The are a few similar threads in this forum about machine polishing recommendations and I also discussed it with a few people at the Shepshed meet.
It really is so easy, with tons of guides on the net and youtube and I think the kit below would be perfect for a beginner (other retailers available!):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher/das-6-pro-meguiars-microfiber-system/prod_963.html
I am not a professional detailer but I have done several cars with this combination and for correcting hard BMW and VW paint it provides the perfect balance of speed vs. low risk of removing too much clearcoat. For refining the finish pictured below I actually used scholl polish and pads I had and needed using up.
So to review, I would summarise the benefits over foam pads+polishes I have tried
+Faster (get the results quicker, whats not to like)
+Extended working time (the polish seems to stay live for ages allowing a nice long passes over the panel)
+Low Dust (even vs the scholl which is regarded as low dust)
+Durable (can be machine washed and I have noticed very little loss of fibres)
+Work well on lower speed settings (allows easier control of the machine esp on awkward panels)
- Foam pads are cheaper (but probs wont last as long if you inted to use often)
Here are the results of finally getting round to polish some more of my car::
Bootlid before:
Bootlid after:
Boot before:
Boot after:
Wing Before:
Wing After:
Overall I think you would agree (despite terrible phone pics) thats its a clear improvement. I never try and 'chase' removal of all scratches because I am working without a paint thickness guage and actually trying to remove as little as possible. Once it stops raining I'm going to take the car out of the garage, finish waxing and take some more pics 8)
It really is so easy, with tons of guides on the net and youtube and I think the kit below would be perfect for a beginner (other retailers available!):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher/das-6-pro-meguiars-microfiber-system/prod_963.html
I am not a professional detailer but I have done several cars with this combination and for correcting hard BMW and VW paint it provides the perfect balance of speed vs. low risk of removing too much clearcoat. For refining the finish pictured below I actually used scholl polish and pads I had and needed using up.
So to review, I would summarise the benefits over foam pads+polishes I have tried
+Faster (get the results quicker, whats not to like)
+Extended working time (the polish seems to stay live for ages allowing a nice long passes over the panel)
+Low Dust (even vs the scholl which is regarded as low dust)
+Durable (can be machine washed and I have noticed very little loss of fibres)
+Work well on lower speed settings (allows easier control of the machine esp on awkward panels)
- Foam pads are cheaper (but probs wont last as long if you inted to use often)
Here are the results of finally getting round to polish some more of my car::
Bootlid before:
Bootlid after:
Boot before:
Boot after:
Wing Before:
Wing After:
Overall I think you would agree (despite terrible phone pics) thats its a clear improvement. I never try and 'chase' removal of all scratches because I am working without a paint thickness guage and actually trying to remove as little as possible. Once it stops raining I'm going to take the car out of the garage, finish waxing and take some more pics 8)