Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

[EF9]

I'm finally ready to make my first dual action polisher purchase and I've decided on the Flex 3401. I have a few questions in regards to which pads I should purchase for the chemicals I've decided on. Here they are:

Ultimate Compound- cutting
Ultimate Polish- polishing
Ultimate Wax- Sealing

I'm a noobie and am open to any advice you guys and gals might have for me. Also if there is a Meguiars product out there that you prefer over the ones I've chosen I'd like to hear your input.

A little back ground on me and the cars I will be detailing. I'm familiar with a few Meguiar's products but I've only been working with my hands. Never had experience with a dual polisher ever. The cars I am detailing are my own personal cars. I keep my paint pretty clean but I feel it's time to step it up with a dual polisher.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Wow!! to MOL 7 years later!

If you've been working by hand and never used a machine before I don't know if I would recommend a 3401 Flex for a beginner?

I have a Flex 3401 and I only use it on very hard clears or when time is of great Importance! Even though this is a DA it is gear driven and can really do some damage if you get in a bind or in a tight spot and don't get the power off quick enough. (Been there done that)

I think I would wait until Meguiars releases their new DA! I consider selling my Flex to get it but going to hang on to it because it is an amazing DA with plenty of power. I even have a new rotary hanging up that is just collecting dust because if my 7424XP, Meguiars cutting disk and M105 or M100 can't remove a scratch or blemish then I'll reach for my Flex and a polishing pad to remove it then go right back to my 7424.

Like I said I will be getting one myself and think with the new and great technology Meguiars is coming out with you should be able to do just about anything, for as your talent goes. I know some will disagree but that's what makes this country great, Not everyone thinks alike, thank god! So make up your own mind with my experence and others as well and go from there. Post back when you make the jump and we will help you Meguiarize your cars!

[Jarhead0754]

X's 2 on that. Wait for meguiars new polisher. The flex is not a beginners tool. Plus with the meguairs if u need more cut u just simply use the microfiber pads from meguiars. With that I say look into the kit that the pads and the d300,301,302. But for ur foam pads I say get the meguiars 2.0, and the ultimate UC, up, and ULW are all good, but u could also add the m105, 205, and the new 305. But all that is what I say u should have in ur arsenal.

[EF9]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Wow!! to MOL 7 years later!

If you've been working by hand and never used a machine before I don't know if I would recommend a 3401 Flex for a beginner?

I have a Flex 3401 and I only use it on very hard clears or when time is of great Importance! Even though this is a DA it is gear driven and can really do some damage if you get in a bind or in a tight spot and don't get the power off quick enough. (Been there done that)

I think I would wait until Meguiars releases their new DA! I consider selling my Flex to get it but going to hang on to it because it is an amazing DA with plenty of power. I even have a new rotary hanging up that is just collecting dust because if my 7424XP, Meguiars cutting disk and M105 or M100 can't remove a scratch or blemish then I'll reach for my Flex and a polishing pad to remove it then go right back to my 7424.

Like I said I will be getting one myself and think with the new and great technology Meguiars is coming out with you should be able to do just about anything, for as your talent goes. I know some will disagree but that's what makes this country great, Not everyone thinks alike, thank god! So make up your own mind with my experence and others as well and go from there. Post back when you make the jump and we will help you Meguiarize your cars!

Thank you! I'm happy to be apart of the community
I'll take your advice and wait for Meguiars to come out with their new design. I'm thinking of Meguiars pads, I've read that the yellow and black pads are the most commonly used ones?

X's 2 on that. Wait for meguiars new polisher. The flex is not a beginners tool. Plus with the meguairs if u need more cut u just simply use the microfiber pads from meguiars. With that I say look into the kit that the pads and the d300,301,302. But for ur foam pads I say get the meguiars 2.0, and the ultimate UC, up, and ULW are all good, but u could also add the m105, 205, and the new 305. But all that is what I say u should have in ur arsenal.

