Love my eco AutoSmart. I have a few tips for ya. 1.) cut your drain hose to the length you need so that there’s no droop in it and you don’t have to lift it and water won’t pool up, also, remove the drain hose and clean it out regularly, dried polish will build up in there over time. 2.) keep a spray bottle handy and spray your machine down on the inside every once in awhile and wipe it out with a rag to keep it clean. 3.) do a deep clean on your machine every so often, remove the turbine in front, sand off any rust built up on the back of the pad holders, and give the inside of the front of the machine a good wipe down. 4.) prime your pumps before use, if you let your machine sit for a day or two, it might take a good 30 seconds before the machine starts spitting out polish. Overall it’s the best resurfacer you can buy other than the master which is ridiculously expensive. I’ve actually been considering getting a 2nd auto smart lately.
Great video. You wont believe it but I was just offered the middle one from a great friend but didn't know anything about these machines. Your video was exactly what I needed. Made my decision a lot easier. Thank you.
The trick with the JFJ is to buy 5" Milwaukee Polishing pads. The Red one for deeper scratches and the black one will typically get out all light scratches. They last incredibly longer than the poor quality over priced JFJ pads. I also use Mequiers ultra fine car polish on the black one and the more intense Meguirs car polish on the red one. Its always a hit or miss on it but it works better than the OE products by far.
I have the ecoauto pro 2 and I love the thing. You just put the disc in close the lid and let it work. Even works on GameCube games! I love mine and it has been worth every penny. I went through one card already and other than build up from non use over the winter months I have had no issues. 100% always have more pads on hand. Waiting for the one set to dry and using another set is a great way to keep working.
I quit using the Sandpaper 10 years ago on the JFJ. It was more trouble than it was worth. I had my first JFJ for over 15 years and did 1000's of DVD/Games/CDs in them.
My jfj east pro plastic hinge bolds broke. Now I have to push in the pins every time or the hinge comes off and ruins my games. Thinking about getting a eco pro 2 to replace it.
Thanks for the video. I picked up a VMI 3500 on offer up for $150. At first it was destroying my disc but after changing the buffer pads, it runs great. Literally no supplies but I believe the buffer pads need to be replaced after 2500 disc. The device is not messy like these other devices.
I had a Vmi 3500 machine. I started calling it the 'bamboosler' because all it does is make to top surface of the disc look good (ie, hide the scratches). you really need a sanding process to get rid of any real scratches.
@@jamessanechiaro7918 I would think if the process hide the scratches then it removed them. I’m not sure how it would fix a top layer without fixing what is underneath.
That machine basically melts the very top layer of plastic on the disc through friction so you can't see the scratches anymore below the new surface. @@damienhawthorne8864
We had an Auto Smart at my video store (before it closed) and it did a great job. Needed a lot of cleaning to keep it running right. We also a Venmill we used for lighter jobs but it could be touchy.
If you cut the tube on the higher end machine so it is resting just inside the bottle, it might fix the clogging issue. Then you'd just have to keep an eye on the jug
I’ve been using an AutoSmart for 15 years. Spraying a little water or light cleaner into the tray and the turntable and wiping out the residue is my daily routine. Cutting the hose for a straight fall helps, but every few months remove the hose. Run hot water from the faucet the hose to really clean it out. No more flooded desks.
I used a 5 gallon buckets for the waste water.. just clean the line weekly.. the master recycles the water so you change it out after like 1000 discs or so..
Love my JFJ! Got it at a VoA a few years ago for $8 and outside of a little bit of a learning curve on how to get the best results it has made me thousands. All the times I passed up scratched Wii Sports/Resort at the Thrift... OOF(back when you could actually find them there). Definitely a great investment. I'd get an ELM if I did any more discs than I do now. I've never had issues fixing Blu-Rays like you have though. As long as you replace the pads somewhat regularly they generally don't get the weird buffing or sanding patterns on them. I always make sure to give them a spritz of window cleaner before each sanding to keep them cool and sanding evenly.
