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random orbit polisher vs non random orbit polisher

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bighealeysource

bighealeysource

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Hey all,
Looking to purchase either a random orbit polisher or the typical variable speed polisher that does not use the random orbit idea. I intend on using this to remove some slight scratches in my paint - it's clear over base - not anything real heavy duty and probably never for sanding. See a lot of nice RO polishers but they are usually north of a $100 where you can get the variable speed tyoe for $40. Advice !!!
Thanks,
Mike
 
See if you can get a nice one used on Craig's list
 
pawn shops are loaded also and they usally have an air compresser to hook it up to so you can test it.
tom
 
Using a rotary buffer is a skill that takes a fair amount of practice. And even the most highly skilled craftsman will occasionally leave swirls and holograms that would need to be removed by other methods (like an RO buffer).

More importantly, improper use of a rotary buffer can cause irreparable damage <span style="font-style: italic">very quickly</span>.

Unless you plan on practicing and refining your technique on finishes you don’t care about (beaters, junk panels, etc) I would advise against a rotary.

For an RO buffer, your best bets are units that use the industry standard 5/16"-24 backing plate mounting. This will allow to use high quality Velcro-backed polishing pads.

RO buffers from Meguiar’s, Porter-Cable and Griot’s Garage (GG’s latest model, not the earlier ones), often called Dual-Action or DA buffers, have the standard backing plate mounting. They also have the power, speed and orbital radius to be used for paint polishing.

There are also very nice machines from Makita, Dewalt, Flex and Festool that perform well but lack the standard mounting, making them less flexible,


pc
 
The important thing is that the PC has the correct threading. If one doesn't have a useful plate on it you can just unscrew the one that's there and replace it.

Typically, if you buy a package deal from a detailing vendor they'll include a proper plate.

If you buy one that's set up as a sander you can get a backing plate from most any detailing or paint and body supplier.



pc.
 
JPSmit said:
I keep looking at the porter cable 7424
Click to expand...

I have a porter cable dual action that is similar to that (can't remember the number off hand). I think it came with a polishing pad with a built-in mount for the polisher (I can't quite remember off hand), but I had to get the flexible backing plate with the velcro face separately.

I've always had luck with the pads and plates from auto geek.
 
If it had Porter-Cable's white pad with the fixed mounting stud it was probably a 7424.

PC's models 7424, 7335, 7336 and 7336SP, as well as Meguiar's G100 were all the same machine. The only difference was which backing plate and counterweight came with it. (And the counterweight doesn't matter for polishing, only for sanding.)

So no matter which machine it started as, as soon as you screw in a new hook & loop backing plate it's the same.

PC's current machine family, the 7424XP, 7346SP, 7345, 7346, 97455 and 97466 are also all the same base unit as one another.

Meguiar's and PC have since gone their separate ways. Meg's has their current machine, the G110V2, custom built for them.


pc.
 
I have a Meguiar DA and I've been very pleased with the results. Fast and easy. My Healey is white so I don't see swirls. I have a black Audi that will show anything. The DA takes out scratches and swirls to my satisfaction. Scratch-X then use the different pads on the DA and wow! It came with all set of changable pads and stuff. Try Amazon for best price.
TH
 
PC great job explaining! TH too.

Rotary Polishers create heat and because of that they cut very quickly. You need to put in the learning curve to use a polisher for if you don't, you'll burn the paint right off. Especially at body lines or edges. However once you know how to handle a polisher, you'll use that over a DA (Duel Action), or Random Orbital Polisher for the Rotary Polishers are much faster at removing light scratchs and spiderwebs. What do body shops and detail places use; polishers.

DA's, like the list PC provided are safter and can remove light scratches and spiderwebs, provided you're using the right pad and product. Firmer pads and compound to remove scratches/spiderwebs. Softer pad/polish to bring the shine up and remove swirl marks. It just takes longer with the DA.

Detail shops do use DA's and Random Orbital Polishers but it's usually to apply wax, not for any type of cutting work. They'll grab the polisher, for it's a lot quicker.

DA's are lighter, easyer to manuver and use smaller pads then a polisher.

Plenty of information out here about this stuff.
I get a lot of my stuff from autogeek. Lots of info there.
https://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html

I use a polisher by the way. I've put in the leaning curve and find this can do more than a DA and quicker. I apply and remove wax, old school, by hand. I actually enjoy doing it.

Good luck,
Roger
 
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the info and advice. I decided to go with the Griot's Garage 6 inch DA polisher as figure otherwise I would mess up my beautiful paint based on Murphy's or in this case, Mike's Law. Just have some very minor scratches in the clear coat on my Reno red 100M. Don't want to make it Reno gray in error !
Regards,
Mike
 
+1 on the PorterCable 7424. Had mine for years. I've found that you CAN'T harm the paint with it, even using the 3M Machine Compound. I start with liquid compound, or Griots medium machine polish then follow with 3M Finesse-It. Leaves a surface like glass (assuming you had no orange peel to begin with).

The DA/random orbital is worth it's weight in gold.

If you are trying to polish out rough wet sanding scratches, you'll need a rotary with a WOOL pad; you'll want to leave this to a pro, it it WILL burn your paint in untrained hands (like mine!)
 
I have the Griots 6" & 3". You will LOVE them.

One important tip...DO NOT use much polish and or wax on the pads. A little goes a very long way and use the Pre Wax cleaner first, then clay bar it and RO polish then RO wax and you will be amazed how great it will look.
 
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