I'll definitely look into the Megs microfiber pads. These microfiber pads should only be used with a cutting chemical like Megs SwirlX, ScratchX, or Ultimate compound right? I'm quite new to the different pads and which chemicals are to be used with each. When you say d300, 301, 302 are those the pad model numbers? Also what is Meguiars 2.0, m105, m205, m305? I'm still new here and not quite familiar with the lingo just yet, help me out guys.

[Jarhead0754]

Ok the 2.0 are referred to the soft buff 2.0 pads. And yes the yellow and black are used for da, the burgundy is only for a rotary polisher. The d300, d301 and such are a compound, polish, wax and those are made for the mf da pads. U can buy it in a kit known as the mfda. But u don't want to always use a mf pad so the 2.0 pads are a must in my eyes and then on trickier spots u use the mf pad. Also the new slim foam pads are a nice add to have on hand as well. Now m105 a cutter, m205 a polish, and the new m305 is a glaze wax if I remember are not neccesary to have when u got the ultimate line up but is nice to have on hand as well when u get more experience, u will see. I say stay away from swirl x or scratch x if u have these other products.

But the yellow 2.0 pad is used with UC and up, and the black pad is up and uw. But I can't say use this with that as every car is different. And some people like to use say m205 on a mf pad, but as a beginner myself I just like to keep it simple and use the d300 d301 etc with the mf pads as that's what they designed the kit for. As u get more experience u will start to use this with that and such and find what works to ur liking.

There's a ton of info in old threads that's been covered 3 or 4 times before so I suggest u read the old threads, and if ur still lost or have questions were still here to help and fell free to ask all questions no matter how dumb u think they r still ask us.

But myself I still research old threads cuz I find so much useful info in there. And welcome btw. Ur gonna love it here and as we always welcome people to the forum we welcome to the world of OCD as well. I myself have become a meguiars addict as I want 1 of everything even if I don't need it I may one day. But my next step is the detailer line of products upgrade from the consumer line.

And thank u meguiars for no new detailer products for 2015! Sarcasm if u didnt figure that out. Lol but as far as part numbers u can go to meguiars direct.com and see what is what

[The Guz]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Since you are getting your feet wet, I would definitely wait for the new DA and the new foam pads. They look like a game changer. For an enthusiast as yourself this is all you need.

These are the threads.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?62181-MT300-Dual-Action-Polisher

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?61956-NEW!-DA-Foam-Discs-and-Backing-Plates

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?62221-NEW!-Meguiar-s-Foam-Buffing-Discs

D300 is a compound that was designed for the microfiber system. It is used with the microfiber cutting pads. D302 is the polish for the MF system and D301 is the finishing wax. Both used with the microfiber finishing pad. The MF cutting pads allow for more correction ability versus foam. This is part of the detailer line.

M105 and M205 are from the mirror glaze line. They are the typical 1-2 punch. They are an upgrade to ultimate compound and ultimate polish. This uses the most recent technology in SMAT (super micro abrasive technology). Ultimate compound is derived from M105 and ultimate polish is derived from M205. The difference is M105 offers more correction than UC and M205 offers more correction that UP, where as UP offers more polishing oils than M205.

M305 is the new kid on the block. It's a polish with a little bit of protection. It's meant for the body shop industry when a car has been painted. A repaint needs about 30 days before waxing so the paint can cure and outgas. This is where M305 comes into play. It leaves a little protection behind to not interfere with the curing and outgassing.

2.0 is an older product. I believe it is diminishing abrasive tech (DAT).

For what you are doing the ultimate line up is all you need. It's very user friendly and gives great results.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Some great advice from guys who know their stuff!

There's no doubt that the 3401 is a great tool, but if you ever decide to give the DA Microfiber System a run, you'll probably not like it very much on that tool. The movement of that tool, coupled with the very flat design of the microfiber pads, yields a very "grabby" user experience.

Our new MT300 DA buffer, introduced last week at SEMA, is a killer little DA and it's a lot less money than the 3401. But it's much more potent than other DA buffers that all sit in that $150 price range, and to gain that performance advantage you're looking at a retail price point somewhere between those existing DA tools and the higher end/priced tools like the 3401. Now, couple this new tool with our new pads, also introduced last week at SEMA, and you've got a killer combo. And, the money you save by going with the MT300 will set you up with pads, towels, liquids, etc. Win-win.