I got my jfj a week ago and love it. To handle the learning curve I used sports games do if they got destroyed oh well they ain't worth but a dollar lol
Ive owned 10 polishing machines since 2001, The azuradisc 1600 (that left the discs like mirror including ps1 games) was outmatched until the autosmarts became available, then they invented the dualdiscs and those where BAD the only PRO they had was that they did leave the BLU RAY DISCS LIKE NEW unfortunately their service was HORRIBLE and they used timed keycards, the best machine currently is the AUTOSMART, I own 2 but they do break up eventually so I have to send them for repairs. Im still looking for a machine that can Handle Blu Ray discs :(
Are you renting the Elm Eco? Why does it cost extra to use it each time? Will it not power up if you don’t have enough credit on the machine? Why would anyone purchase a machine that they have to pay extra to use? Is it okay to sell games (disc) with some wear and scratches on them? Thank you🌞
1. No 2. That is how it’s designed 3. It powers up but it won’t work 4. Because it’s still a very cheap option 5. Yes, but it’s better to sell all your discs without scratches if possible and you will get more money for them
I've sold thousands of disc's on ebay and only one time someone complained about a scratched disc. Never did I clean any disc's. Recently I came across a haul of expensive gamecube games that have a bunch of scratches. I can't justify spending all the time and money for the machines considering the low track record of complaints. I'll just lower the prices. Good video though
@Walter Blake Knoblock well I don't know how to prove it but I've never had a return on any games. I always say minor surface scratches in the description. I dont know man been reselling for years. I will say I don't sell cheap games individually I sell them in lots. Games $40+ I sell individually..maybe that helps
Doesn't the machine read the disc from the top not the bottom where you see all the scratches (yeah too much research and not enough taking notes! ha ha) Just look at kids dvds that get played over and over and manhandled by those grotty little fingers :) I think sometimes removing the light scratches is purely a visual thing. I really want mine to be clean to sell though saying that, just to contradict myself :)
@@Lea_1113 the laser has to see through the clear bottom layer to focus on the data foil layer. If that clear layer is heavily scratched the laser cannot focus. As the laser weakens, the clearer that bottom layer needs to be.
Great video and nice to understand more about what each machine offers and the pros and cons. I need to get one soon and this video certainly is a good reference. Thanks Blake!
I'm really surprised China haven't jumped on board with making these like they have with everything else. And paying for minutes on a machine you already paid thousands for shows there is a big opportunity in that space.
I wouldn’t doubt if the elm Eco pro is a loss leader and they make the money back on cards. The bigger machine doesn’t have the pay-to-use minutes model, but it does burn through sanding pads.
@@WBKnoblock yeah I'd imagine they make a killing on sanding discs and solutions as they are specific for the machine. They are quite expensive when you consider the materials to make a unit but as they last so long and it's fairly niche I suppose they need the mark up.
wow it’s crazy you made this video when I’m in the market for a disc repair machine. I was looking at getting a JFJ but if I’m hearing this right you said it don’t fix blue rays or ps1 discs and it warps discs as well????? So like it only works on ps2 games and it can warp them. Is that even worth it?
I’m interested in repairing my minor collection of games. The problem is, I’m a perfectionist. Will the JFJ leave discs flawless or will minor scratches still be seen? I’ll only do a disc at a time, never multiple. Otherwise I’ll get the Eco Pro and offer a disc repair service as a side hustle to offset the costs.
