best polisher for first polisher

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driverman1

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Which polisher is the best one to start off with? I have been detailing on the side for awhile now and have done everything by hand. I think I am ready to take the jump into the polisher world. I didn't know if one would better to start off learning with than another one.
 
driverman1 said:
Which polisher is the best one to start off with? I have been detailing on the side for awhile now and have done everything by hand. I think I am ready to take the jump into the polisher world. I didn't know if one would better to start off learning with than another one.
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I just got my first buffing kit on Tuesday and on Wednesday i was already removing scratches with ease!

This is the kit that i got but i would recommend getting 5.5" pads not 6.5"
Pinnacle polishes, pinnacle swirl remover, porter cable swirl remover, porter cable kit

:)
 
Having been trained first on a rotary and then having a PC , then a UDM and finally a Flex,

I'd go straight to the Flex and make one investment. I am so sad that I held off so long in getting one as it really does the work of a rotary but much safer ... you won't be disappointed and it's a great investment :xyxthumbs:
 
If you can justify the cost, get the Flex 3401. It's what I learned on an couldn't be happier with it. One hand operation, the other hand is just for support. Very high build quality too. :xyxthumbs:
 
driverman1 said:
Which polisher is the best one to start off with? I have been detailing on the side for awhile now and have done everything by hand. I think I am ready to take the jump into the polisher world. I didn't know if one would better to start off learning with than another one.
Click to expand...


While I agree with some of the comments about the Flex 3401 I would lean towards the Porter Cable 7424XP

It will tackle most work most people want to accomplish, it's small, lightweight and versatile. Plus I like to machine apply all my waxes and it's the easiest tool to hold with one hand while applying waxes to the vertical sides.

We used 2 PC's last night to turn a diamond in the ruff into a glistening gemstone...

1959CadillacExtremeMakeover014.jpg



No swirls, no burn-throughs, just pure clear shine...


Here's an article I wrote where I created a "Ease of Use Scale" and rated all the popular machine. There's two videos below it where you can see all of the different types turned on and operated...

Here's an in-depth article on the topic...

How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project



An overview with demonstrations of the Porter Cable 7424XP, Meguiar's G110v2, Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher, Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher, Flex 3401, Flex 603, Flex 3403, Cyclo Polisher, Makita 9227C, DeWalt 849,

Part 1 - How To Pick the Right Car Polisher for your Detail Project​
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtrdTvnZX3I]YouTube - Part 1 - How To Pick the Right Car Polisher for your Detail Project[/video]


Part 2 - How To Pick the Right Car Polisher for your Detail Project​
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k92m5cJxCk]YouTube - Part 2 - How To Pick the Right Car Polisher for your Detail Project[/video]


The Flex 3401 in action...​
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CtUaI_8HhE]YouTube - Performing a "Test Spot" to the paint on a 1957 Chevrolet Belair[/video]


 
Maybe start with one... and add a few more as time goes by...

Porter Cable 7424XP
Flex 3401
Makita 9227C
Flex 3403
Cyclo

You'll be well equipped to tackle anything that comes your way and when your buddies come over you can put them to work while you're buffing at the same time.


:dblthumb2:
 
A4 1.8tqm said:
If you can justify the cost, get the Flex 3401. It's what I learned on an couldn't be happier with it. One hand operation, the other hand is just for support. Very high build quality too. :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

I too started on a Flex 3401 and couldn't be happier! Yes, it's a bit more pricey and heavier but it's an absolutely fantastic tool.
 
I started on a PC, but now I feel like the flex DA would be the best fit for me. There will be advantages to having the PC around like Mike said for applying wax/sealant.

I currently use the PC with 6.5'' pads, and agree that 5.5'' pads are a better fit for the machine.
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Maybe start with one... and add a few more as time goes by...

Porter Cable 7424XP
Flex 3401
Makita 9227C
Flex 3403
Cyclo

You'll be well equipped to tackle anything that comes your way and when your buddies come over you can put them to work while you're buffing at the same time.


:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Good choices Mike, I have the first three and couldn't be more pleased with their performance and versatility!! :props:
 
I have the Porter Cable 7424, and the Flex 3401. I absolutely love my Flex. The Porter has its uses with the smaller pads. I even used it for polishing my 3 piece wheels. I also have the Griots 3" polisher. I used it to help polish my wheels too, and it was nice, but I broke out my Porter with the 3" pad and it was nicer.

I am looking to add a rotary to my collection, we'll see when I get some money together.

You really can't go wrong with any of the choices out there right now. When I bought my Porter Cable 7424 in 2006 I am not sure what else was being offered at the time. I should have gotten 5.5" pads back then as it would have made things a lot smoother, but I was satisfied with results although they took a bit longer to achieve.

Good luck and most of all have fun. Don't stress out.

Don
 
I'm fairly new to detailing. I am using the Meguiars G110v2. I bought it over the PC because of the way it compensates for downward pressure. I've been very happy with the build of it and the results I've gotten so far.
 
I couldn't be happier with my Griot's 6" for the price I paid, and it has a lifetime warranty which is something to consider.
 
I'd go with the Porter Cable/Wolfgang Duo - to start with. Then add to your arsenal if you need to, but seriously, unless the car has been sitting in a junk yard for a few years, a PC should handle most of everything you do.

Keep in mind that a lot of guys who post on this thread are detailers in so far as they just don't work on their own cars. I think that anybody who just wants to keep their own car in tip top shape....the PC is a no brainer. And once you get the paint where you want it....you certainly won't need anything more than that to maintain it.
 
I think the Flex 3401 is EASIER to use than the PCXP. I've used pretty much every DA, including the festool and makita 2 mode, and the Flex 3401 is definitely my favorite!
 
The PC is a great first step but don't get the 6.5" pads. Good luck finding a kit with 5.5" pads. That's one of my biggest beef with these kits. Not just at AG. It's like that everywhere.
 
silverfox said:
The PC is a great first step but don't get the 6.5" pads. Good luck finding a kit with 5.5" pads. That's one of my biggest beef with these kits. Not just at AG. It's like that everywhere.
Click to expand...

I'm almost sure that if you call AG customer service they can customize a kit for you... I think I saw Mike, or someone else saying that on a different tread...
 
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