Newb to DA!

[GLOCKer]

I just picked up my first (real) DA from Harbor Freight for $44.50 out the door. I'm pretty excited to be moving up to a DA from my humble roots; I start on my 2014 Mustang doing correction by hand, then moved to cheap Wal-Mart purchased orbital buffer, and then to the Meguiar's DA Power System that runs off of a drill. I've been happy with the results I've been getting with these various tools, but I've been unhappy with the time it takes! A typical detailing of my car takes on average 12 or 13 hours.

I've got the HF DA at the house, and I ordered the following today:

Pinnacle XMT Pad Care Combo
Buff and Shine 5.5 inch Flat Foam Pads 6 count
5 Inch Buff & Shine DA Backing Plate
Here are the results of my hard work pre-DA:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/11951797_10156197828180107_4952598171245713796_n.j pg?oh=f025ee1280e8e71c9360c3ca4c7435f9&oe=571B5F57

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11951204_10156197321455107_2680441789932557672_n.j pg?oh=1f9c2e6707e03c23261439b509b28318&oe=571D2664

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11329974_10155798365500107_2024674559873558832_n.j pg?oh=4f665107215fd649dddc97780a72af10&oe=56D549CF

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11119147_10155798364640107_5250476583311655073_n.j pg?oh=42eceb83187c754af737f024a1488660&oe=56E1AD34

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11350407_10155798363095107_2149791052041774732_n.j pg?oh=76118326c4e84eb18fbe0a5fc0c07a67&oe=56E4B737

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/10995895_10155633422885107_1497924775955716059_n.j pg?oh=69b4d6c2b68cbb93aa2ef4a8ccfbf816&oe=57116A16

I'm very proud of what I've been able to accomplish so far without the best equipment, and I'm hoping for better results with a DA. I know the Harbor Freight DA isn't the best tool on the market, but it has to be better than what I've been using!

My biggest questions right now have to do with the maintenance and storage of the pads when I'm done with them. I take it it's a good idea to clean them as you use them (clean on the fly). When I'm done, do I just hose them out? How about storage? Dry them out I take it? Should I keep them in a big Ziploc bag or something to keep them from being contaminated?

Thanks for the info guys! Here's two more pics to show you my car!
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10308113_10155803031550107_3496006156850230544_n.j pg?oh=916075f7fdd0d23ea0596b90ccd0d099&oe=56D71086

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12185269_10156370702600107_4031339932542554710_o.j pg

[Coopers ST]

Looks great

[ski2]

You need 4-6 pads for each step in your process ie 4-6 orange for compounding, 4-6 white or green for polishing so hope you ordered enough.

Here's an article by Mike Phillips re the number of pads to use: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/88109-how-many-pads-do-i-need-buff-out-my-car.html

Cleaning on the fly is just a method of getting spent product and removed clear coat off of the pad after each section during your polishing session. It is not a full washing of the pad.

As you finish using a pad place it in a pail of warm water with either an APC of your choice or DAWN. Then when you are done polishing clean each pad with your cleaner of choice, rinse very well, squeeze (not twist) between folds of a terry towel the set on a rack of some sort with the Velcro side up.

Store in a zip lock or plastic bin, but make sure they are totally dry.

[The Guz]

APC and dish soap works fine but this has become my go to

DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator was created to provide detailers with a fast and effective way to clean pads without soapy residue or foamy degreasers. (http://www.autogeek.net/dp730.html)

Soak, massage product out, rinse and set aside face down to dry on a shelf rack or even a couple grit guards.

Here's my review.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/dp-car-care-products/92348-review-dp-polishing-pad-rejuvenator.html

[Sicoupe]

Very nice job by hand! Looking forward to pics from your DA:)

[Rockeey]

I know the Harbor Freight DA isn't the best tool on the market, but it has to be better than what I've been using!

Although I recently purchased the Griots Boss G15 (which is a very nice tool), there is nothing wrong with the DA you purchased. I've been using my HF DA for three years now and it is still trucking along just fine. Near as I can tell, there are quite a few people who frequent this forum that use it, too. It's a good buy, has plenty of power, and can produce some excellent results.

Enjoy your new tool. You'll be pleased with the results you get once you dial in a good combination of technique, pads, and polish/compound.

BTW, your car looks great !!

[tuscarora dave]

I've done a crap load of paint corrections, a crap load of sanding and a crap load of scrubbing with the Cyclo brushes using the HF Platinum DA polisher I purchased when it first came out. Mine is every bit as powerful as any Griot's Garage 6 inch ROP that I've used. If these units are hit or miss, then mine's definitely a hit!! I've used several different Rupes models now, and while they're nice, smooth running machines I just can't entertain the thought of paying the price for them when I get such good results with the underdog HF Platinum using 3M backing plate and Ultrafiber 5.25" pads. My HF unit never received any of the mods discussed on this forum either (other than the better backing plate) ...straight out of the box.

Have fun with your new purchase!!

[tuscarora dave]

I've gotten to the point with my HF DA and Lake Country UltraFiber pads where I'm doing an entire Paint correction using just one single MF pad. I've lost count of how many paint corrections I've done using that same one pad. Over heat the pad and it's pretty much finished, keep the pad cool by cleaning often using a brush and compressed air, and don't saturate the pad with product and they last a real long time...

All of this comes after years of experience though.. I had to destroy at least 20 pads to get to this point. Point is, the old HF Platinum is a worthy enough tool to bring me through this experience and is still running strong!!

[tuscarora dave]

I used to dream of the life I am living now

I used to think similar thoughts... Now I'm living a life beyond my wildest dreams!!!:dblthumb2:

[DaveT435]

APC and dish soap works fine but this has become my go to

DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator was created to provide detailers with a fast and effective way to clean pads without soapy residue or foamy degreasers. (http://www.autogeek.net/dp730.html)

Soak, massage product out, rinse and set aside face down to dry on a shelf rack or even a couple grit guards.

Here's my review.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/dp-car-care-products/92348-review-dp-polishing-pad-rejuvenator.html

I agree.
This seems to be the best method I've found. Tried Dawn and a couple of the spray on cleaners. This seems to be a little gentler on the pads.

[willowcat11]

Holy Cow GLOCKer! Those Reflections are INSANE man! Great Job!

I to have just purchased my first DA, and it it also the HF DA you purchased. I can't wait to use it!


Ray

[Dan Tran]

Have fun with exploring all the possibilities!

We all have started somewhere in life..

I think I can speak for most on here when I say, "BEWARE OF UPGRADE-ITIS!"

[dlc95]

I've done a crap load of paint corrections, a crap load of sanding and a crap load of scrubbing with the Cyclo brushes using the HF Platinum DA polisher I purchased when it first came out. Mine is every bit as powerful as any Griot's Garage 6 inch ROP that I've used. If these units are hit or miss, then mine's definitely a hit!! I've used several different Rupes models now, and while they're nice, smooth running machines I just can't entertain the thought of paying the price for them when I get such good results with the underdog HF Platinum using 3M backing plate and Ultrafiber 5.25" pads. My HF unit never received any of the mods discussed on this forum either (other than the better backing plate) ...straight out of the box.

Have fun with your new purchase!!

I have one of these HF machines too, and have to agree.

[willowcat11]

Thanks guys, this is great to hear, and I will make sure to watch out for the Upgrade-itis! LOL!

[EzyBrzy]

Chemical Guys pad cleaner works well for me. Dump a little in a bucket with warm water then toss soiled pads in there. Use a brush scrub, then rinse out a few times.