Skill vs tools

**Bates Detailing** · 02-10-2011, 03:13 PM

This thread is exhausting

**CleanGene** · 02-10-2011, 03:20 PM

Another thing that should be considered when talking about the amount of skill needed to effectively operate a tool is the tool being used.

For example, I can probably teach my wife who has NO aptitude for power tools how to effectively polish her car with my PC in a few minutes. Does that mean she has an advanced skillset? Not at all. Could I have done it better? Probably. Will the results of her doing it be acceptable? I think so. Would I give her that same quick lesson with my Makita and turn her loose on her car? Not a chance. I understand that the two are completely different.

So given the tool in question, more or less skill may be needed to operate it and produce good results.

**Rhudeboye** · 02-10-2011, 04:09 PM

After reading every post it appears that most lean towards skill winning out. Few chimed in on the % but even ones that emphasize tools, make the point that skill is needed.

Originally Posted by feslope

The novice with the brand new Flex will aquire skill and experience and grow into his tool.

B&B - i agreed with your example below completely, but you do realize your breakdown shows that skill carries more weight then tool.

Originally Posted by B&B Tennessee

no skill + machine = sub par to disastrous results ..............

skill + no machine = good results, but could be better - unless spending countless hours and energy on one vehicle

skill + machine = best results in a timely and efficient manner.
l!

Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis

Again I disagree. As long as you have A buffer and the skils/experience/ knowledge, you can turn out a good detail. Skill has much more to do with it than quality of the tool and products. IMO

We can probably all agree that a true master in detailing can accomplish a respectable full detail with OTC supplies. And we probably all doubt a 1st time user could ever impress us with top of the line products and tools. LOL heck, it took me a while to get the measurements right. Kept adding too much product to the pad. And my first Rotary, OMG there were holograms all over the side panel that I didnt see till I parked the car in the sun. Yuck!

IMO Skill has to win out by at a minimum 15%

**Kristopher1129** · 02-10-2011, 05:19 PM

Man, I commented earlier in this thread. Boy am I glad I was busy today, haha.

**VISITOR** · 02-10-2011, 05:46 PM

with products, pads and tools constantly evolving, it's making these easier to achieve good results. while the DA has had it's limitations, it's changed now and seeing the results one can get with it is just mind blowing. there are several experienced detailers (not here but on other sites) that pretty much stopped using their rotaries and now use the DA with results every bit as good as if they used the rotary. overall, it's the skill and experience of the user who dictates the results...

**Bates Detailing** · 02-10-2011, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by BigAl3

with products, pads and tools constantly evolving, it's making these easier to achieve good results. while the DA has had it's limitations, it's changed now and seeing the results one can get with it is just mind blowing. there are several experienced detailers (not here but on other sites) that pretty much stopped using their rotaries and now use the DA with results every bit as good as if they used the rotary. overall, it's the skill and experience of the user who dictates the results...

I love my DA for finishing purposes - but I feel that the rotary cuts much better IMO..... maybe just me though!?!?!

**Kristopher1129** · 02-10-2011, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by B&B Tennessee

I love my DA for finishing purposes - but I feel that the rotary cuts much better IMO..... maybe just me though!?!?!

Me too

**dougaross** · 02-10-2011, 10:45 PM

Is this not unlike various sports like golf and tennis? The evolving of the equipment has allowed the masses to perform better. But who doubts that a Bobby Jones would be an even greater golfer with today's equipment.

**Bates Detailing** · 02-10-2011, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by dougaross

Is this not unlike various sports like golf and tennis? The evolving of the equipment has allowed the masses to perform better. But who doubts that a Bobby Jones would be an even greater golfer with today's equipment.

Would performance enhancing drugs make a better detailer?!!?!?