Just got my Porter Cable...few questions

im not familiar with 83, im guessing its a swirl mark remover tyep product, liek 9? what pads did it come with? when i use #9, i apply it with a yellow cutting pad on 4.5, and i cover one panel twice, then wipe off.

www.properautocare.com has teh pads you need. with #83 then, you shoudl use a yellow cutting pad, the white is usually for applying something such as #7 show car glaze, and the black/grey pad is for applying the wax. when you use teh white and black/grey pad, it shoudl be on about 3.5

Poopie D said:

My Black 02 GT still has some serious swirl marks. I applied Scratch X by hand followed by Gold Class. It made a difference but still not perfect. I went out today and bought the Porter Cable unit that everyone has been raving about (only paid $130 cdn or $95 USD, amazing deal!). I also bought some Meguiars 83 and ordered some NXT tech wax (be here on Monday)

My questions are:

Will this combo work?

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#83 DACP is a bout middle of the road (#6) on the Meguiars agressiveness scale. I subscribe to the saying "start with the least agressive product first and then work your way up". I always start with either Meguiars #9 swirl mark remover or #82 Swirl Free Polish. Both are a #3 on the scale although #82 has a tad more bite than #9.

What speed should I run the buffer at? It goes from 1 to 6.

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It really varies according to what you are trying to do and what product you are working with. I would say 4.5 is a good speed to start with for surface prep whereas you will want to slow it down to say 3 for applying glazes and waxes.

How many times should I go over the same spot? Ie: 1 or more strokes with the buffer.

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Depends on the product you are working with. DACP needs to be really worked into the paint so you keep buffing until it starts to break down and is almost dry. Products like #9 and #82 you want to stop working them into the paint while they are still wet.

Should I use the pad that came with the unit or buy the Meguiars yellow pads?

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Not really familar with the pad you are speaking of. Meguiars has a 3 pak of pads for a pretty reasonable price on their site. That is what I use.
(go to the bottom of the page at the following link)
http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_list.cfm?store=meg&line=auto&catagory=8&subcatagory=2

Should I remove the wax by hand or use the buffer and another type of pad?

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That is a personal desicion. I really only use my PC for surface prep. I still apply and remove glazes, waxes and sealants by hand. Meguiars does have the "Ultimate Bonnet" for removing wax. You will also find that at the link above.

Thanks guys!

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Even though the PC is pretty much fool-proof there is some technique to the products that you use with it. Just make sure you read the directions on the products you use and if you have problems don't get discouraged, just ask here or on www.autopia.org.

My car is black as well and the NXT is great on black. It helps fill in and hide scratches and imperfections and the shine is outstanding. I think you will like it alot.
On Meguiars site they say use the polisher at 4-4.5 if you use it with the NXT.

I agree wholeheartedly with rjstaaf, sounds like youve visited Autopia, or are an autopian as i am....

Swirl removal:
Speeds 5-6 w/ yellow cutting pad (not the "stock" pad)
Work a single 2'x2' section at a time, about 5 min per section

Wax
Apply with a black finishing pad on speed 3-4.
Remove by hand with a 100% cotton or microfiber towel.

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