Window Cleaning Equipment Forum
May 22, 2012, 05:06:55 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: Worlds first ever Hot-Wash trolley system for an unbelievable price of only £1195 plus VAT
More information at You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
 
   Home   Help Login Register  
Pages: [1]
  Print  
Author Topic: Wagtail Pics!  (Read 2100 times)
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« on: November 18, 2007, 11:37:51 AM »

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hope these are clear enough, any questions just fire away. There are several other mods available but this will do for now!
Chris

Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2007, 12:53:01 PM »






How do ya open them to look at Chris,thanks
Logged
S_and_P
Guest
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2007, 01:14:13 PM »

Just copy and paste each link into your explorer or Firefox address bar and the pic will appear,...

Regards
Mr H

Logged
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2007, 01:55:01 PM »




Thanks Mr. H done it.Chris,excellent photo`s and very well thought out for
A home made job.Can I ask,and I`ve always thought this since the `Flipper`
Came out.When yav`e `soaped up` and ya `flick` the pad over and behind the
Channel/rubber,does it stay out of the way oaky when ya squeegeeing etc.I am
Correct in saying not a great deal of material comes into contact with the glass?
Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2007, 08:32:40 PM »

The pad you see in the pics are not the latest but are the best ones. The pad does a brilliant job of soaping window, must be as good as Back-Flip or Vice-versa and it stays in full contact with window until flipped out of way when you then just blade window, then rotate pole 180 and use fixed detailing tool to wipe top edge or more if you wish.
It then remains out of the way until finished. DON'T USE THIS MOD FOR HAND USE , ONLY POLE. Pad usually stays put unless it's very windy or your pole angle gets to be almost horizontal but it doesn't happen too often.
Just use standard Flipper for groundwork.

Now, just to complicate things, the metal detailing tool is a bit more sophisticated than it looks but It can be knocked up whithin an hour.

The bit where the tip of the detailing cloth goes is actually a sprung loaded kitchen cabinet hinge.
The reason for this was that somtimes the detailing tool will snag on the overhang of certain roofs so the tool just springs out of the way when required and then it can be reset without lowering the pole.
Will post more pics on this at later date but just a fixed detailing tool works very well if you want to try it. I expect you guys could improve on my attempts anyway.

The speed I can achieve with this tool now is even amazing me. What used to put me off with the pole was that it was too fiddley and thus too slow with setting angles and changing tools all the time.
I expect some people will see the potential of it.
Chris
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2007, 06:02:45 PM »




Hi Chris,can you tell me what make of cabinet hinge you use for the `detailing`
Cloth?If not,can ya recommend a good alternative.Thanks

Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2007, 06:31:12 PM »

Sorry I don't know. It's from some spares when refitted new kitchen some time ago.
It needs to be a good positive, strong spring anyway.
you will have to cut a bit off it where it usually goes into the cabinet so you can attach it to another piece of metal to make it the right length. I used small nuts and bolts.
I use an unger cone on my pole and the pole is nearly always ONE CLICK FORWARDS. I always use this angle unless it needs changing. The detailing tool will normally only work at this angle. But this is good for 80 or 90 per cent of work. Most of my work is domestic and only 1st floor. The higher you go the more difficiult it will get.
Look at the angles in the photo's and try to get close to the same or it might not work too well. You'll only know in practice and at first, as with anything new you might find it hard to do, but if you persevere anyone can get the hang of it once it's adjusted properly.
All the best
Chris

Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2007, 06:33:34 PM »

PS, You can find these hinges in all the DIY stores. It's a very common piece of kit.
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #8 on: December 03, 2007, 02:30:32 PM »





Hi Chris,how high do you go `poling` with the `flipper`? I find about 10 foot or
So to be the limit,although with more practise it might get better.Also when fanning
And `snaking` down the glass,does your `flipper` pad fall back over onto where youv`e squeegeed.With vertical straight pull downs the `Flipper` is a dream to use.
Thanks
Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #9 on: December 03, 2007, 06:50:02 PM »

