Polishing/cutting equipment advice

[andybussell]

I am facing up to the annual struggle to revive my boats topsides - originally red but suffering from the usual uv-induced fading. I've settled on using A-glaze in recent years with good results. However, it's the mechanics of cutting and polishing that I need advice with.

My methods previously have ranged from polishing pads on low-revving angle grinders to lots of manual application and polishing. I now need an approach that I can manage without aggravating my recently acquired back problems.

 

[Vara]

GALMI, I don't know any method of polishing/cutting which doesn't put strain on the back.

 

[Tam Lin]

GALMI, I don't know any method of polishing/cutting which doesn't put strain on the back.

Unless you get someone else to do it!

 

[Tam Lin]

Seriously though, when I did Tam Lin I used a Silverline polisher and it was heavy! Thought about hanging it from something above to take the weight but ended up painting the boat.

 

[Concerto]

Just read this web site and you will learn a lot.
http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/Gelcoat_Polishing.html

 

[Uno]

I have the perfect solution for polishing ... My wife ....and she is really good at it.
Don't buy a red gel boat is the best way to avoid this .... Has anyone ever seen a good looking old red gel on anything ??
The best way is to not let it dull in the first place... trying to get the gloss back is way harder than keeping it. I was once told that gloss of the new gel reflects the sun better than any polish and the effectiveness of all polishes was enhanced and greater on a gloss surface.
Most of the time i think that using a protective polish to maintain an already dulled surface is not far off a waste of time.
I have proved this to myself by polishing my old Sonata hull, it only really looked marginally better after polishing and even then it only lasted 6 months.
K&J

 

[Caer Urfa]

I am facing up to the annual struggle to revive my boats topsides - originally red but suffering from the usual uv-induced fading. I've settled on using A-glaze in recent years with good results. However, it's the mechanics of cutting and polishing that I need advice with.

My methods previously have ranged from polishing pads on low-revving angle grinders to lots of manual application and polishing. I now need an approach that I can manage without aggravating my recently acquired back problems.

Not cheap but I bought a Meguires G220 duel speed polisher years ago and its one of the best buys I did and still use it, its light to use even with one hand and does a good job and it takes seconds to change the pads.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/blog/?p=1135

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LIGHTLY-U...692?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ae3ccd874



Mike

 

[Uno]

Yeh, I agree don't buy cheep, you get what you pay for !
Buy cheap ... buy twice my better half always says ...
I would like to say buy a professional polisher but there will most likely be some law against it ! (I use the wife .... good old elbow grease)
Can't even buy a good vacuum anymore (unless you get a professional one .... Dont blame Dyson or Hoover though, its not their fault !)

 

[savageseadog]

I've got an ELU polisher which is the lightest electric polisher I've ever come across. If the OP is interested I'll post the model number.

 

[andybussell]

Yes please, and thanks to you and all others for contributions - Andy

 

[richardbrennan]

I have a Rupes mini polisher. It was not cheap but is powerful and weighs less than 2 kg.

it's also worth considering what you're standing on to do the polishing. I have a platform ladder which allows on to do the work from a comfortable stance. I injured my shoulder when I polished the hull from a step ladder.