jim c wrote:

105 & 205 are the best combination I've ever used. Maybe it's because they're a throw back to the old days of non diminishing abrasives, but they just suit my buffing style so well. They'll just keep on cutting for as long as you want them to, and the cut level can easily be varied by pad choice, speed, or pressure, and even though it's a heavy cut compound, the 105 finishes down really nicely.

Here is a wrecked bonnet (hood) that I tried it out on. Full of swirls, scratches, you name it. One run over with 105 and it looked too good to throw away!



And a quick run over with 205 really finished it off nicely (apart from the OE peel)



Unfortunately as I say above, my company won't buy it as they think it's to expensive. Maybe they need a lesson that a few pennies spent on products can save them a hell of a lot more in labour time, which is any 'shops most expensive commodity!

Andy T wrote:




Very nice Andy i have never tried the compounds/polishes that you mention, i may well give them a try.

If you just want some small samples to try Nick, here's a good place

Forget the samples. Get a gallon.

Try using a short 3/4" nap wool pad from Micro-Surface. Cutts/finishes
extremely well and the short nap keeps more product on the surface.
But, you'll also want to get a foam backing plate; Meguiars W66 or
3M 09553 ($70 bucks ouch!).

micro-surface.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=58&zenid=bb5475fbbbe1aee97ecf87a4ef23da5b

I've also got the best results from 105 with wool too. The above job was done with the 3M Perfect-it wool pad (50390), but at 5" they're perhaps a little small for you guys

www.cartersconsumables.co.uk/3m50390-wool-perfectit-buffing-150mm-p-1534.html

Andy T wrote:


cheers andy i will give that a try.

The wool pad you mention here


Itake it you need a backing pad for it ??

Never really used wool pad would be interested to give it a try.

Do they need cleaned a lothere

Yep, I use it with the 'standard' 3M backing plate - (this one). I've tried 105 with the big 8" double sided superbuff wool mops, but although it cuts like crazy it doesn't finish down anywhere near as well.

I do like wool for compounding though. They glide over the surface much better than heavy cutting foams I reckon, and heat build up tends to be lower. They don't get too clogged up, unless you're using far too much product like one of my guys does! but even then I just spin them up on the buffer and run either the edge of a filler spreader over them, or even better a small scrubbing or nail brush. Every now and then they'll get a rinse through in some warm water to get rid of any hardened bits of polish (as do all my foam pads) then put in the oven for a bit to dry out

Got a few new items not shown but here's my setup.
The pad washer, in the lower left, can be a huge
time saver when working large jobs.




I've noticed that many guys don't clean the surface well
in between steps. Especially after the initial compounding,
be sure to remove all residue before moving on.

Nice collection Han.

I spend a lot of time on a couple of UK detailing forums, and many of the guys are falling over themselves to have all of the latest products, pads etc, but I find a well chosen selection that you've taken the time to familiarise yourself with is the best route.

Thanks Andy,

Detailers - enthusiasts - are up to trying something new.
It's a good thing, really. It keeps the flow of knowledge
and technique flowing. And, it's how we all advance.

Someday, i'll be old and gray and will be very settled in my
ways. I'll be like some of the old timers that use lacquer
and etch primer... But, until then, i'll keep advancing.

Yes, I've been thinking about what I wrote, and if it wasn't for the guys on Detailing World I'd never have discovered Megs 105!