new kid on block looking for a polishing tool

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Mefranklin

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New kid on block - 4 cars - want to detail each 2 time per year - what's a good, least expensive, polisher tool to buy. I see HF 62682, but cautious, don't want to mess up a paint job. Any suggestions?
 
If it were me I would look into 2 products. The PC7424XP and the Griot's Garagre 6". The GG6 would probably be your best bet. It is more powerful than the PC and comes with a Lifetime warranty. I started with the PC and love it and still use it.

But the most important thing I would do is get Mike Phillips book on how to do a show car finish or one of his how to books. You will learn SO MUCH from that. I would use that as your bible for future detailing.

Either way welcome to AGO!
 
All dual actions are safe, but your best buy would be the Griot 6 because of the lifetime warranty.
 
I say this way too often, but do not get the HF one. I used to work for them at corporate, it's garbage. A poorly reverse engineered porter-cable that has absolutely no qc/qa time devoted to it. The real porter-cable should hold up very well for your needs.
 
Ditto. Griots 6" DA polisher (GG6) fitted with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. You can also pick up the 3" HD backing plate fitted with 3" or 4" pads for more intricate areas. This set-up will be more than sufficient for your needs. Get it with a 25' cord for an extra $15.

Get as many pads as you can afford (10-12 would be nice). Lake Country Thin-Pros are nice, as are the Griots Boss Pads.

Now would be a great time to buy with their 20% off sale + flat rate shipping.
 
Harpolith said:
Ditto. Griots 6" DA polisher (GG6) fitted with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. You can also pick up the 3" HD backing plate fitted with 3" or 4" pads for more intricate areas. This set-up will be more than sufficient for your needs. Get it with a 25' cord for an extra $15.

Get as many pads as you can afford (10-12 would be nice). Lake Country Thin-Pros are nice, as are the Griots Boss Pads.

Now would be a great time to buy with their 20% off sale + flat rate shipping.
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AG 20% doesn't work for polishers. Is there another way to get 20% off?
 
Try Advance Auto parts store as they give 20% off on all products. See if AG will price match with them.
 
Random orbitals are actually a lot of fun to use. The Porter-Cable 7424 was the one that got copied. I use mine a lot. Even more than I use the 7424xp.

The biggest reason I use it, is because of the small spindle housing. When I use 3" pads it's easier for me to see what's going on.

Griot's warranty makes it a no brainer though. Something goes wrong, and you can just send it back.

Though in defense of the PC, they have a pretty solid reputation for durability.
 
Route246 said:
AG 20% doesn't work for polishers. Is there another way to get 20% off?
Click to expand...

Forgot about that. I believe it will work on the "kits"? I got my GG3 for 20% off awhile back as a kit. It had a few things I won't use but was still cheaper than buying the polisher alone.
 
If you want a really nice tool and some really nice pads then I'd sugest this...


Griot's Garage 6" ROP - Standard cord

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher - HD Cord - 25' Heavy Duty Cord already pre-wired


Griots_Polisher.jpg



These pads

6 Inch Buff & Shine Uro-Tec Foam Pads


and one of these backing plates, they're all good and they will all fit on the above tool.



Lake Country 5" Backing Plate

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Dual Action 5 Inch Backing Plate


Then above all else... get compounds, polishes and cleaner/waxes that use GREAT abrasive technology.

When it comes to polishing paint, the MOST important factor is the abrasive technology. IT is what touches the paint first followed by the pad, then the tool and then you.











:)
 
I've rarely purchased power tools from HF but have regretted it every time. They either went back or have gone unused. Just not with the frustration and discomfort. I have the GG6. I can't think of any reason not to get it. I'm sure the PC is also very good. There are much better machines. For a hobbyist and a beginner (like me), I think the PC or GG6 are the best places to start. I often want more machine than my GG6. I'm sure my paint is very glad I have the GG6 given my experience and abilities.
 
I recommend the HF DA. I paid $69.95, but now seeing them on sale for $49.95. Did a great job of polishing out my 2013 Red Mercedes SLK. I recently purchased car as it came off a 3 year lease. Lots of swirls and scratches caused by auto car washes etc..
I washed, clayed, then polished with HF DA and Mequires Ultimate compound using HF yellow pad. I had a bottle of Meguires Ultimate Polish but didn't use it as any swirls were gone. Then put on Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Polish with DA, and removed with DA. Next put on Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze with DA with black HF finishing pad and buffed out. Next day another coat of Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze.

Now paint is super glossy, deep wet look.
 
It is possible to get a 'good one' from HF, but the serious problem is the quality control. You never know when buying it if you got a good one or one with a messed up motor/switch that will go nuts and destroy your paint. Also, even if the one you bought is doing well, it could freak out in time due to faulty/cheap/non tested components. With all the time and money invested in getting your paint perfect, it just doesn't make sense to then use a potential paint time bomb just to save $100.

If you do insist on buying a HF polisher, at least get it with a 20% off coupon (stackable on top of 'sale price'). They always have them out there, just google it.

Steve454 said:
I recommend the HF DA. I paid $69.95, but now seeing them on sale for $49.95. Did a great job of polishing out my 2013 Red Mercedes SLK. I recently purchased car as it came off a 3 year lease. Lots of swirls and scratches caused by auto car washes etc..
I washed, clayed, then polished with HF DA and Mequires Ultimate compound using HF yellow pad. I had a bottle of Meguires Ultimate Polish but didn't use it as any swirls were gone. Then put on Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Polish with DA, and removed with DA. Next put on Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze with DA with black HF finishing pad and buffed out. Next day another coat of Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze.

Now paint is super glossy, deep wet look.
Click to expand...
 
Mike Phillips said:
If you want a really nice tool and some really nice pads then I'd sugest this...


Griot's Garage 6" ROP - Standard cord

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher - HD Cord - 25' Heavy Duty Cord already pre-wired


Griots_Polisher.jpg



These pads

6 Inch Buff & Shine Uro-Tec Foam Pads


and one of these backing plates, they're all good and they will all fit on the above tool.



Lake Country 5" Backing Plate

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

Buff and Shine Dual Action 5 Inch Backing Plate


Then above all else... get compounds, polishes and cleaner/waxes that use GREAT abrasive technology.

When it comes to polishing paint, the MOST important factor is the abrasive technology. IT is what touches the paint first followed by the pad, then the tool and then you.











:)
Click to expand...

Thanks for all that info. Not the OP, but am looking to buy my first kit as well and this is the info I was looking for from someone I respect and study from. Thanks for all you do and all the "free" info and time you give.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
EspressoDrinker said:
Thanks for all that info. Not the OP, but am looking to buy my first kit as well and this is the info I was looking for from someone I respect and study from.

Thanks for all you do and all the "free" info and time you give.
Click to expand...


You're very welcome....

The Griot's polisher is a good tool and perfect for most people that don't want to turn car detailing into their new job.

If a person just wants to take care of their own cars, trucks suv, boats and rvs then it's a great first polisher.


When a person want to start detailing for money and start pumping out cars fast then the FLEX 3401 is a turning, churning beast.



:)
 
Yes, This is my first post here. Somebody asked about the Harbor Freight DA and I gave my opinion that I like it. It works plenty good for me. I'm not new to car detailing.
This is my Ferrari that I painted, color sanded and polished. Won first place for best paint job at a car show.

I also like my HF grinder, saw-all and a few other HF products. I don't recommend HF drill bits or any battery operated drills.
 
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