GRIOT'S 3 inch orbital buffer

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anderson3754

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New guy first post.
Approx 6 mo ago bought a Griot's 3 in orbital buffer, 2 bottles of XMT fine, and Ulta fine polish and a few black pads (Gray?).

This is the first car I have ever buffed out, a red 67 chevelle. I'm satisfied with the results only using the XMT fine polish and the black pad after clay baring the car, removing fine swirls that could be seen in the direct sunlight.

What I'm disappointed with is the lack of power with the Griot buffer it will not run under it's full weight. It seems to be just fine doing A pillars, B pillars, cutting in around the bumpers and the mirrors. I really do not want to do another whole care with the 3in Griot.

Is this normal, or should I be looking at a more powerful unit for my next car, maybe the Porter Cable 7424. I do like the 4 in pad diameter, just need more power to be more efficient with my time.


Regards
 
This question has been answered 100,000 times, but I'll answer it again :)

The 3" polisher is incredibly under powered. People ask all the time if it's worth the investment, and frankly, no. You can get the pillars done by taping off the seals and the glass. No real need for a 3" polisher for those. Other tight areas, I can understand, and justify, the need for one. However, I'd never get the Griots lol.

Next question, why the HELL would you want to polish an entire car with a 3" pad? the PC7424 is a great starting tool, and Mike uses it all the time. I opted for the step up to the Flex 3401, but that's because I didn't want to have to purchase a different polisher after the PC. The flex is a work horse, will do anything you want it to, and you'll never be let down. The pink one was just on sale too.
 
Ha, pretty blunt.

I don't have one but I believe it would be better suited for the tasks you mentioned it is good at. That's its main purpose, to work on smaller areas where a larger bulkier tool is unwanted.

Most all of the "full size" polishers will fit your needs. I have heard of people getting good results with just about every machine available, some will just take longer than others.
 
SKorch630 said:
This question has been answered 100,000 times, but I'll answer it again :)

The 3" polisher is incredibly under powered. People ask all the time if it's worth the investment, and frankly, no. You can get the pillars done by taping off the seals and the glass. No real need for a 3" polisher for those. Other tight areas, I can understand, and justify, the need for one. However, I'd never get the Griots lol.

Next question, why the HELL would you want to polish an entire car with a 3" pad? the PC7424 is a great starting tool, and Mike uses it all the time. I opted for the step up to the Flex 3401, but that's because I didn't want to have to purchase a different polisher after the PC. The flex is a work horse, will do anything you want it to, and you'll never be let down. The pink one was just on sale too.
Click to expand...

I did not realize this question had already been asked 100,000 times before. Now that I know I need a more powerful buffer I'll simply buy one tomorrow. My bad for asking a question, won't happen again.

As far as buffing a whole car with a 3 inch pad, was not bad at all 1/2 of a 6 pack, 4 hours later, the car looks very nice and I learned a lot.

Regards
 
Mantilgh said:
Ha, pretty blunt.

I don't have one but I believe it would be better suited for the tasks you mentioned it is good at. That's its main purpose, to work on smaller areas where a larger bulkier tool is unwanted.

Most all of the "full size" polishers will fit your needs. I have heard of people getting good results with just about every machine available, some will just take longer than others.
Click to expand...

Hey HI.. This was my first car and I only know what I learned on this car. The Griot 3in seems like a okay buffer but my initial thoughts were, if there's nothing wrong with it, I really need to step up to a larger machine. I'll order something tomorrow. What buffer would you recommend or which one do you like or own?
 
I have a Rupes Duetto.

What polisher would I recommend? It depends...

Do you have a budget you are trying stay within?

Remember that you should also have an assortment of pads to deal with different situations.

Are you limited on time?

I guessing your not too limited if you did the Chevelle with the one you have.

Are you you young and able, or older and averse to holding a vibrating polisher for hours on end?

I am assuming the first.

Like I said, I think most all of the polished sold here are more than capable with the right pad and compound/polish combo and enough time.

Many people here have started out with a PorterCable dual action style machine and many keep them around for a backup once they have upgraded. Some say it's all they'll ever need.

When I refer to the PC DA style machines I mean the ones that are similar powered and similar orbit, typically 8mm.

Dual Action Orbital Polishers and pads: Porter Cable 7424 : Porter Cable 7424XP: Lake Country Buffing Foam Pads

Meguiars MT300 Dual Action Polisher

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE SHIPPING

If you are not as concerned about price, and/or want a smooth running(easier on the body), and faster defect removal, I look at some of the bigger boys like...

Any of the Rupes, they should all be smooth and powerful, and have a larger orbit.

Rupes Polishers, Rupes Big Foot Polishers

Should be the same, or similar with the Griots Boss machines.