A little more about our new pads: with these new discs (and yes, we call them discs because they're so thin) we now offer a cutting, polishing and finishing option. Personally speaking, the new cutting disc has quickly risen to the top of my favorite products list. It cuts like crazy and leaves a killer finish, even on softer paints. And the light weight and thin profile make for a very smooth buffing experience.

If you've waited this long to jump into DA polishing, do yourself a huge favor and wait just a bit longer for the MT300 and new discs. You'll be glad you did.

[EF9]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Ok the 2.0 are referred to the soft buff 2.0 pads. And yes the yellow and black are used for da, the burgundy is only for a rotary polisher. The d300, d301 and such are a compound, polish, wax and those are made for the mf da pads. U can buy it in a kit known as the mfda. But u don't want to always use a mf pad so the 2.0 pads are a must in my eyes and then on trickier spots u use the mf pad. Also the new slim foam pads are a nice add to have on hand as well. Now m105 a cutter, m205 a polish, and the new m305 is a glaze wax if I remember are not neccesary to have when u got the ultimate line up but is nice to have on hand as well when u get more experience, u will see. I say stay away from swirl x or scratch x if u have these other products.

But the yellow 2.0 pad is used with UC and up, and the black pad is up and uw. But I can't say use this with that as every car is different. And some people like to use say m205 on a mf pad, but as a beginner myself I just like to keep it simple and use the d300 d301 etc with the mf pads as that's what they designed the kit for. As u get more experience u will start to use this with that and such and find what works to ur liking.

There's a ton of info in old threads that's been covered 3 or 4 times before so I suggest u read the old threads, and if ur still lost or have questions were still here to help and fell free to ask all questions no matter how dumb u think they r still ask us.

But myself I still research old threads cuz I find so much useful info in there. And welcome btw. Ur gonna love it here and as we always welcome people to the forum we welcome to the world of OCD as well. I myself have become a meguiars addict as I want 1 of everything even if I don't need it I may one day. But my next step is the detailer line of products upgrade from the consumer line.

And thank u meguiars for no new detailer products for 2015! Sarcasm if u didnt figure that out. Lol but as far as part numbers u can go to meguiars direct.com and see what is what

Thank you for the clarification Jarhead! I feel like I'm ready to try my hand at this now that I have a rough guideline as to which pads to start off with and which chemicals go with what pad.

Since you are getting your feet wet, I would definitely wait for the new DA and the new foam pads. They look like a game changer. For an enthusiast as yourself this is all you need.

These are the threads.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?62181-MT300-Dual-Action-Polisher

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?61956-NEW!-DA-Foam-Discs-and-Backing-Plates

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?62221-NEW!-Meguiar-s-Foam-Buffing-Discs

D300 is a compound that was designed for the microfiber system. It is used with the microfiber cutting pads. D302 is the polish for the MF system and D301 is the finishing wax. Both used with the microfiber finishing pad. The MF cutting pads allow for more correction ability versus foam. This is part of the detailer line.

M105 and M205 are from the mirror glaze line. They are the typical 1-2 punch. They are an upgrade to ultimate compound and ultimate polish. This uses the most recent technology in SMAT (super micro abrasive technology). Ultimate compound is derived from M105 and ultimate polish is derived from M205. The difference is M105 offers more correction than UC and M205 offers more correction that UP, where as UP offers more polishing oils than M205.

M305 is the new kid on the block. It's a polish with a little bit of protection. It's meant for the body shop industry when a car has been painted. A repaint needs about 30 days before waxing so the paint can cure and outgas. This is where M305 comes into play. It leaves a little protection behind to not interfere with the curing and outgassing.

2.0 is an older product. I believe it is diminishing abrasive tech (DAT).

For what you are doing the ultimate line up is all you need. It's very user friendly and gives great results.

Thank you Guz for linking me to those 3links. Looks like I'm gonna be reading for a bit : )

Some great advice from guys who know their stuff!

