Looking to retire my 7424 to spot detailing only and buy a new buffer. I have been looking at the Griots G9 and G15, also looking at the Adams 15mm LT, Rupes, plus others. I use it maybe once a month and I would consider my skills as a 7/10. So what do you recommend?
Buffer Recommendation
- Thread starter sixgun95
- Start date
Sizzle Chest
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- Apr 3, 2011
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Can't go wrong with the G9 in my opinion, bang for buck, warranty, power, etc...
Bruno Soares
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Even if you get one of the bad ones, they’ll take care of you. Some other brands, after 1 year, will ask for more money. Griot’s is the way to go.
PaulMys
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- Jan 14, 2014
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I really love Griot's as a company, and I will say that you are correct in your reading.
That said, any new product introduced (not a restyling or improved model, but a full "built from the ground up" new design) will always have problems that cannot be duplicated in lab testing.
It is when the product is in the hands of the masses that unforeseen issues occur.
But, as Bruno has already stated, Griot's stands behind their products 100%, and you can be sure that any problems are being addressed very quickly.
PaulMys
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57Rambler
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Translation: 57R likes to translate..........
Hey, not fair. You replied while I was editing my post to remove the translations. :laughing:
Coatingsarecrack
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- Dec 9, 2018
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I don’t know of any US made polishers but I think Rupes is in Italy and Flex in Germany. And yes you will pay at least double
If you want to support the good OL USofA though.... Griots is an American Company that was strted in the America.... Rupes and Flex were/are not.
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Mike Phillips
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The Cyclo dual-head polisher is made in the U.S.A
Mike Phillips
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A long time ago, the PC was made in America, I think it's made in Mexico now?
Besides the Cyclo, I'm not sure of any other "Made in America" tools. Maybe Dynabrade?
After we get through this Coronavirus Pandemic, with some lessons being learned about globalism, i.e. outsourcing so much production of necessitates, and non-necessities to other countries - maybe this will be an opportunity for someone to start up a new polisher company?
The market must be willing to pay a market value however because the reason so much stuff is made in other countries is in part due to the labor cost. Higher labor cost = higher tool costs.
Should be in the range of the German and Italian made tools? Just floating the idea.
I haven't heard yet, but where is the new UDOS going to be built?
Billy Baldone
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- May 11, 2011
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Where is the new Lake Country polisher made?
I haven't heard yet, but where is the new UDOS going to be built?
Yesterday on The Rag Company Q&A Yvan stated that the machine was going to be globally sourced but did not comment on the assembly of the polisher. Sounded like the COVID-19 issues were delaying the production due to some shortages.
Bruno Soares
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As of 2017 all LHR21 and LHR15 tools for the North American market, configured for 110v operation, are being manufactured in the RUPES USA facility. As of August 2018 the entire line of Skorpio III pneumatic palm sanders are being manufactured in our US facility for the North American market as well.
Where are RUPES products made? - RUPES USA
Where are RUPES products made? - RUPES USA
Mike Phillips
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Thanks for the update.
I'm supposed to receive my UDOS this week.
Stay tuned for my reviews and write-up.
70 Cobrajet
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- Dec 3, 2010
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Like sixgun95, I too have a PC 7424 polisher in which I feel I obtain great wet/Glass looks on my vehicles, but it is time to update to a newer polisher. I think my detail skills are 8.5-9 out of 10.
I have also noticed on my newer vehicles with all their raised body panels, the PC tends to stall out as I expect a DA polisher would. I currently use 5.5-inch pads for all my buffing work. My current PC polisher is about 23 years old.
I am looking to purchase either a Griots G9 or Flex 3401 polisher to address the issue of pad stall. I worry that the Flex might be overkill since I am more of a hobbyist detailer where I take care of my 5 cars and a few friends cars throughout the year. I like to Jewel the paint and then top coat it with my LSP about 3 times per year on all of the cars, so the polisher is used 15 times for my vehicles and when I add my friends vehicles, I would add about another 10 cars so I use my polisher about 25 times per year. Cost is not an issue, so if I spend $200 or $500 on a polisher, I am OK with that.
A couple of concerns I have with the Flex, is can I introduce Holograms in the paint (2 of my cars are painted black) and can I burn thru the clear coat on raised edges?
Suggestions are welcome.
Here are a couple reflection shots of my work.
Thanks,
Mike
View attachment 69294
View attachment 69295
View attachment 69296
I have also noticed on my newer vehicles with all their raised body panels, the PC tends to stall out as I expect a DA polisher would. I currently use 5.5-inch pads for all my buffing work. My current PC polisher is about 23 years old.
I am looking to purchase either a Griots G9 or Flex 3401 polisher to address the issue of pad stall. I worry that the Flex might be overkill since I am more of a hobbyist detailer where I take care of my 5 cars and a few friends cars throughout the year. I like to Jewel the paint and then top coat it with my LSP about 3 times per year on all of the cars, so the polisher is used 15 times for my vehicles and when I add my friends vehicles, I would add about another 10 cars so I use my polisher about 25 times per year. Cost is not an issue, so if I spend $200 or $500 on a polisher, I am OK with that.
A couple of concerns I have with the Flex, is can I introduce Holograms in the paint (2 of my cars are painted black) and can I burn thru the clear coat on raised edges?
Suggestions are welcome.
Here are a couple reflection shots of my work.
Thanks,
Mike
View attachment 69294
View attachment 69295
View attachment 69296
I used my G9 this weekend and it is a very nice improvement over the previous model, G6. I have it using the 5-inch backing plate as most of what I do that size works great. The machine does tend to stall the rotation on my hood when the pad was set to about speed 4 and hit another hood angle. Bumping the speed up to 5 or 6 and it would plow through that spot. I know that the pad was slight dry on that outer edge so I will learn to handle that issue more.
Jumping over to your Flex 3401 question, no it will not slow down, hence Mike's term BEAST rings true. I have only used it at his training classes but plan to add one later this year. No, it should not create any holograms with a foam pad, it is doing both orbital and rotation. Could it burn through 'thin' edge lines? Possibly if you really were aggressive and let it sit over those spots. It will give you a workout as you have to control the Beast!
Nice results, look like whichever machine you decide will be just fine given your skill level.
Kirby