Hi Bladerunner, yes the pad can fall back over onto the glass somtimes but for me, not often. It's a small downside to having the pad ON TOP of the blade as opposed to the way it comes with it underneath. The reason I changed it was because when pad is underneath, it can foul the sill on finishing stroke and squeeze out a lot of soap onto window. It just won't clear. Not only this, I find it easier to flip from the top over and it stays put and you can see what your doing properly.
If your pad is flicking back onto glass, maybe youve got somthing wrong and a slight adjustment could sort it.
I'd realy appreciate it if you could cure this, though it doesn't happen that often for me. Happens more on a small pole as you are able to get the pole too horizontal
I agree the Wagtail is a dream for nearly all my work.
Only went up the ladders 3 times today.
I only do 1st floor domestic stuff but somtimes when you get an extension/garage roof etc in the way, I can still do a decent job at about 25 to 30 feet almost the max on my three section pole.
Not tried 2 storey stuff but I reckon I could do it.
A lot depends on the type of windows of course.
Cheers
Chris

Grin
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #10 on: December 03, 2007, 07:20:28 PM »




Hi Chris,just finished off using Araldite glue for fixing the Velcro on the `Wagtail`
Channel.I agree with what youv`e written in the main.Although for 2 story work
I would recommend Peter Fogwill`s `LedgerMate`.The `Flipper` would be no good
Anyways on anything like a sill or ledge.Connect an appropriate size `LedgerMate`
To your `Ledger` and your away! I have a monthly account with a local company
That much prefer the `LedgerMate` to pure water brush and rinse.It also helps to
Keep my `hand in` poling second story stuff.I`m gonna keep on with the home made
`Flipper`.The `pad` I`m using is a Unger `monsoon` with Velcro attached.I like the
Way ya soap up then just `flick` back the pad and squeegee.Will keep practising I
Guess

Lewis Doubtfire gleem Clean ( The Blade Runner )
Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2007, 05:04:20 PM »

Cheers Lewis,
The reason I like the Flipper so much is the way it can just be flipped when with any other gear you have to bring the pole down to change the angle a lot.
Also the fixed detailing tool is working quite well and has helped speed up the process quite a lot though this is only a prototype. I mostly only detail the top edge only any way and it seems to work fine for this in most situations.
Have you tried the Flipper on two storey work Lewis?
I nearly always have the pole ONE CLICK forword for most situation so it will clear the sill. Also thats why Iv'e fixed the pad ON TOP of the blade so it is well out of the way of sill etc.
Let me know how Aradite works out. Seems a better idea than contact adhesive.
The reason I developed the Flipper for pole was not to replace the ladders on 2 storey dangerous work but to eliminate the ladders almost completely on all my work and so far it's been a massive success.
Im also using the most forgiving cleaning formula that Iv'e ever used. I definatly got streaks quite a lot no matter what I did until I started to use PURE WATER in a litre bottle with a squirt of GG3. Hey presto its the best window cleaning Iv'e ever had in 21 years! With the pole you need this kind of confidence.

I always end up writing a book don't I? LOL!
Chris
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Blade_Runner
Window Cleaner
****
Posts: 334


I love YaBB 1G - SP1!


View Profile WWW
« Reply #12 on: December 04, 2007, 06:04:22 PM »





Hi Chris,been `flipping` most of the day.This morning did some council homes I do.
Communal staircase outside is about 16 foot.Soaped up then did straight pulls down.
Went inside to check,,perfect although I do have to `detail` with a separate pole and
Unger Fixi-Clamp and cloth.Hav`nt got around to fixing up a `detailing` arrangement
Yet on my `Wagtail` handle.This afternoon did my weekly shops of largish plate glass
Some around 8 feet high.`Snaked` and `fanned` those,once again good finish.Did some `hand and flipper` on glass but could`nt quite get the angles right.Like ya say it`s for
Polework only I guess,but possibly not.It does have an advantage on say a visa-versa
(Unger) or an Ettore Back-Flip.Araldite glue is what I used to modify my `Wagtail`
Combi.
Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #13 on: December 04, 2007, 08:16:38 PM »