The JFJ can potentially fix them all but it might ruin some if you run them too long. It will also leave a ring on the inside of the disc (the interior part with no data) if you don’t add on a silicon washer
I thought that and in long wrong ….. maybe My local library has a 40k dollar machine (tax dollars at work) 😂 It can do 100 discs at a time it’s so big’ they charge $1 a disc’ Again long term maybe but at $1 disc the pads and supplies are hardly getting paid for’ and it’s nice dropping off 50+ disc and picking them up the next morning
The master I feel does a better job on the discs because the head drops down on top of the discs and applies more pressure.. I can buy salvage ps3/4 Wii U games and fix them.. as long as the data isn’t damaged.. you have 100 microns to work with 🤷🏼♂️ still a lot of work.. ROI isn’t great but it was something that I tried out
@@WBKnoblock typically 1000s but the price action right now between the consumer vs the big 3P sellers like jenson or kitchen sink ect.. has caused wicked swings… so if I haven’t moved it in 3 months, I’m gonna take the L on it.. hell sometimes it’s as little as 2 weeks.. I’ve had to destroy 1000s at the same time. 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️ it’s not all giggles and 💩
@@WBKnoblock all the big sellers seem to be on this kick of we need to move inventory fast or we die.. so they will sell a book/cd/dvd just a few bucks above Amazons costs.. with CDs/ DVDs with little to no reserve.. they don’t mark to market.. so let’s say you have a 1.5 lb book that’s 700k rank.. MF @ 14.. FBA used @ 24 new fba at 40.. total cost is 9 bucks fba… these big 3ps will come in at 12 bucks.. if it doesn’t sell right away, everyone else marks to market.. now that listing is done.. highly likely you will take the L.. same thing with CDs/DVDs their bottom reserve is 5.85.. not to say this wasn’t the case before.. but now you have to be really tight on your business.. CDs/DVDs over 40k carry that risk and as well as books over 550k..
books over 450k in all reality.. I’m just focusing on fast moving items for Amazon.. 2% daily sell through of my book.. my all the other sellers around me haven’t really changed their approach and complain about slow sales.. i really don’t think they’ve looked at their book much..
@@WBKnoblock Perfect, thanks mate. I'm very disappointed with the jfj, I spent over $600aud to get the machine to Australia, I've saved up thousands of media and it doesn't work 😔 I won't sell discs with scratches.
I have all 3 as well , the elm eco pro in my opinion is worthless . Why do I have to buy minute cards to use a machine I already paid for? The jfj & the eco elm are both dry type polishing machines. The only positive about the elm is that it’s automated and you just press the 30 second button. I use eco auto smart on disc that are over $50 since I don’t want to risk the chance of damaging them with the jfj. But on any other disc the jfj works well. However there is a learning curve on how to use the jfj machine well.
JFJ user be like... "hmmmm today I will spend hundreds and thousands a year to have the privilege of using a machine I already own because the machine is cheaper!!"
Man.. stop saying resurface.. this process has no connection to resurfacing.. that's deceiving! Especially when U actually doing the fooking opposite! U take away surface that protects the data layer..
If you would actually take care of your machine and clean it like you should, it likely wouldn't have broken the way that it has.
That’s a stupid person comment.
@@WBKnoblockhe’s not the idiot that bought useless junk machines. JFJ easy pro is god tier for non morons.
Love my eco AutoSmart. I have a few tips for ya.
1.) cut your drain hose to the length you need so that there’s no droop in it and you don’t have to lift it and water won’t pool up, also, remove the drain hose and clean it out regularly, dried polish will build up in there over time.
2.) keep a spray bottle handy and spray your machine down on the inside every once in awhile and wipe it out with a rag to keep it clean.
3.) do a deep clean on your machine every so often, remove the turbine in front, sand off any rust built up on the back of the pad holders, and give the inside of the front of the machine a good wipe down.
4.) prime your pumps before use, if you let your machine sit for a day or two, it might take a good 30 seconds before the machine starts spitting out polish.
Overall it’s the best resurfacer you can buy other than the master which is ridiculously expensive. I’ve actually been considering getting a 2nd auto smart lately.
I love my Autosmart. I sent you an email about my experience with it a while back. I'm glad you got one and like it!
Great video. You wont believe it but I was just offered the middle one from a great friend but didn't know anything about these machines. Your video was exactly what I needed. Made my decision a lot easier. Thank you.
The trick with the JFJ is to buy 5" Milwaukee Polishing pads. The Red one for deeper scratches and the black one will typically get out all light scratches. They last incredibly longer than the poor quality over priced JFJ pads. I also use Mequiers ultra fine car polish on the black one and the more intense Meguirs car polish on the red one. Its always a hit or miss on it but it works better than the OE products by far.
