Being more efficient during a detail

[Mike Phillips]

-I’m using a Porter Cable 7424 with lake country thin pads. It works very well...IF I take my time. I’m interested in a Flex 3401...the cost doesn’t bother me if it speeds the process up.

I've used all the tools we sell and any of the gear-driven tools will dramatically increase your overall speed.


I always say, "the little things are the big things". I find I can do faster correction with 8mm gear-driven orbital than with 5mm gear-driven orbital but that's just my experience.

[Mike Phillips]

Ray and I buffed this car out in 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish

1965 Cadillac - Original Single Stage Paint - Slam job by Mike Phillips

No talking on our phones - turn the buffers on and get buffing. Change pads often. Look at the number of pads...

[mk9750]

Mike,

What's the Comet for?

[Mike Phillips]

Mike,

What's the Comet for?

Probably 99.9% of the time I make a post I include a >>>link<<< and the link is in the context of what I posted.

Your job if you're interested is to >click< the link and read and also look at the pictures.

[mk9750]

Investigation complete. Thanks.

[oneheadlite]

Another thing I forgot to add, which occurred quite regularly: hose & extension cords getting stuck under the tires when moving around the car. Forcing me to either walk back and move the hose or get it unstuck...or plug in the extension cord because it became disconnected.

I’m going to say this happened 15-20 times throughout one detail. Sure, it wasted 5-10 seconds...but it adds up...plus, it’s frustrating as hell!

Maxreed241 mentioned the detail guardz - sounds like it would be helpful with hose/cord management. When I'm swapping sides, I'll usually get all the hose/cable slack to the front of the car, then walk all the way back before starting on the other side. That way I know I'll not get hung up as I'm moving along. +1 on SWETM's tying loose loops in the extension cord at the plugs to keep them from separating.

One thing I've heard when trying to maximize efficiency is to do a video recording of yourself in action so you can notice things you don't notice yourself doing. Just an example would be setting something too far away from yourself so you're constantly reaching for it when you need it.

+1 also on JustJesus' detail cart or similar. I set up a table in the garage (hobbyist) so I can pre-stage stuff and keep it off the ground. There's a restaurant supply place you can get a nice 40"x18" 3 shelf cart for like $70 - PM me for info if you want info.

I have a couple of the carts at work for various things, I want to get one for detailing at home and cut the middle shelf to fit 2 buckets so it can serve as a bucket dolly for washing (lift the top shelf off, it's just press fit), or a mobile table during correction/etc.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's 2 cars in 2 hours in 45 minutes from start to finish

Sure we had a few people but they will attest, we MOVED FAST!


Pictures: SONAX PNS + Pinnacle Jeweling Wax - Ford vs Chevy

[HockeyCrazi]

Yes Mike! Would love a video on this topic!!

[snowracer21]

Awesome suggestions guys! Another thing that really cut into my time was neighbors. I live in a small cul-de-sac area, and have to work outside as my garage is too small to fit a car and work efficiently. I had no less than 3 neighbors stop by and talk to me for at least 10 minutes, admiring my work. I’m a friendly neighbor, but damn, it’s frustrating!


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