Hi Lewis, great to hear from you. Yep, been Flippin all day with great success.
Yeah, the modded flipper lives on the pole. USE STANDARD FLIPPER FOR ALL OTHER WORK.
You'll soon see the advantages. Ive got other mods now such as slight "dog earing", cutting the rubber at a slight angle so it "points" into frame.
Best of all I have now sprung loaded the swivel action of the Wagtail (pole version only) so it stays level all the time instead of slopping from one side or the other but remains straight, ready for use but still swivels when required. Just used a couple of automotive ties as a sort of spring system. Works a treat. will post pics at a later date. The serial modifier....lol.
Takes a lot of practice but when you get it you can't beat it.
I too mostly do straight down strokes too but some windows are quite wide so somtimes i can do the "s" stroke with good results.
Persevere with it Lewis if you can and it will pay dividends.
Chris
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
kirky
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 4519


turned out nice again missis


View Profile WWW
« Reply #14 on: December 06, 2007, 11:43:10 AM »

Quote

























Hope these are clear enough, any questions just fire away. There are several other mods available but this will do for now!
Chris

 Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin


how high can you get?
« Last Edit: December 06, 2007, 11:44:15 AM by kirky » Logged

sheffields finest
S_and_P
Guest
« Reply #15 on: December 06, 2007, 12:52:32 PM »

Fit it to a superlite 2 and you should be able to do 60ft with that no problem..

Just screw an Unger cone on to the S2

Regards
Mr H
Logged
Mark_H
Guest
« Reply #16 on: December 06, 2007, 04:46:09 PM »

Who supplies these in the UK?

No suppliers listed on their website in the UK.

I heard Omnipole do them but I can't see them on the site there either.

I wouldn't be using it at 60ft on my duperlite doo though.  Shocked










Logged
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #17 on: December 06, 2007, 07:01:17 PM »

Hi Kirky,
The max my pole extends is about 20 foot or so. If you add on a few feet maybe 25 for arms. Reckon I could do more.
Its fantastic on domestic stuff. Hardly use ladders.
Thanks for posting the pics for me. My son is doing a computer course and couldn't do it!
It's realy important to have a METAL crank for this set-up and I have it one click forward most of the time so it clears the sills.
The thing about it is that it automatically sets the other angles for you like when you try and do a window over a conservatory and you can't stand in front of it. It's here that it gets realy difficult but with Wagtail it's much easier. Takes a lot of practice though.
The detailing tool is working quite well too and works in most situations as long as Unger Crank is one click forward. Somtimes you have to use a straight pole or at an extreme angle.
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #18 on: December 06, 2007, 07:03:49 PM »

Quote
Who supplies these in the UK?

No suppliers listed on their website in the UK.

I heard Omnipole do them but I can't see them on the site there either.

I wouldn't be using it at 60ft on my duperlite doo though.  Shocked


No one supplies them in Uk. It's Aussie or America as far as I can see.
 Cry








Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
karlosdaze
YaBB Administrator
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 3398


Mallorca, Spain.


View Profile
« Reply #19 on: December 06, 2007, 07:48:58 PM »

Omnipole do them - you have to ring!
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
wagga
Wfp Master
*****
Posts: 750


VISION TECHNICIAN


View Profile WWW
« Reply #20 on: December 06, 2007, 08:27:15 PM »

Hi Karl, Yes I remember you saying now, about Omnipole but couldn't see them on the site. Didn't relise you had to ring! sorry
Chris
Embarrassed
Logged

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
Window Cleaning Equipment Forum
   

 Logged
Pages: [1]
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.12 | SMF © 2006-2009, Simple Machines LLC | Sitemap Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!