I have the ecoauto pro 2 and I love the thing. You just put the disc in close the lid and let it work. Even works on GameCube games! I love mine and it has been worth every penny. I went through one card already and other than build up from non use over the winter months I have had no issues.
100% always have more pads on hand. Waiting for the one set to dry and using another set is a great way to keep working.
I quit using the Sandpaper 10 years ago on the JFJ. It was more trouble than it was worth. I had my first JFJ for over 15 years and did 1000's of DVD/Games/CDs in them.
I also dont use their compound
My jfj east pro plastic hinge bolds broke. Now I have to push in the pins every time or the hinge comes off and ruins my games. Thinking about getting a eco pro 2 to replace it.
Thanks for the video. I picked up a VMI 3500 on offer up for $150. At first it was destroying my disc but after changing the buffer pads, it runs great. Literally no supplies but I believe the buffer pads need to be replaced after 2500 disc. The device is not messy like these other devices.
Nice, I’ve never used that brand.
I had a Vmi 3500 machine. I started calling it the 'bamboosler' because all it does is make to top surface of the disc look good (ie, hide the scratches). you really need a sanding process to get rid of any real scratches.
@@jamessanechiaro7918 I would think if the process hide the scratches then it removed them. I’m not sure how it would fix a top layer without fixing what is underneath.
That machine basically melts the very top layer of plastic on the disc through friction so you can't see the scratches anymore below the new surface.
@@damienhawthorne8864
We just bought an echo pro 2 days ago, I let the salesmen know you sent me!
Will do!
We had an Auto Smart at my video store (before it closed) and it did a great job. Needed a lot of cleaning to keep it running right. We also a Venmill we used for lighter jobs but it could be touchy.
If you cut the tube on the higher end machine so it is resting just inside the bottle, it might fix the clogging issue. Then you'd just have to keep an eye on the jug
Yeah, I need to do something to that effect.
I’ve been using an AutoSmart for 15 years.
Spraying a little water or light cleaner into the tray and the turntable and wiping out the residue is my daily routine. Cutting the hose for a straight fall helps, but every few months remove the hose. Run hot water from the faucet the hose to really clean it out. No more flooded desks.
I used a 5 gallon buckets for the waste water.. just clean the line weekly.. the master recycles the water so you change it out after like 1000 discs or so..
which one should i buy.. hmm i will try cheapest first
Best review I found on these machines, thanks a lot!
Love my JFJ! Got it at a VoA a few years ago for $8 and outside of a little bit of a learning curve on how to get the best results it has made me thousands. All the times I passed up scratched Wii Sports/Resort at the Thrift... OOF(back when you could actually find them there). Definitely a great investment. I'd get an ELM if I did any more discs than I do now. I've never had issues fixing Blu-Rays like you have though. As long as you replace the pads somewhat regularly they generally don't get the weird buffing or sanding patterns on them. I always make sure to give them a spritz of window cleaner before each sanding to keep them cool and sanding evenly.
I got my jfj a week ago and love it. To handle the learning curve I used sports games do if they got destroyed oh well they ain't worth but a dollar lol
Ive owned 10 polishing machines since 2001, The azuradisc 1600 (that left the discs like mirror including ps1 games) was outmatched until the autosmarts became available, then they invented the dualdiscs and those where BAD the only PRO they had was that they did leave the BLU RAY DISCS LIKE NEW unfortunately their service was HORRIBLE and they used timed keycards, the best machine currently is the AUTOSMART, I own 2 but they do break up eventually so I have to send them for repairs. Im still looking for a machine that can Handle Blu Ray discs :(
Are you renting the Elm Eco? Why does it cost extra to use it each time? Will it not power up if you don’t have enough credit on the machine? Why would anyone purchase a machine that they have to pay extra to use? Is it okay to sell games (disc) with some wear and scratches on them?
Thank you🌞
1. No
2. That is how it’s designed
3. It powers up but it won’t work
4. Because it’s still a very cheap option
5. Yes, but it’s better to sell all your discs without scratches if possible and you will get more money for them
@@WBKnoblock Thank you got taking the time to answer all my questions.
great info thanx, i have a jfj easy pro. I find that if i keep the disc wet they seem to not warp
You have to pay to use it after you’ve bought the machine?!