Griots Garage BOSS G15 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher

Griots Garage BOSS G21 Long Throw Orbital Polisher

Then you have the FLEX XC 3401 Orbital Polisher which is both dual action and forced rotation together. This will typically be faster than a DA only machine, but they are said to be not as smooth and vibrate a little more. It also requires a little more experience and technique.

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

I'm not really sure where this one falls in at, but another option.

http://www.autogeek.net/torq-10fx-random-orbital-car-buffer-polisher.html

I also think the PC comparable machines will typically be a little slower and require more downward pressure. The Rupes and Boss longer throw machines can work pretty fast with very little to almost no pressure. The extra orbit area helps to speed things up.
 
Beginners----- Griots 6" you won`t look back...Later down the line a smaller backing plate and Low throw pads.
 
anderson3754 said:
I did not realize this question had already been asked 100,000 times before. Now that I know I need a more powerful buffer I'll simply buy one tomorrow. My bad for asking a question, won't happen again.

As far as buffing a whole car with a 3 inch pad, was not bad at all 1/2 of a 6 pack, 4 hours later, the car looks very nice and I learned a lot.

Regards
Click to expand...

Keep asking questions.... be a rebel. :-)

Consider using 4" microfiber pads and you will see the Griots has a place in your arsenal. For a 3" polisher it isn't bad but the thickness of the pads out there will impact how far the tool will go in any process.
 
briarpatch said:
what he said
Click to expand...

X3
IMO, the Griot's is the "best buy" of the bunch, with a lifetime warranty, adaptability for 3 to 6 inch pads and decent correcting power, all for a reasonable cost. If you get really into it and buy one of the premium polishers later, you'll still find uses for the GG. Personally, I like the 5-5.5" pads with mine most of the time. Thinner pads are more effective and with a microfiber pad you can correct almost any defects you'd come across. I actually like the smaller 4" pads for wax, since they fit in many paste wax tins and get into most tight areas.

Bill
 
I still consider myself new to all this. My first purchase from Autogeek last August was a Griot's 6". Its great, I now have it fit with a 5" LC backing plate. It takes care of what I need, I just take care of my own car. Its a great tool for someone just starting out. Also in the spring I got a Griot's 3" to go with it. It is great for waxing, just drop it in the pot, and go to town. In July I used it to help polish my car prior to using Wolfgang Coating. Good in the tight spots, great for pillars and such. Handy tool to have!
 
To mantilgh

Hi thanks for your response. The Griots 6 in orbital is the first one I'm looking at, then the PC 7424xp as a second purchase, which would give me a total of 3 buffers. As a weekend warrior this should do well for me. This is completely new hobby for me so I know it will be awhile before I am proficient. Never had a problem buying nice tools God knows I love Snap-On and Mac tools. As far as being old and out of shape LOL; old yes, out of shape no.
 
Hammer77 said:
I still consider myself new to all this. My first purchase from Autogeek last August was a Griot's 6". Its great, I now have it fit with a 5" LC backing plate. It takes care of what I need, I just take care of my own car. Its a great tool for someone just starting out. Also in the spring I got a Griot's 3" to go with it. It is great for waxing, just drop it in the pot, and go to town. In July I used it to help polish my car prior to using Wolfgang Coating. Good in the tight spots, great for pillars and such. Handy tool to have!
Click to expand...

Thanks.... I'm pretty sure that buffer will be my next purchase with the 5 in backing plate and a bunch of pads and I'll use the 3 in Griot for waxing and a touchup spot etc
 
I have the Griot's 3" and I find it doesn't have much power when using the thick Lake Country 3" Flat Pads with the curved edges. I used mostly the orange medium cutting pads for correction and the white pads for the Polishing steps.

I also find the machine runs quite hot after 5-10 minutes on high (speeds 5-6).

I am going to try the Lake Country 3.5 inch Thin Pro Pads, to see if they work better and cooler (supposed to be easier to keep spinning because they are thin).

I do used it primarily on the bumpers, which are plastic, which may have contributed to the heat issue.

I also have the Rupes Nano iBrid short neck, which now takes care of all the spots I found the Girot's was previously used for.

I still use mine quite a bit, but mostly with White and Dark Grey pads for applying waxes and sealants.

And finally, I also have a Porter Cable 7424xp, which is by far my go to machine.

I use it with 4", 5", 6" and 4" Foamed Wool pads with all Compounds, Polishes and Last Step Products.

Works well for me and it is the one I am most comfortable with when using when polishing my DD.


My last comment is, by taking the time to do an entire Chevelle with a 3" Griot Polisher, you show you have patience, which is a very good tool to use as you learn this hobby.

Take your time and do some research on product and pad applications and always do a test spot (oh and have fun - nobody is paying you so it's not work).
 
anderson3754 said:
To mantilgh

Hi thanks for your response. The Griots 6 in orbital is the first one I'm looking at, then the PC 7424xp as a second purchase, which would give me a total of 3 buffers. As a weekend warrior this should do well for me. This is completely new hobby for me so I know it will be awhile before I am proficient. Never had a problem buying nice tools God knows I love Snap-On and Mac tools. As far as being old and out of shape LOL; old yes, out of shape no.
Click to expand...

