Gem orbital buffer, what's so special?

tuscarora dave

tuscarora dave

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I see that these Gem orbital polishers are like $290 and some on sale for $255. Can you tell me what is so special about a Gem orbital that it should cost so much? Furthermore, what would it's main use be? Is it a wax spreader or is it capable of doing more? I have an opportunity to pick one of these up for dirt cheap and was just wondering what the deal is with them. Thanks, TD
 

Put your money in your pocket.


14 & 16 lbs, 11 inch plate/pad, no velcro, 2.2-2.3 amps, 1650-1730 orbits per minute.

"Gem Orbitals are the choice of professional detailers".


What a joke.





 
Concerning the Gem Orbital, I have had mine for at least 20 years. It weighs 18#s and I use it to remove wax from the hood top and trunk of cars that I detail. It has never given me any problems and it is built like a tank. I have replaced the pad on it but have never had any other problems. Runs very smooth and quiet and I love it. I have a Black and Decker Rotary and a Porter Cable. It is one of my favorite tools to use. Now this is just my take on it, I am sure some other people might say different but for me I love it. The other thing I like about it Is I have a 10# tub of Carnauba wax that I can dip the head in it and rub some on the 11 inch bonnet and go to it. And that is a good ole fashion paste wax that is hard as a rock and great to use. Gives a awesome wet look and has good durability.
 
IMO, for big horizontal surfaces it's the best orbital made.

Derrick
 
Derrick said:
IMO, for big horizontal surfaces it's the best orbital made.

Derrick
Click to expand...
This guy only wants $15 for it, I think I will pick it up. If nothing else I could wax the floor in my kitchen with it. :props:
 
Let's remember that our forum rules don't allow bashing people, products or companies.


Gem products have been around since machine polishing paint has been around, and the tools are probably best in class for a TOB, that is a Traditional Orbital Buffer.

They have an aluminum case instead of plastic case and our built to last for generations. They were a GREAT tool back in the days of large cars with large flat body panels and single stage paint.

Remember, the problem with single stage paint is that it oxidizes and oxidation is removed EASILY with a tool like a Gem Polisher.

Now all most all car have a basecoat/clearcoat finish and the problem with the clear layer of paint isn't oxidation, it's swirls, scratches and water spots and for removing these types of defects, the types of tools Autogeek carries work the best, not traditional orbital buffers.

I've actually written an article on this topic that explains all of the above in detail,

The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader

Here's the first portion of the above article,

Mike Phillips said:
WaxSpreader02.jpg



Traditional Orbital Buffers like the one in the picture above have been around for a long time, at least the 1950's and probably the 1940's, possibly earlier. In all the years I've been teaching classes on machine polishing I ALWAYS include these types of buffers only I don't teach anyone how to use one, but instead teach people why they can't use one to remove swirls out of clear coat finishes.
Click to expand...


And here's another one that talks more about the difference between the two types of paint systems...

The practical differences between single stage paints and a clear coat paints


And there's now over 150 articles in my article list and just to note, at the top of each article is the name of the article and it's a blue clickable link, so anytime "anyone" wants' to share the article on this forum or any forum, just highlight, copy and paste the blue clickable links in you answer like I did above. It's a fast, easy way to share with others related information.

Articles by Mike Phillips


:)
 
Great article Mike. Like I said Mine is built like a Tank and I use it to remove wax and sealants and apply them on the hood and top and trunk of some large cars for sure, And it has never failed me yet.
 

I have no doubt that this is a solid machine :xyxthumbs:

For 15 dollars, that is a bargain.

What I do not agree with is, "Gem Orbitals are the choice of professional detailers".

Now, it may be a quality piece of machinery, but we all know that it's not the choice of professional detailers.


Carry on.





 
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