The skill/equipment/efficiency balance
Posted: November 7th, 2013, 9:42 am
Hi, this is my first post, so thanks everybody for your input. I've learned a lot from this forum.
Brief history - As a contractor for a glass repair company, I've done approx 1000 repairs on a simple Poly-lite bridge/plastic injector. Over time I believe I became reasonably skilled (only 2 complaints), but now i'm going into business for myself and am just realizing my equipment/supply options!! (I had to return my kit when I left, and had to really dig to even learn I was using a Poly-lite bridge/injector!!).
With my former kit, I became pretty good at screwing/unscrewing the injector during the repair, sometimes using a lighter to distribute the resin. My business depends on speed and efficiency, not necessarily the perfect repair, but I also took great pride in getting the repair done as best as possible. I'd say on average, with my kit and abilities, I'd fill a crack to 80% capacity. I'm the first to admit they weren't perfect, but a lot of repairs were darn close, and I had a lot of thrilled customers!
Just like a lot of you, I'm trying to strike a balance between efficiency and quality. I realize upgrading to a steel injector is a no-brainer, but beyond that I'm a bit stuck. I see these rocket-science injectors, and am impressed, but my first notion is - it's unnecessary. I need to hit the road running, so a similar system seems to make sense to me, so I'm leaning on another Poly-Lite bridge with a steel injector.
I'm "mostly" comfortable with this decision. I do see these GlasWeld and Liquid Resin and GT injectors, and believe they do great repairs, but for the simple cracks I deal with, a simpler setup is sufficient.
This is where I'm stuck. I see nice UB and Delta injectors, but I also see The Windshield Doctor, and other less expensive steel injectors. I like the idea of accomplishing a better vacuum without screwing and unscrewing, but I also don't mind this process. If I can accomplish just a little more quality and speed than before, I'd be thrilled, but I also don't want to over-think it or chance a junk setup!
I realize many of the answers coming will say just to get a DeltaKit, or another quality kit, and I'll be fine. I agree - if I had the funds. I'm on a shoe-string budget, and I know what I had before will work fine (that's just $120!). I'm willing to spend a little more on a better injector. (I won't short-change my resin for sure if ur wondering)
One example of a question I have - Should I just get this steel injector off of Ebay for $50 and call it a day, or should I spend the $75 bucks on the Windshield Doctor injector?
I recognize I could very well be missing something, like "will these injectors even fit the Poly-Lite bridge?", so ANY input is incredibly appreciated!!
Ready.... GO
Brief history - As a contractor for a glass repair company, I've done approx 1000 repairs on a simple Poly-lite bridge/plastic injector. Over time I believe I became reasonably skilled (only 2 complaints), but now i'm going into business for myself and am just realizing my equipment/supply options!! (I had to return my kit when I left, and had to really dig to even learn I was using a Poly-lite bridge/injector!!).
With my former kit, I became pretty good at screwing/unscrewing the injector during the repair, sometimes using a lighter to distribute the resin. My business depends on speed and efficiency, not necessarily the perfect repair, but I also took great pride in getting the repair done as best as possible. I'd say on average, with my kit and abilities, I'd fill a crack to 80% capacity. I'm the first to admit they weren't perfect, but a lot of repairs were darn close, and I had a lot of thrilled customers!
Just like a lot of you, I'm trying to strike a balance between efficiency and quality. I realize upgrading to a steel injector is a no-brainer, but beyond that I'm a bit stuck. I see these rocket-science injectors, and am impressed, but my first notion is - it's unnecessary. I need to hit the road running, so a similar system seems to make sense to me, so I'm leaning on another Poly-Lite bridge with a steel injector.
I'm "mostly" comfortable with this decision. I do see these GlasWeld and Liquid Resin and GT injectors, and believe they do great repairs, but for the simple cracks I deal with, a simpler setup is sufficient.
This is where I'm stuck. I see nice UB and Delta injectors, but I also see The Windshield Doctor, and other less expensive steel injectors. I like the idea of accomplishing a better vacuum without screwing and unscrewing, but I also don't mind this process. If I can accomplish just a little more quality and speed than before, I'd be thrilled, but I also don't want to over-think it or chance a junk setup!
I realize many of the answers coming will say just to get a DeltaKit, or another quality kit, and I'll be fine. I agree - if I had the funds. I'm on a shoe-string budget, and I know what I had before will work fine (that's just $120!). I'm willing to spend a little more on a better injector. (I won't short-change my resin for sure if ur wondering)
One example of a question I have - Should I just get this steel injector off of Ebay for $50 and call it a day, or should I spend the $75 bucks on the Windshield Doctor injector?
I recognize I could very well be missing something, like "will these injectors even fit the Poly-Lite bridge?", so ANY input is incredibly appreciated!!
Ready.... GO