Help please.

I recently bought a new Makita variable speed polisher so I could encap upholstery easier.

Previously I had been using an orbital car buffer, but the torque was not good enough.

The drill was okay, but I didn't feel comfortable with it, probably alright for you guys with your head in the clouds, and I threw away my platform shoes a few years ago

So now I have my Makita polisher, comfortable, well balanced, does a great job on the upholstery I have cleaned.

Until yesterday.

It started to throw the Fibre-Plus pad.

The "velcro" type looking base disc has only very short "prongs".

I believe that as the pads retain moisture, they are no longer being held onto the base.

By going to a new/dry pad, the problem was eased.

What are your thoughts on this, and hopefully, a way to overcome it?.

Thanks,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my ways.

Shorty, I use the Makita 9227-C alot, but I had a simular problem using the pad holder, and if not careful, that spinning pad holder could damage the furniture in an instant. I use the pad holder that came with the Makita and use 7" 100% cotton bonnets from Plus Mfg, also I always clean at the 600 RPM speed. Another way I have been cleaning furniture lately is with the Von Schrader Esprit. I pre-spray with Encap Punch, brush it in,allow it to dwell 5 to 10 min. and then clean with the VS using Releasit DS in it. I swap off occasionaly between these two systems. Since using Releasit in the VS, and I have left it in there for up to two weeks, I have not one problem of gumming up the machine like VS chems do. Cheers.

Get Rick's brisle head to put on a drill....Like $20.00

I also have been using my Von Schrader, 'cept mine is the older VS-2.

Apart from cosmetic, I really don't know what the difference is.

I have not pre-sprayed with the Punch, I'll give it a go.

I do have some small Aussie made I think, bonnets, so I'll give them a whirl also.

Thanks for that Ray.

Fred, I have the bristle head and have tried it on a drill.

To be honest, I did not like the look of using a drill, nor the control, I was also not as happy with the end result using the brush compared to the pads.

I do realise to use this is a lot cheaper, but for me, the polisher is more user friendly ergonomically if you like

To each their own, and if that is your preference, who am I to argue.

Occasionally, I get some trashed el cheapo furniture to clean, this is where the Makita shines.

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I carry it in my van all the time, whereas the VS-2 takes up XXX amount of room, so it is only loaded when I know I will need it.

Cheers, & thanks for the constructive comments.

Shorty.



I've seen the light, and changed my ways.

Shorty,

I have the exact same Makita polisher...I primarily use it for stairs...I do upholstery either by hand (towels and brushes) or HWE with upholstery tool...I might try it on upholstery now that you mention it.

I had the same problem with the Makita throwing bonnets. I drilled small pilot holes in the drive plate and screwed small screws that protrude 1-2mm. I also used a heavy duty contact cement when screwing them into the holes. They've been in for at least 6 months without any movement or problem. I suppose with upholstery you'd want to be very sure that it doesn't throw your pad or bonnet, the screws could really screw up the fabric (no pun intended), however the screws really bite into the pad so I don't think you'd have that problem.

I've never posted a picture on this board before, but if you really want to see one, let me know and I'll give it a try.

Aris

Yes please, I'd like to see those pics.

I'm always interested in other people's different implements.

Thanks,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my ways.

Shorty

Looking at the pic above I see you have the speed setting at 4.....I think this is too fast

I have the same polisher and use it on upholstered chairs and always run on lowest speed....never lost a pad yet.

Regards
George

George, you sure are observant. I always run on #1 the slowest speed. The Makita is the Mercedes of hand held polishers. I knew that Shorty was smarter than the average bear, that's why he has one.

Thanks George,
I completely missed that with my last four chairs.

Better get my eyes & hearing looked at also

Cheers,

Shorty.



PS::: It's good to have these young blokes with sharp eyes around.

I've seen the light, and changed my ways.

Trying to send the picture's but it doesn't seem to be working...I'll email them to you if I can find your email.

Aris

info@get.shorty.com.au

Cheers,

Shorty.
www.get.shorty.com.au

I've seen the light, and changed my ways.

I don't use Makita stuff. I found after a short time in the building industry that they don't compare to the German stuff like Bosch Professional and Metabo.

I don't encap a lot, we normally HWE but when we do, I grad my old 6" orbital sander with variable spped and chuck a bonnet under it. I've very successfully cleaned up some nasties with that bonnet that I doubt would've passed with just the FPP.

I just went out this week and bought a second one so that I have one one each van.

I'll take a pic at work tomorrow and post it.

I got my bonnets from Gary Bethel as Cimex bonnets. I don't like them on the mex but they are great on upholstery.

John

John Middleton
Carpet Pro Ltd
Palmerston North
New Zealand