Battery-Operated DA Polisher Available?

[KBsToy]

I bought the griots pgk which included bag and extra battery. I have used it with a microfiber pad applying an AIO. IMO it did the job but my cars are in good shape so it take long to apply product. The extra battery did come in handy...expensive ...yes but along with all my other waxes,towels QD and other products it is a toy thats nice to have...

 

[mhoran89]

Cordless DA technology does NOT need to advance. There is nothing special or specific to a "DA sander". the manufacturers just need to see that there is demand for the machine to be produced.

If a manufacturer can make all these tools WITH a 5 year warranty (on the tool) and 3 year warranty (on the battery), then the only thing left is them knowing there is demand for a DA.

Search Results | Milwaukee Tool

I have the entire Milwaukee M18 FUEL line. As well as all the regular M18 tools as well. I also have 8 M12 tools from them. The tools are very powerful with excellent runtime and durability from the batteries. There would be zero problem making an M18 or M12 DA polisher/sander in my opinion. The technology and manufacturing has been going full steam ahead for quite a few years regarding Brushless motors, ESC's (electronic speed control) and Lithium Polymer batteries that are build to last without lipo meltdowns.

In regards to cordless power tool technology, it has come incredibly far. Brushless motors that run so much more efficiently with literally zero maintenance, ESCs which help maintain constant speed under various loads, and the new LIPO batteries are out of this world. The same innovations made their way into electric RC vehicles years back. More compact cells, combined with huge MAh capacities, and virtually no "battery memory" or capacity loss over time results in longer run times and more happy customers.

 

[mhoran89]

If the current Griot's Battery Powered offering is adequate for spreading LSP's



It is a huge leap from 45 minutes of battery life under light load versus polishing for 4.5 hours under heavy load



Even when running a polisher off of a car batter/inverter set-up...you couldn't do a full car without running the motor to charge the battery





From a marketing perspective, I think Griot's has it nailed:



-High price due to limited total market



-Purpose specific machine (wax spreading)

This allows for a smaller battery due to reduced load and duration

I have comfortably ran a flex 3401 off of an optima blue top deep cycle / starting battery in my trunk for around 2 hours with very little drop in voltage. The tool doesn't even stress my 2000W inverter. I bet I could get a solid 3-4 hours off the battery if charged it fully while I drive to the customer. That's more than enough time to make one thorough pass on a large sedan. If I get a low voltage warning, turn over the car and flip the breaker to start charging and in 15 minutes you are good to go for quite a while longer. With a 3 bank battery setup you could most likely make 2 full passes, apply a LSP, and have enough juice to run a vacuum for 45 mins. The only issue I have run into is not having enough voltage to start my 5.5 HP shop-vac while running off one battery. With a multiple high reserve capacity battery bank, this would definitely not be an issue.

 

[allenk4]

I have comfortably ran a flex 3401 off of an optima blue top deep cycle / starting battery in my trunk for around 2 hours with very little drop in voltage. The tool doesn't even stress my 2000W inverter. I bet I could get a solid 3-4 hours off the battery if charged it fully while I drive to the customer. That's more than enough time to make one thorough pass on a large sedan. If I get a low voltage warning, turn over the car and flip the breaker to start charging and in 15 minutes you are good to go for quite a while longer. With a 3 bank battery setup you could most likely make 2 full passes, apply a LSP, and have enough juice to run a vacuum for 45 mins. The only issue I have run into is not having enough voltage to start my 5.5 HP shop-vac while running off one battery. With a multiple high reserve capacity battery bank, this would definitely not be an issue.

You are faster than me. It takes me much longer to polish out a vehicle

Those Optima Blue Tops are stout

I had 4 of them, in a boat when I was into stereos

It's rated at 50 Ah, so theoretically, you could run a 9 amp tool for 5 1/2 hours

A normal alternator is rated around 100 amps so depending on the length of the trip and RPM's, you could get it back to a full charge


I believe the FLEX is a 900w tool, so your 2000w inverter has plenty of headroom


Would it be possible to use the Griot's cordless if you had enough spare batteries? Is it heavy-duty enough to compound cars every day?


I know some Detailers like to do Test Spots for the Customer...."This is the $200 polish...this is the $400 compound and polish". The battery powered unit might be great for that as well

 

[mhoran89]

I have been doing it for a while, and once I find my pad / product combo it's no rest 'till the last panel. With a steady hand, focus, and a decent speed on the 3401 one pass will take 3 hours max on a large sedan / wagon.

Theoretically yes, but nothing is 100% efficient, so you will have losses and it won't run that long. And as you know the optima but tops are fabulous batteries.

 

[allenk4]

I have been doing it for a while, and once I find my pad / product combo it's no rest 'till the last panel. With a steady hand, focus, and a decent speed on the 3401 one pass will take 3 hours max on a large sedan / wagon.

Theoretically yes, but nothing is 100% efficient, so you will have losses and it won't run that long. And as you know the optima but tops are fabulous batteries.

I also run a 3401, but you are still twice as fast as me

I usually take 4+ hours just to compound, when the goal is +90% correction

 

[builthatch]

In regards to cordless power tool technology, it has come incredibly far. Brushless motors that run so much more efficiently with literally zero maintenance, ESCs which help maintain constant speed under various loads, and the new LIPO batteries are out of this world. The same innovations made their way into electric RC vehicles years back. More compact cells, combined with huge MAh capacities, and virtually no "battery memory" or capacity loss over time results in longer run times and more happy customers.

RC traditionally seems to be on the cutting edge with a lot of stuff. sounds silly but it's true. when lipo started to take a hold years ago, nobody knew what lithium batteries were other than people working with the tech in some capacity in various industries and us RC nerds lol

 

[mhoran89]

I also run a 3401, but you are still twice as fast as me

I usually take 4+ hours just to compound, when the goal is +90% correction

4 hours isn't bad for a full compound. I usually do 2-step correction w/ wash, clay, and LSP in 7 hours or so. 1st cut is only 80% or so, then just jeweling the finish with a very soft pad and finishing polish. I also tend to use 6.5 inch pads, and prefer them over 5.5 inch pads, especially on larger panels. Bigger pads definitely help speed things up!

 

[allenk4]

I have begun the swap from 5.5" to 6.5" and added in the Purple Foamed Wool pads from Lake Country.

The Speedy Prep Clay towel is the best Time Saver I have found so far

 

[mhoran89]

I have begun the swap from 5.5" to 6.5" and added in the Purple Foamed Wool pads from Lake Country.



The Speedy Prep Clay towel is the best Time Saver I have found so far

There you go. Smaller pads are still a must for complex bumpers, pillars, etc. I haven't tried that clay towel. Right now I'm using the chemical guys V2 clay block but I really want to splurge for the nanoskin pads, I know they are highly regarded, and can be used by hand with the plate or on low with a machine. They also make a mitt and a towel... I do like the CG block because it's foam, allows you to carry a bunch of water and squeeze it as you go, eliminating the need for a soaked mitt, hose, or spray bottle to keep the paint surface wet all the time. Running dry while claying is usually quite disastrous.