HF Polisher or Meguiar's DA Power System

[GTSDriver08]

I'm looking to get my first polisher and I have a small budget for one. I've been looking at the Harbor Freight DA Polisher or the Meguiar's DA Power System that attaches to your drill. They're both around the same price, which leads me to my question. Which one would you all prefer on a small budget?

[Setec Astronomy]

Any DA machine is going to be better than using a drill. Bear in mind you'll probably need a new backing plate and some good pads as the HF ones aren't very good.

[tuscarora dave]

HF definitely. That DA Power System is a joke in comparison.

[trekkeruss]

I love Meguiar's in general, but no way would I want to use the DA Power System. It would be too awkward and tiring to use having to hold the drill perpendicular to the surface, especially on horizontal surfaces. Also (most? all?) drills don't have a separate speed control; it would be too difficult to depress the trigger to the RPM level you want and be able to maintain it constantly.

[GTSDriver08]

I read the thread about modifying the HF backing plate, rotating the power buttob, and upgrading the grease. Gonna pick up a HF DA Saturday.

[trekkeruss]

Gonna pick up a HF DA Saturday.

Don't forget to print out and bring in their 20 percent off coupon.

[ski2]

I read the thread about modifying the HF backing plate, rotating the power buttob, and upgrading the grease. Gonna pick up a HF DA Saturday.

You need to replace the HF backing plate with a 5" backing plate--not modify it-so you can use 5" or 5.5" pads. NOTE: don't waste your $$ on HF pads. It's not absolutely essential to rotate the power button and replace the grease--there is at least one pro detailer I know of who uses the HF right out of the box with no mods other than a new backinb plate.

Keep in mind that in addtion to the HF cost you'll need to spend approximately another $50-60 on the backing plate and pads. You can't just buy a couple of pads.

See here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ut-my-car.html

[GTSDriver08]

Alright, now where can I get a backing plate locally.

[tuscarora dave]

there is at least one pro detailer I know of who uses the HF right out of the box with no mods other than a new backinb plate.

Who me? Bet I have a few hundred hours on mine, right out of the box with exception to the 3M backing plate. It's a decent machine. Not your typical HF Central Electric junk.

[tuscarora dave]

Alright, now where can I get a backing plate locally.

Try an auto body and paint supply.