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View Poll Results: What tools do you use to polish?
Prepolishing step -- I use a variable speed polisher 21 87.50%
Polishing step -- I use a variable speed polisher 19 79.17%
Mirror finish step -- I use a variable speed polisher 3 12.50%
Prepolishing step -- I use a dual head orbital polisher 1 4.17%
Polishing step -- I use a dual head orbital polisher 8 33.33%
Mirror finish step -- I use a dual head orbital polisher 17 70.83%
Other (please elaborate) 0 0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 24. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 06-09-2007, 08:20 AM   #1
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What tools do you use for polishing?

I noticed there are a few different tools used for polishing and was curious about who uses what tool and when? I have started a multiple choice poll to survey this but feel free to comment in the thread to elaborate further.

The poll assumes that all plasticoat has been removed. Here is my definition of the terms used in the poll:
  1. Pre-polishing: this step is needed for a heavily oxidized trailer
  2. Polishing: this step occurs after pre-polishing or if your trailer is only lightly oxidized
  3. Mirror finish: this step occurs after polishing to remove swirl marks
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Old 06-09-2007, 08:30 AM   #2
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I voted on 3 items:
I used both a variable speed polisher, and the cyclo for the "polishing step" and then the cyclo for the "mirror" step.
Dave
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Old 06-09-2007, 08:37 AM   #3
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We used a DeWalt 10" variable speed for the pre-polish step and are using it for most of the polishing step (as our trailer had some heavy duty scratches in the finish). We tried the cyclo on the polishing step but had trouble getting out the scratches so switched back to the variable speed polisher. We haven't started the mirror finish step yet but when we do we will use the cyclo.

I attached a copy of the polishing instructions that Steve published on his Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies! website. We pretty much follow his instructions as a guideline to what tools and what polish and when.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Polishing Instructions.pdf (47.8 KB, 186 views)
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Old 06-09-2007, 09:45 AM   #4
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Pre Polish - Varible Speed Polisher (Milwaulkee Compounder)
Polish - Both Compounder & Cyclo (last pass after scratches are out)
Mirror - Cyclo

Pretty much follow the Perfect Polish techniques

Shari
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Old 06-09-2007, 10:40 AM   #5
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Prepolish- Makita 9227C variable sp. polisher
Polish- Makita then Cyclo dual orbital head polisher
Mirror polish- Cyclo
Wax- Hand or Cyclo
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Old 06-09-2007, 08:22 PM   #6
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I didn't see the choice listed. Prepolish I use a single speed grinder/buffer, they are cheap, and when I burn one up, I am out $15.99.
Polish, variable speed single head 7.5 inch grinder/buffer.
Final, hand polish.
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Old 06-10-2007, 09:42 AM   #7
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Harbor Freight 7" polisher for pre and polish.
Mirror will be the Cyclo (I'm taking a break!).
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Old 06-10-2007, 10:03 AM   #8
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tools

I looked at lots of compounders and picked the Mikita variable speed polisher because of it's balance and lighter weight. I use that first with F7 and 6 bependeing on the condition of the surface.

Finally the Cyclo polisher with S compound.

MOST useful "tool" is a large hand spray bottle filled with paint thinner in one hand and lots of cotton rags in the other. Pre cleaning and post cleaning is the most important part. /this way one uses much less thinner and you can power spray out rivets and cracks of dirt and polish remainds.
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Old 06-11-2007, 06:54 PM   #9
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A cheap low variable speed drill with a handle
A cheap buffing pad that I pull a terry bonnet over
Still using what I found in the 61 - Met-All 37 and Met-All 100 two good passes with 37 - clean with Peters old clothes and paint thinner dipped on a rag.
Do good passes with 100 - clean and heck I can see myself pretty good.

Cyclo??? if I still have arms and my eyes say give me more mirror, and my skin has not burned off by then - perhaps I may feel the urge to buy one of those too.

Just sprung for the rivet shaver - ouch but friends above say go for it.

What I would like to know is where can you get little detailing polishers for the window frames and other aluminum pieces that are not panels? That fit into a 1/2 inch chuck? Something that you just dip the end in the polish and go to town.

I have a little one that came with the dremel okay tiny one - I would like to be done in my life time

Also is there any low speed rotary small tools like the dremmel out there? 750-1000rpm or variable that will go as low as 750?
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Old 06-11-2007, 08:59 PM   #10
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I use my Foredom for all the little places. I didn't buy it for this task...but it works great. It's variable speed and has many many attachments or bits available. Since I use minefor jewelry making, that is where I am most familiar with buying the bits.

Shari
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Old 06-12-2007, 05:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InsideOut
I use my Foredom for all the little places.
It looks similar to a dremel tool -- is it?
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Old 06-12-2007, 06:40 AM   #12
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After thinking about it, I think the most important tool I own for polishing my coach is my Visa card, just call the polishing guy to come out and do it for me... This is, of course, after my arms have fallen from their sockets from polishing.
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Old 06-14-2007, 01:02 PM   #13
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Interesting results so far...

  • Pre-polishing step -- most everyone uses a variable speed polisher
  • Polishing step -- more than 50% of everyone uses a variable speed polisher with some moving to a dual orbital polisher after the scratches are removed
  • Mirror finish step -- most everyone uses a dual orbital polisher
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