There's no doubt that the 3401 is a great tool, but if you ever decide to give the DA Microfiber System a run, you'll probably not like it very much on that tool. The movement of that tool, coupled with the very flat design of the microfiber pads, yields a very "grabby" user experience.

Our new MT300 DA buffer, introduced last week at SEMA, is a killer little DA and it's a lot less money than the 3401. But it's much more potent than other DA buffers that all sit in that $150 price range, and to gain that performance advantage you're looking at a retail price point somewhere between those existing DA tools and the higher end/priced tools like the 3401. Now, couple this new tool with our new pads, also introduced last week at SEMA, and you've got a killer combo. And, the money you save by going with the MT300 will set you up with pads, towels, liquids, etc. Win-win.

A little more about our new pads: with these new discs (and yes, we call them discs because they're so thin) we now offer a cutting, polishing and finishing option. Personally speaking, the new cutting disc has quickly risen to the top of my favorite products list. It cuts like crazy and leaves a killer finish, even on softer paints. And the light weight and thin profile make for a very smooth buffing experience.

If you've waited this long to jump into DA polishing, do yourself a huge favor and wait just a bit longer for the MT300 and new discs. You'll be glad you did.

Thank you Michael for the heads up on the new discs. I will definitely wait for Meguiars to release the new design and go from there. One question on the new discs, will there be 3 separate ones released or just one that does cutting, polishing and finishing?

[Selectchoice]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

'Safety Steve' says, please make sure your feet are dry before using the DA polisher!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Thank you Michael for the heads up on the new discs. I will definitely wait for Meguiars to release the new design and go from there. One question on the new discs, will there be 3 separate ones released or just one that does cutting, polishing and finishing?

We released 3 distinct pads - cutting, polishing, finishing.

More info on them in this thread.

[EF9]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

'Safety Steve' says, please make sure your feet are dry before using the DA polisher!

We released 3 distinct pads - cutting, polishing, finishing.

Will do lol.

More info on them in this thread.

Thank you Michael for the link. I'm pretty much sold on the new DA polisher, the new slim discs in each color. I'm thinking of purchasing the new 5" backing plate along with the 5" discs. What are the 3" backing plate and 3" discs used for mainly? And I'm guessing the microfiber discs are used to remove wax?

[KY Gan]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Its so dissapointing as I just got my DA polisher and did not realize a new model coming out. One very unhappy customer

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Its so dissapointing as I just got my DA polisher and did not realize a new model coming out. One very unhappy customer

Why would you be unhappy, You got a new Meguiars DA that is very good to begin with. I would use it and be very happy with it, save up money little by little and when you have enough go ahead and by the new MT300!

Then that way you can have 2 great DA's, use your new MT300 for 5.5' pads and switch your old now over with a 3'' inch backing plate and use it for edging and getting into tighter area's. Save time and keeps you going at full speed. Here's my process when I'm doing a full paint correction, specially when you have a vehicle that has had damage at one time or another and two paint types were factory paint could be hard and the repaint sections could be very scratch sensitive. Plus I like to be ready so I don't have to stop and get out other DA's and pads, just grab and go. Still want another couple 7424 XP's or another G100 ( I loved them) I don't think you can have enough DA' myself. Interior scrubbing / Damp sanding / Glass Polishing and on and on, makes polish/detailing that more enjoyable.

But KY Gan don't be unhappy that you didn't wait, if you want to be unhappy! be unhappy that you don't already have 2 or more!! What DA did you get and what pads and products you have/use?

[Jarhead0754]

Don't forget to buy alot of meguiars supreme shine mf towels! And get few pads of each as u will need a few just for 1 car.

[KY Gan]

Re: Ready to get my feet wet on DA polisher

Thanks for the positive note Daniel. I was not aware that the norm is to have a few DA's. I am enjoying what I got but always the new model is much improved and at the moment I can only have 1 set since I only take them out every 3 months probably.
I did 2 detailing so far and it took me about 4-5 hours for a sedan car to do the Scratch Removal with Scratch2.0 , Polish with ultimate polish and then wax with ultimate wax.

Do you take this long or longer ?