Yes, although many have found ways around it.
I've sold thousands of disc's on ebay and only one time someone complained about a scratched disc. Never did I clean any disc's. Recently I came across a haul of expensive gamecube games that have a bunch of scratches. I can't justify spending all the time and money for the machines considering the low track record of complaints. I'll just lower the prices. Good video though
No offense, but I don’t believe you. If a disc doesn’t play, you’re going to get a return.
@Walter Blake Knoblock well I don't know how to prove it but I've never had a return on any games. I always say minor surface scratches in the description. I dont know man been reselling for years. I will say I don't sell cheap games individually I sell them in lots. Games $40+ I sell individually..maybe that helps
Doesn't the machine read the disc from the top not the bottom where you see all the scratches (yeah too much research and not enough taking notes! ha ha) Just look at kids dvds that get played over and over and manhandled by those grotty little fingers :) I think sometimes removing the light scratches is purely a visual thing. I really want mine to be clean to sell though saying that, just to contradict myself :)
@@Lea_1113 the laser has to see through the clear bottom layer to focus on the data foil layer. If that clear layer is heavily scratched the laser cannot focus. As the laser weakens, the clearer that bottom layer needs to be.
Great video and nice to understand more about what each machine offers and the pros and cons. I need to get one soon and this video certainly is a good reference. Thanks Blake!
the clever is awsome but expensive so are the pads in the uk, had mine about 7 years
I'm really surprised China haven't jumped on board with making these like they have with everything else.
And paying for minutes on a machine you already paid thousands for shows there is a big opportunity in that space.
I wouldn’t doubt if the elm Eco pro is a loss leader and they make the money back on cards. The bigger machine doesn’t have the pay-to-use minutes model, but it does burn through sanding pads.
@@WBKnoblock yeah I'd imagine they make a killing on sanding discs and solutions as they are specific for the machine.
They are quite expensive when you consider the materials to make a unit but as they last so long and it's fairly niche I suppose they need the mark up.
How do you find scratched discs to resurface and flip?
Ive used JFJ on black discs many times with no problems.
You must be a miracle worker. I’ve only ever gotten a mirror finish on them with an autosmart.
wow it’s crazy you made this video when I’m in the market for a disc repair machine. I was looking at getting a JFJ but if I’m hearing this right you said it don’t fix blue rays or ps1 discs and it warps discs as well????? So like it only works on ps2 games and it can warp them. Is that even worth it?
Check other comments- apparently people say I’m wrong about that. It doesn’t work for me tho.
I’m interested in repairing my minor collection of games. The problem is, I’m a perfectionist. Will the JFJ leave discs flawless or will minor scratches still be seen? I’ll only do a disc at a time, never multiple. Otherwise I’ll get the Eco Pro and offer a disc repair service as a side hustle to offset the costs.
The JFJ can potentially fix them all but it might ruin some if you run them too long. It will also leave a ring on the inside of the disc (the interior part with no data) if you don’t add on a silicon washer
Very interesting information!!❤
3:44 - Great side-gig opportunity for someone to unlock these machines for a reasonable price.
I thought that and in long wrong ….. maybe
My local library has a 40k dollar machine
(tax dollars at work) 😂
It can do 100 discs at a time it’s so big’ they charge $1 a disc’
Again long term maybe but at $1 disc the pads and supplies are hardly getting paid for’ and it’s nice dropping off 50+ disc and picking them up the next morning
Hi, I was wondering do you offer any repair services and if so, what would be the process?
I do not
The master I feel does a better job on the discs because the head drops down on top of the discs and applies more pressure.. I can buy salvage ps3/4 Wii U games and fix them.. as long as the data isn’t damaged.. you have 100 microns to work with 🤷🏼♂️ still a lot of work.. ROI isn’t great but it was something that I tried out
Thanks Jedd, you have a lot of extremely valuable insight on this topic. About how many discs do you sell a month?
