Originally Posted by HangFire
OK, the Bauer was on about 1.5, so that was part of the problem. I turned it up to 4 and then 5 and got some rotation enough to be useful, as long as my touch was light. Funny, before I read RayJC I put some Sharpie on the pad so I could see it spin.
This article is the other part of the problem:
https://itsbetterwaxed.com/blogs/de...l-action-random-orbit-and-rotary-buffers
Since it skips from Random Orbit to Dual Action (Direct Drive), it had me expecting that if it was Dual Action it was also Direct Drive, which the Bauer does not have. Apparently that's OK and can still be called Dual Action.
My mental jury is still out on this one. I have 3 vehicles that need a lot of work (uh, "major correction") and then after that only light maintenance. After doing a painted mirror and a very oxidized spot on the trunk on setting 5, I see now I can do the work with this tool, but it will be slower going than I expected. Like, slow as doing it by hand, only without being so tiring and all the rest breaks. Time is precious. On the other hand I don't want to drop big money on the next step up to a true direct drive, I waited until the Bauer went down to 59.99 because I'm only maintaining beaters, not show vehicles.
What compound are you using? For a first cut, this, combined with a medium pad should work:
https://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-105-ultra-cut-compound.html
For a second/final pass (before wax) a soft pad and this is what I would recommend:
https://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html
Notice the red line on the side of the bottle. It shows the level of abrasion. The numbers run like sandpaper; low number = coarse grit, higher number = fine grit.
Here's an example of pads. The color code is
not universal across brands
https://www.autogeek.net/cobra-cross-groove-pads.html In this case, you's want Orange and White. Orange for the #105 and White for the #205 compound.
Keep your speed setting at 5. Wear earplugs... Keep the pad flat to the surface or it will stop spinning. Light pressure for higher RPMs.
Watch these 2 videos and I think you'll change your mind about that polisher:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFddUJEFTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-mHKBj31Ig
EDIT: If the finish is in really bad shape, you'll need to cut it down with a wool pad. Newbies beware:
https://www.autogeek.net/3d-premium-lambswool-cutting-pad.html
EDIT (again): Here's another excellent how-to video using the HF polisher and Meguires compounds. Enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEQoi4AKfoo