One handed polisher?

[Lowejackson]

One handed polisher? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/44620-one-handed-polisher.html)


A question arose on another forum whereby someone with one arm asked about what type of polisher could be used. I have no idea as I cannot see how you could control a machine and alter the pressure but I thought the question should be put to a larger audience.

So, any ideas on how to polish with one arm?

[Flannigan]

You could use a PC DA machine with one arm. You would have to pay very close attention to what you are doing, and probably have to take breaks, but it could be done for sure.

[alko]

You could use a PC DA machine with one arm. You would have to pay very close attention to what you are doing, and probably have to take breaks, but it could be done for sure.

Maybe they could attached some very light weights to put some downward pressure on it too. Its definitely plausable.

[BobbyG]

I'm not trying to be a smart ass here but I think polishing with a dual action polisher in the Porter Cable lineup is easily doable. From mounting the pad to applying product and getting the pad on the finish, I see no problem other than additional time and practice..

Many times I work an area with my right had on the back of the polisher balanced so I an bend down and check a reflective shot....But that's just me, I don't know how everyone else feels about it...

[richy]

Like any handicap, it's amazing at how one can adapt. I concur with Bobby completely on this. Besides, I have been doing the rotary one handed to reach areas that are difficult for a long time. Using one hand with a DA is even easier.

[phoenixs1234]

I have nerve damage in my left shoulder so I use the pc da with just my right hand and have not had any problems. I just did my 2009 Ford Explorer and it came out great.

[Ted S.]

I'm sure a pneumatic palm sander can be modified in some way for use as a buffer/polisher.:xyxthumbs:

[Flash Gordon]

I'm not trying to be a smart ass here but I think polishing with a dual action polisher in the Porter Cable lineup is easily doable. From mounting the pad to applying product and getting the pad on the finish, I see no problem other than additional time and practice..

Many times I work an area with my right had on the back of the polisher balanced so I an bend down and check a reflective shot....But that's just me, I don't know how everyone else feels about it...

And he does it again ^ :applause:

Kinda reminds me of the thread we had not to long ago about the blind guy wanting to start a detail business. This business is hard enough w/out having that obstacle IMO

Having said all that, the drummer from Def Lepard was able jam pretty good w/one arm, so I guess anythings possible

[Mike Phillips]

One handed with any of the DA Polishers is easily doable...


1939 Lincoln Zephyr - Swirls Removed - Modeled by Nicole (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/44292-1939-lincoln-zephyr-swirls-removed-modeled-nicole.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1347/1939LincolnZephyr036.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1347/1939LincolnZephyr062.jpg



1957 Chevrolet Bel Air - Remove Swirls - Modeled by Kristin (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/42954-1957-chevrolet-bel-air-remove-swirls-modeled-kristin.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1308/1957BelairExtremeMakeover061b.jpg



Two hands when working on valuable components like the fender skirts off a 1957 Chevy...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1308/1957BelairExtremeMakeover071.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1308/1957BelairExtremeMakeover096.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1308/1957BelairExtremeMakeover097.jpg





Flex 3401

1957 Chevrolet Belair Extreme Makeover - Flex 3401 & Wolfgang Smackdown! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/20751-1957-chevrolet-belair-extreme-makeover-flex-3401-wolfgang-smackdown.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/57TuqChev091.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/57TuqChev094.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/57TuqChev118.jpg



Rotary Buffer

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1035/Jan29101ClassF067.jpg



1967 Starline Deville - Extreme Makeover (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/21147-1967-starline-deville-extreme-makeover.html)



FlexRBwithXMT4 - YouTube

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/StarlineDeville0001.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/21770)




Cyco can be used with one hand too...


:)

[Mike Phillips]

So, any ideas on how to polish with one arm?





Out of all the tools, in my opinion the best tool for someone that will only be able to grip the tool with one hand would be to opt for the Griot's or PC DA Polisher.

You could use the Meguiar's G110v2 but if it were me I would grind the tool stand off...


From this article,

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/30822-handle-no-handle-using-da-polishers-without-handle.html)


With the Bail Handle removed off the Meguiar's DA Polisher, there's a built-in tool rest that keeps the polisher from tipping over if you place it on it's back with the Bail Handle removed or adjusted to the extreme forward position. While this does provide a benefit, the problem is if you use this tool without the Bail Handle, this tool rest gets pressed into your hand.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/740/PlasticCover008.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/740/PlasticCover009.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/740/PlasticCover010.jpg



It would help if the person exercised their existing arm doing things like curls, reverse curls, triceps exercises and grip strengthen exercises as buffing out an entire car using only one arm and hand will be taxing...

:)

[Mike Phillips]

Share this with your friend, I personally find it very inspiring...

Pictures & Comments from January 29th Detailing 101 Class (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-saturday-detailing-101/32283-pictures-comments-january-29th-detailing-101-class.html)



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1035/Jan29101ClassF079.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1035/Jan29101ClassF088.jpg




Pictures & Comments from January 30th Detailing 102 Class (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-sunday-detailing-102-advanced-class/32317-pictures-comments-january-30th-detailing-102-class.html)

Machine Dampsanding by air powered DA
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0064_.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0087_.jpg


Machine Dampsanding by electric DA
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0074_.jpg



Using a full size wool cutting pad on a rotary buffer....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0101.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0102.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0123.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0153.jpg



Machine Polishing with a Griot's

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1036/Jan30Class0187.jpg



:)

[glen e]

I have been using the small 3" Griot's DA for years and many, many times use it one hand on the boat. When you are standing on a cabin top and polishing a sat radome, you can only do it with one hand!
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/gersly123/buffer.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

I have been using the small 3" Griot's DA for years and many, many times use it one hand on the boat. When you are standing on a cabin top and polishing a sat radome, you can only do it with one hand!



Throw a 3" Microfiber Pad on that tool and you'll notice how much more pad rotation you get since they are thinner and dissipate the energy less than a traditional foam pad.



Like this,

Dampsanding with 3" Griot's Garage Mini Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wet-sanding-cutting-buffing/38475-dampsanding-3-griot-s-garage-mini-polisher.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/772/mini3dampsanding002.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/772/mini3dampsanding003.jpg



Removing Sanding Marks
The Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher is also able to rotate the Meguiar's microfiber discs. This is a 3" microfiber cutting disc removing #3000 Unigrit dampsanding marks.

It works but it's so much faster and effective to learn how to use a rotary buffer if you're going to sand down and buff out an entire car. If you're just doing spot repair then it's doable.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/772/mini3dampsanding004.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/772/mini3dampsanding005.jpg





:)

[Lowejackson]

Wow, what a response, this is way more than I anticipated, thanks to everyone especially Mike for the great pictures, the last ones reminding me to stop complaining when my hands get a little numb when polishing in the cold

[glen e]

Thanks Mike, I did you one better - saw your video on the ultralight flex rotary with 3 inch pad and ordered that from you guys last night!