Other quality sealants


Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant

Wax

Collinite 845

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

Pinnacle Signature Series ll

Pinnacle Signature Series II Carnauba Paste Wax will give you a deep, wet finish will exceed your expectations. car wax, carnauba paste wax, pinnacle (http://www.autogeek.net/pisisepawax.html)

[mitchyp]

Great plug on the products..

Thing is it doesn't help me with sorting out the problem with the voltage and hz etc. Can someone please shed some light on this?

[BobbyG]

Great plug on the products..

Thing is it doesn't help me with sorting out the problem with the voltage and hz etc. Can someone please shed some light on this?

I like to mention a few products that I use and have had great luck with. I try not to recommend or give advise on products I haven't used.

The Flex 3401 is available in a 240 volt version if that helps.

To use a 115v power tool in Australia, your best and safest option is a stepdown transformer. Basically, these convert the 240v electrical supply to 115v supply, with a U.S. style outlet on the transformer box to plug your power tool into.

"There are various sized and priced stepdown transformers, and it depends what level of power you require for your needs. I.e. a 100w stepdown transformer is much cheaper but will only run tools or devices up to 100w power. A 2000 watt transformer costs more but allows you to run a larger range of tools. The larger units are the most practical if you are planning to run U.S. purchased 115v tools in Australia. A good corded drill might draw over 1000 watts, so the extra power is handy to have. Larger tools like heavy duty routers will draw 2000 watts or more."

OnlineToolReviews.com - Tortech Stepdown Transformer - Detailed Review (http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/tortechstepdown.htm)

I don't have any personal experience with stepdown transformers but from what I've read they're widely used to overcome the voltage obstacle quite nicely.

[mitchyp]

Thanks very much.

The one thing I would ask is you say its available on a 240v but I have only seen it available on the 230v and on a different hz amount. I think looking at this,the safest way to go is with the american using the step down transformer.
The export I believe is for europe which then steps outside of the safe 5% difference allowance on the electric.

Anymore light shed on this would be great,many thanks. Love the site by the way

[BobbyG]

Thanks very much.

The one thing I would ask is you say its available on a 240v but I have only seen it available on the 230v and on a different hz amount. I think looking at this,the safest way to go is with the american using the step down transformer.
The export I believe is for europe which then steps outside of the safe 5% difference allowance on the electric.

Anymore light shed on this would be great,many thanks. Love the site by the way

When I describe voltages typically 220 - 240 volts is an acceptable range and seem to be pretty consistent in manufactures specifications.

This should fit the bill quite nicely.

Manufacturer Flex Model XC3401
Shipping Weight (Pounds) 5.7000
Polisher Wheel Diameter 6-1/2-inch
Voltage 220 volt / 230 volt @ 50hz (Other Countries)

Flex XC3401VRGCEE Variable Speed Dual Action Orbital Polisher - 230-Volt (http://www.toolking.com/specialty-tools/automotive-tools-and-accessories/auto-body/flex-xc3401vrgcee-variable-speed-dual-action-orbital-polisher-230-volt/)

[cmichael258]

Welcome. You have found a great forum with a wealth of information.

[dad07]

:welcome:

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!


:welcome: