DIY - How to build a $300 Polishing Machine for only $25

[jaedub]

Hey guys! As a college student, I'm always on budget. I have a black Z and it's very hard and expensive to keep my baby spanking clean. I've been looking online for a good quality polishing machine but those started at nearly $300, and that's without any polishing products.

However, I did find an EASY alternative way to build a polisher that works just as good as those fancy $300 machine......with only around $25!

Now, I know what you guys are thinking......that this is some kind of joke or some amature unreliable piece of crap product that will only damage, burn a hole on clearcoat, scratch, the paint.

BUT PLEASE HEAR ME OUT! I've done extensive research on detailing and spent many hours watching videos and reading tips & guides. And I have finally come to a conclusion that my custom polisher (super easy to make, yet effective!) will work!

Before

After


My paint job looks better than a new fresh paint. I got no swirl or light scratches anywhere on my car.

Here are the steps to make yourself the polisher

1st: Buy a TurtleWax 6 inch Random Orbital polisher from Walmart. (Make sure its Random Orbital and not rotary polisher) = $20! Note: This machine rotates at a fixed rate of 3500 RPM. Those fancy polisher are adjustable from 3k~6k RPM. However, 3500 RPM works perfectly in my personal opinion.

2nd: You'll notice that the polisher has layers of white,black, and yellow foam that is glued to the plate of the machine (This foam is just a cushion, not to actually polish). RIP THAT BAD BOY OFF! I simply used my hand to rip it off. But because the foam is glued to the plate, you'll have nasty dried glue and partial foam pieces stuck to the glue. Try your best to get rid of them. I personally used a blow torch to burn/harden/flatten the glue. I guarantee you you won't get rid of all the glue however,those remainings are fine.



3rd: Buy a velcro tape! I don't know how much or where to buy them but I'm sure it won't cost you much. After you have the tape, tape the velcro to the plate of the polisher. Note: There are 2 different pieces to velcro. The hook/rough side and the catch/soft side. I tapped the hook/rough velcro to the polishing machine because your polishing pad (which you'll buy separately later) already has a built in catch/soft side on your pad.



From here, you're done! All you have to buy is the polishing compounds and polishing pads! Make sure you buy the 5.5 ~ 6 inch pads. This product will work just as the same as the $300 polishing machine...except the rate is fixed at 3500 RPM.

I'M NOT HERE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO POLISH YOUR CAR PROPERLY! I'm only here to share my custom polisher. Please study proper polishing techniques carefully online. And make sure to use the best product for pads and compounds. I use Hex-logic pads with Meguiar mirror glaze products (Top of the line stuff).

Does my custom polisher give identical result compared to the fancy $300 machine? Probably not. However, the results are pretty darn close and you can't beat the price!

Please note that I'm not responsible for any damages caused by my custom polisher.

[Grindkiezer]

God forbid that pad falls off...
But cool DIY

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by Grindkiezer

God forbid that pad falls off...
But cool DIY

I think I would put the loops (which seem to be slightly softer than the hooks) on the polisher, facing the paint. Shouldn't make any difference as Velcro is very strong. Two strips of ~1"x5" should hold up to anything the small polisher can dish out.

Rep'd. Great DIY.

[jaedub]

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

I think I would put the loops (which seem to be slightly softer than the hooks) on the polisher, facing the paint. Shouldn't make any difference as Velcro is very strong. Two strips of ~1"x5" should hold up to anything the small polisher can dish out.

Rep'd. Great DIY.

Thank you! I would tape the loop on the polisher facing the paint. However, when you buy the pads, it already has a built in loop on the pad.

[didymus]

Price is right...

[MyKindaGuise]

Normally I would complain about feeling the sudden need to throw my money away but this is way too good.

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by jaedub

Thank you! I would tape the loop on the polisher facing the paint. However, when you buy the pads, it already has a built in loop on the pad.

Ah. Carry on then.

[NickTurnon]

In your second picture, I bet your wishing you clear bra'd your car huh?

I feel the same way everytime I detail my car. Anyways, I am sure you are aware of the product, but since you just buffed the whole car, 3M now sells a spray. Sort of similar to plastidip. But its a spray on Clear Coat. You can peel it off whenever your done. All you do is tape off the area, spray, and then remove the tape.

Looks great though, Ill have to get one of these!

[DEpointfive0]

If people DIE for variable speed and a Porter Cable:

Same thing, (I bet made in the same factory, lol) at Harbor Freight

[MavRick]

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

If people DIE for variable speed and a Porter Cable:

Same thing, (I bet made in the same factory, lol) at Harbor Freight

REP!!!!

i've been debating on pulling the trigger on the PC. this one is a no brainer. and i found a coupon code that took 20% off. thanx for putting me on this!!!

[DEpointfive0]

Originally Posted by MavRick

REP!!!!

i've been debating on pulling the trigger on the PC. this one is a no brainer. and i found a coupon code that took 20% off. thanx for putting me on this!!!

It's coupon OR 20% off, and the coupon is ALWAYS cheaper.
And if you're worried about long term longevity, buy the warranty, it'll be $13~, and it'll cover you for 3 years and all you gotta do is to walk in, give them the tool walk out with a new one