@@WBKnoblock typically 1000s but the price action right now between the consumer vs the big 3P sellers like jenson or kitchen sink ect.. has caused wicked swings… so if I haven’t moved it in 3 months, I’m gonna take the L on it.. hell sometimes it’s as little as 2 weeks.. I’ve had to destroy 1000s at the same time. 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️ it’s not all giggles and 💩
Whats going on with Jenson?
@@WBKnoblock all the big sellers seem to be on this kick of we need to move inventory fast or we die.. so they will sell a book/cd/dvd just a few bucks above Amazons costs.. with CDs/ DVDs with little to no reserve.. they don’t mark to market.. so let’s say you have a 1.5 lb book that’s 700k rank.. MF @ 14.. FBA used @ 24 new fba at 40.. total cost is 9 bucks fba… these big 3ps will come in at 12 bucks.. if it doesn’t sell right away, everyone else marks to market.. now that listing is done.. highly likely you will take the L.. same thing with CDs/DVDs their bottom reserve is 5.85.. not to say this wasn’t the case before.. but now you have to be really tight on your business.. CDs/DVDs over 40k carry that risk and as well as books over 550k..
books over 450k in all reality.. I’m just focusing on fast moving items for Amazon.. 2% daily sell through of my book.. my all the other sellers around me haven’t really changed their approach and complain about slow sales.. i really don’t think they’ve looked at their book much..
I have an ELM ECO Senior, which is an ECO autosmart with a touch screen LCD instead of buttons on the top.
Nice, sounds cool
Nice price, the JFJ costs in Germany $600 -.-
Wowwww
Does rhe eco pro leave the swirl pattern like the jfj does? I resell media and wont sell a disc with swirl marks
If you use it correctly, it will produce a mirror finish with no swirls
@@WBKnoblock Perfect, thanks mate. I'm very disappointed with the jfj, I spent over $600aud to get the machine to Australia, I've saved up thousands of media and it doesn't work 😔 I won't sell discs with scratches.
@@redfairmontas a consumer personally I don't mind light scratches on discs as long as no issues with playback
The JFJ Easy Pro is utter garbage and a total waste of time. The Elm Auto Smart is by far the best in my opinion.
I bought the jfj easy pro it’s a piece of crap ruins cds I don’t have a resale business I just like keeping phsycial media
Jfj easy pro is the best but it’s just manual
I have all 3 as well , the elm eco pro in my opinion is worthless . Why do I have to buy minute cards to use a machine I already paid for?
The jfj & the eco elm are both dry type polishing machines. The only positive about the elm is that it’s automated and you just press the 30 second button.
I use eco auto smart on disc that are over $50 since I don’t want to risk the chance of damaging them with the jfj. But on any other disc the jfj works well. However there is a learning curve on how to use the jfj machine well.
You could also use meguiars ultra compound polishing cream for the jfj easy pro, which is way cheaper than the overpriced compound jfj sells
@@goochslayer1639 Meguiar's polish is great! Wayyyyy better than the original stuff. Keep slayin them gooch's!
My issue with the easy pro is it makes it difficult to multi-task. I can’t just set it and forget it like the ELM products.
The auto smart uses water
@@goochslayer1639 that is a fantastic idea. 😊
I got ps3 game can you fix it
Theoretically yes, but I am not offering this as a service
JFJ user be like... "hmmmm today I will spend hundreds and thousands a year to have the privilege of using a machine I already own because the machine is cheaper!!"
You mean ELM for the lower level machine. The jfj is a one time lower purchase and provides inferior results to the eco pro or auto smart.
is JFJ in business anymore?
Yes
bro clean out your eco pro that ish is nasty lol
I cleaned it out when I listed it for sale. Otherwise it’s kind of pointless to clean tools if it doesn’t impact performance.
@@WBKnoblock I get it. I clean mine every week. Can't stand looking at the crud every time I open it
Man.. stop saying resurface.. this process has no connection to resurfacing.. that's deceiving! Especially when U actually doing the fooking opposite! U take away surface that protects the data layer..
I’ll say whatever I want to say, you whiny loser
@@WBKnoblock LOL!!! Awesome!