Jon,
Thanks so much! We have a Black & Decker variable speed (1000 to 3000 rpm)
polisher. My son knew of an auto supply place that has those waffle cutting
pads. So I guess we'll be in business soon. Maybe I can handle that thing
around the bottom, but my two sons ( in their 20's, that think they're so
strong) will do the top. And my husband too, if I can get him to quit
working so hard.
This site has really helped me a lot.
DSK in TEXAS
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Friday, June 02, 2000 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: [VAC] Polishing w/DeWalt/sponge buffer pad
>DSK:
>
>I used a DeWalt Model#849 -- variable speed grinder/polisher. It can be
>dialed up to 4000 rpm, which is more power than needed for the job...I went
>up to 1500-1700, max. At least you know you aren't taxing the thing when
you
>use it. I got it at a local auto paint/body supply store for about
50 --
>on sale from $350! -- but you can find an even lower price if you look
around
>(I kinda made an impulse buy).
>
>I went to the same store for the pads. Actually, I did not use the 3M
pads,
>but a cheaper "generic equivalent" that was recommended to me by the store
>salesperson. It is listed as a "yellow cutting waffle pad" on my invoice,
>cost $11.79. The 3M pad was identical, with a dimpled, waffle surface and
>threading on the back for screwing onto the machine.
>
>I used one pad to do one side, two stages, of my 22' trailer -- remember,
our
>Rolite package requires three stages of polish -- and it was still going
>strong. The fabric pads didn't hold up nearly as well, and they kept
>slipping on the polisher. Since the foam pads screwed directly onto the
>spindle, there was no pad slippage and it spun consistently. Beware,
however
>-- the foam is much less forgiving than the fabric pad when you "catch" an
>edge during polishing -- you will see what I mean. Hold on tight when you
>catch the pad on something like the rain channels above the windows,
because
>the polisher can really kick violently out of your hand!
>
>I would guesstimate at least 5 pads for a 27' , one for each type of polish
>used, plus a couple extra as needed. I don't know if the pads come in
>various thicknesses or degrees of firmness like the fabric pads, maybe
>someone else on the list can speak to that. Perhaps that can improve your
>results. But the sponge was generally much firmer than the fabric pad,
which
>I imagine contributed to its superior cutting power.
>
>If there are inherent problems with using foam pads, perhaps someone on
this
>list can advise. The only thing I can imagine is that is may be a little
>easier to burn the skin if you leave the unit polishing in one area too
long.
> The foam just seemed so much more effective and cleaner -- two VERY
>important considerations when doing this job. If I had to do it all over
>again, I would have used them from the beginning. The "sponge" side looks
>just as good as the "fabric" side, and it was a lot easier to accomplish.
>And of course, on a project like this, easier is better.
>
>Hope this helps,
>Jon
>
>
>
