Newbie looking for first DA Polisher.

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Badlilstang

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I have learned a lot so far about proper car wash and drying technique. Been introduced to a ton of great products. Recently got into using clay bars and I feel that getting a DA polisher is the next step. I was thinking of hte Porter Cable 7424XP but have also had the Griots Garage unit recommended. Trying to stay around $150 or less for the unit. Thank you for any advise!!!
 
I have no experience with the PC but I started with the griot's garage model and I love it. I think it was similarly priced also. I have no regrets with mine. And maybe someone can chime in but isn't the griots a little more powerful?
 
Another vote for groits garage polisher great customer service with enough power to get you started into the machine polishing phase
 
I have the PC7424XP and have no issues with it. AG sells more PC's than any other DA polisher but gets fewer returns on the PC than other brands from what I was once told.
 
If it were me...


I'd get a Porter Cable 7424XP with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" Lake Country Flat Pads.


You can fix dang near anything under the sun with the above and quality compounds and polishes. And of course good technique. And you rarely ever see someone anywhere post that their PC broke.

I've been using the PC since it was introduced to the paint polishing world from the wood sanding world, even have an article on this topic.


Good tool.

The Free Floating Spindle Bearing Assembly - The Story Behind The Story...


portercableSANDER.jpg





:)
 
If it were me - I'd get the HF DA - same manufacturer as the GG and 1/3 the price. Grab a coupon from slick deals and you are on your way. Which equals more money for products!

You'll also need a new 5" backing plate as the one it comes with is not that great and some foam pads of different levels.. ie cut/polish/wax
 
sn0w said:
If it were me - I'd get the HF DA - same manufacturer as the GG and 1/3 the price. Grab a coupon from slick deals and you are on your way. Which equals more money for products!

You'll also need a new 5" backing plate as the one it comes with is not that great and some foam pads of different levels.. ie cut/polish/wax
Click to expand...

Got a link to this one?
 
Badlilstang said:
Got a link to this one?
Click to expand...

Google Harbor Freight. I'm sure it works fine, and may even come from the same manufacturer in China, but it is not the same model as the Griots. It is cheap though; with a coupon that you can also find online, you can get it for $55 + $7 shipping.
 
I'd go with the PC... Actually I just did.

As a new guy to this whole world, I was very impressed with the PC. I looked at the HF in store, and ended up getting the PC. It is very well built, feels very sturdy in your hands, and that helps to inspire confidence.
This rings true with many things in life.. get the right tool for the job, and do it right the first time.
 
It may be cheap but its stronger than the PC and with a few mods to it kicks some major butt for its price point.

Only DA I'd get over it is a Rupes.

Be sure to pick up the added warranty if it's a crappy one or breaks. They will replace no questions asked.

PC only gives I think a 1 year.. GG's lifetime warranty is nice which is why you pay more than the HF DA.

Be sure to mark your backing plate and pick up Mike Phillips books on correction tips.
 
+1 to the HF w/ mods! Cheap and works great. Just budget for new backing plate.

$40 with a 25% off coupon!
 
I found where a couple guys compared the PC and Griots and all of them chose the Griots over the PC. They mentioned more tq and power and they liked hte feel of it. They all mentioned the PC build quality felt a little better. What would be the next step up over a Griots polisher? Rupes or Flex?
 
Badlilstang said:
What would be the next step up over a Griots polisher? Rupes or Flex?
Click to expand...

The Rupes Duetto is the most similar to the PC style of polisher. It is the one I went for. I have no experience with the others; I can only say the Duetto is amazing. Apparently those who do know say it is quieter and much smoother. Rupes is designed as a system, meant to be used with Rupes pads and polishes. Again, I have nothing to compare them to, but the system works great.

Flex is considered the most powerful. Rupes also makes their long-throw LH15 and LH21 polishers with the bigger Flex-like chassis. I think those are more intended for pros, which I am not.
 
If it were me the PC7424 XP would be my choice. There are more different size backing plates and pads for the DA. Additionally, it keeps on working and working. I have it and am very happy with it. I got it from AGO with their PC package.

I have heard that the GG 6" were made in China, however, do not quote me on it. I would guess the PC is more reliable.

That is just my $.02 worth.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
I have heard that the GG 6" were made in China, however, do not quote me on it. I would guess the PC is more reliable.
Click to expand...

FWIW, while the PC's used to be made in the USA, I believe current production comes out of Mexico.
 
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