drill for polish: why not?

[sansa]

Hi I would ask you what's the difference between using a polisher or using a drill (max 2280 rpm).
I know the drill is not indicated but why?

[HateSwirls]

A drill is indeed a rotary.
It may look different comparing it to let's say my DeWalt 849x but they can both correct paint.
I use my drill at times along with a four inch pad to get into tight areas.
At the same time the drill can damage paint just as my DeWalt.

Using the correct backing plate, pads and polishes you can essentially correct paint using a drill.

[sansa]

A drill is indeed a rotary.
It may look different comparing it to let's say my DeWalt 849x but they can both correct paint.
I use my drill at times along with a four inch pad to get into tight areas.
At the same time the drill can damage paint just as my DeWalt.

Using the correct backing plate, pads and polishes you can essentially correct paint using a drill.

I can't understand which is the problem with drills...
why should it damage the paint?

What if I had a velcro sanding pad where I could stick the polishing pad and go at max speed (2280 rpm) with the drill? What's the problem with that?

PS: polishers go around 4000 rpm, right?

[Willy Wang]

The shape of a drill is less favorable as it is harder to keep the pad flat. when the pad walks on you, correcting the angle becomes more difficult due to the orientation of the tool (tall). Otherwise, if you can hold a drill as even and consistent as a polisher, it will do the same job, given that all else is held constant (power, speed, pressure, passes, etc.)

[HateSwirls]

I can't understand which is the problem with drills...
why should it damage the paint?

What if I had a velcro sanding pad where I could stick the polishing pad and go at max speed (2280 rpm) with the drill? What's the problem with that?

PS: polishers go around 4000 rpm, right?

First you don't use a rotary at 4000 RPM's, you'd burn paint for sure.
Now if you use a battery operated drill you'd have less chances in damaging the paint but one with a cord is different in that the RPM's are much faster, trust me when I say they generate heat.
All I'm saying is be carful.


Cajun Detailing by Kevin (http://www.cajundetailingbykevin.com)

[BobbyG]

First you don't use a rotary at 4000 RPM's, you'd burn paint for sure.
Now if you use a battery operated drill you'd have less chances in damaging the paint but one with a cord is different in that the RPM's are much faster, trust me when I say they generate heat.
All I'm saying is be carful.


Cajun Detailing by Kevin (http://www.cajundetailingbykevin.com)

As with any rotating device speed is the killer and as Kevin's stated 4000 rpm is much too fast. A rotary can generate heat so as Kevin's pointing out BE CAREFUL.

I have a Dewalt electric drill I use but primarily for wheels. It's a variable speed model and does a nice job polishing and prepping wheels for a hard costing.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1453/medium/Products_Tests_13.JPG

[ShaunD]

There are some guys that offer "scratch removal" to the used car lots around here, and they use a drill. A red MB they did had sever cookie cutter marks on the trunk that looked just horrible and probably would have required sanding to properly correct. I dont thnk they know how to use a rotary polisher let alon a high speed drill. Using a rotary tool is risky in any form, let alone when the rpm is above 1800(which I rarely if ever go above car automotive paint/finishes) and the tool is difficult to keep balanced. There are better tools out there and no need to risk damaging a vehicle by using a very risky procedure/tool. But hey, it's your paint.:)

[Shane731]

Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)

[wlshephard]

I can't understand which is the problem with drills...
why should it damage the paint?

What if I had a velcro sanding pad where I could stick the polishing pad and go at max speed (2280 rpm) with the drill? What's the problem with that?

PS: polishers go around 4000 rpm, right?

I suggest you get a test panel or a scrap panel from a junk yard and practice. You will find out how safe it is or not real quick. Kevin and Bobby are correct a drill is basically a rotary and hard to control without a lot of practice. You will also find out why a dial speed control and a trigger lock are on a polisher. Good luck!

[dcjredline]

Theres nothing WRONG with it, if it works for you go for it. Others just like the safety and peace of mind using a DA. I did my first car with a blue pad connected to a drill (used same pad for both compound and polish and never cleaned it for the whole car) it worked great but I probably could do MUCH better now with my DA or a real rotary.

[cleanmycorolla]

Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)

This!!!

This thing is great for headlights, paint(spot corrections) really a great little tool!

[Becciasm]

It varies from user to user, working surface to working surface, from drill to drill, cordless or corded, Meg's DA (or other) attachment or rotary use. Clear as mud?

I've not had much luck with drill use or using the Meg's DA attachment - prefer a 6" DA with smaller pads to get tighter areas.

[sansa]

The shape of a drill is less favorable as it is harder to keep the pad flat. when the pad walks on you, correcting the angle becomes more difficult due to the orientation of the tool (tall). Otherwise, if you can hold a drill as even and consistent as a polisher, it will do the same job, given that all else is held constant (power, speed, pressure, passes, etc.)
well there are few options that solve these problems:
1. drills have also a holder like this one: Hitachi DV18DSDL/JW 18V Cordless li-ion Combi Drill (2 x 4Ah Batteries) (http://www.toolstop.co.uk/hitachi-dv18dsdl-jw-18v-cordless-li-ion-combi-drill-2-x-4ah-batteries-p52827)
which is the same of this by the way: Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)
2. many drills have a potentiometer to set the speed (and power) from 1 to 5 so I can use it at less than 1800
3. what's the problem with pressure?
4. what do you mean with passes?


First you don't use a rotary at 4000 RPM's, you'd burn paint for sure.
I mean the max speed is 4000, I guess you use the machine at 3 or 4...

As with any rotating device speed is the killer and as Kevin's stated 4000 rpm is much too fast. A rotary can generate heat so as Kevin's pointing out BE CAREFUL.
I'll try with a drill that's got the potentiometer for the speed!


it's your paint.:) eheh! :)


Theres nothing WRONG with it, it worked great but I probably could do MUCH better now with my DA or a real rotary.
can't understand the problems that other users wrote here... I'm not an expert! :-D I'm kind of satisfied with a sufficient glossy surface ;)

[wlshephard]

well there are few options that solve these problems:
1. drills have also a holder like this one: Hitachi DV18DSDL/JW 18V Cordless li-ion Combi Drill (2 x 4Ah Batteries) (http://www.toolstop.co.uk/hitachi-dv18dsdl-jw-18v-cordless-li-ion-combi-drill-2-x-4ah-batteries-p52827)
which is the same of this by the way: Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)
2. many drills have a potentiometer to set the speed (and power) from 1 to 5 so I can use it at less than 1800
3. what's the problem with pressure?
4. what do you mean with passes?

I mean the max speed is 4000, I guess you use the machine at 3 or 4...

I'll try with a drill that's got the potentiometer for the speed!

eheh! :)


can't understand the problems that other users wrote here... I'm not an expert! :-D I'm kind of satisfied with a sufficient glossy surface ;)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/25848-section-pass.html

That link will help with info on what a section pass is.

Being able to maintain proper pressure accurately is very important.

If I might make a suggestion you might want to pick up a copy of Mike Phillips book. I think you will find it fascinating and informative.

[Evan.J]

My suggestion go watch mikes detail Fest video on using a rotary. There is no need to go above 1000rpms with a rotary.

You need to educate yourself before jumping in and using a very aggressive method like a drill as a polisher. Failing to do so will cause you to do damage to your vehicles very thin clear coating and or paint.