Anderson3754 Only if you feel the need but if I were you I'd get the PC 7424xp and leave the GG6 alone. Not saying the GG6 is bad I have one but at this point you'd have two similar tools. Spend that money on multiple pads like the Lake Country Thin Pros. These thin pads Kick butt on that DA, then spend on polishes, backing plates, and so on.
 
Crispy said:
I have the Griot's 3" and I find it doesn't have much power when using the thick Lake Country 3" Flat Pads with the curved edges. I used mostly the orange medium cutting pads for correction and the white pads for the Polishing steps.

I also find the machine runs quite hot after 5-10 minutes on high (speeds 5-6).

I am going to try the Lake Country 3.5 inch Thin Pro Pads, to see if they work better and cooler (supposed to be easier to keep spinning because they are thin).

I do used it primarily on the bumpers, which are plastic, which may have contributed to the heat issue.

I also have the Rupes Nano iBrid short neck, which now takes care of all the spots I found the Girot's was previously used for.

I still use mine quite a bit, but mostly with White and Dark Grey pads for applying waxes and sealants.

And finally, I also have a Porter Cable 7424xp, which is by far my go to machine.

I use it with 4", 5", 6" and 4" Foamed Wool pads with all Compounds, Polishes and Last Step Products.

Works well for me and it is the one I am most comfortable with when using when polishing my DD.


My last comment is, by taking the time to do an entire Chevelle with a 3" Griot Polisher, you show you have patience, which is a very good tool to use as you learn this hobby.

Take your time and do some research on product and pad applications and always do a test spot (oh and have fun - nobody is paying you so it's not work).
Click to expand...

I felt a need to tear down my little GG-3, because it had sure seemed a good deal noisier the second time I went to use it.

Upon disassembly what I found was two Armature Brushes broken in 1/2. Luckily, it came with a pair of new brushes and I replaced them.

What I seemed to note, was that upon re-assembly, the brushes, due to design had a propensity to want to fall out of their retaining bores in the plastic housing halves, and then create a possible cause of damage to the brushes upon snapping the two housing halves back together.

I cured that snafu with a couple pieces of electrical tape, one piece to retain each brush so they would remain properly installed-seated, and would not improperly protrude too far out upon re-assembly..

The other thing I found was basically the front of the housing heavily loaded with what appeared to be a clear, and possible synthetic grease, but not one little bit of lubricants on the pinion drive gears.

Not knowing how good the quality of the factory grease was, I removed all of it, and replaced the grease with Super Lube Full Synthetic High Temp Grease which is fortified with Teflon. Evidently, from centrifugal force, in time the grease is slung away from the drive gears, and won't offer much in the way of protection.

The combination of these tweaks, and repair made the machine run the way I believed it was intended to run, and it was smoother and quieter in operation. It is an easy machine to disassemble, just make note of those two motor brushes when re-assembling that they stay properly retained.

As for running warm, I think it's just the nature of the beast, it surely is not some engineering masterpiece. Possible these machines from the overseas OEM might've been $10-$15 each is all.
 
Hi

Sorry for being late to the party in possibly answering your question. If it were me, I would get a more powerful DA. You can go to a PC7424 XP or the more powerful GG6". These are great DA's. I moved up to the Flex 3401 from my PC7424 XP. I still use my PC7424 as my mini 3" DA and it is awesome. To give you my opinion on the GG3" is simple. I had one and Donated it to an AGO member. I wanted to give it to someone that could find use for it instead of being the paperweight that I used it for.

As for the 4" size; that is what I also use for the PC7424 and it is awesome. But if it were me I would use the GG3" as a paperweight or donate it to an AGO member or something like that. No offense to the people that like the GG3"
 
briarpatch said:
what he said
Click to expand...

+2 I have a PC. The Griot's 6" is more powerful. May give you a little more time before you feel like you need to upgrade again. If your only working on a couple cars that and the 3" Griot's for the small stuff and you'll be all set. I would recommend the 5" backing plate and 5.5 inch pads if that hasn't been mentioned.
 
DaveT435 said:
+2 I have a PC. The Griot's 6" is more powerful. May give you a little more time before you feel like you need to upgrade again. If your only working on a couple cars that and the 3" Griot's for the small stuff and you'll be all set. I would recommend the 5" backing plate and 5.5 inch pads if that hasn't been mentioned.
Click to expand...

I'm a fan of the GG6 with the 5" backing plate too
 
Didn't mean to disappear. I had a opportunity to spend 2-3 hrs on weds and thurs with a guy that does detailing and buffing. Got to try a PC7424 and a IR 3129xp which is air powered and orbital. Gotta say I really like the PC7424 a lot. I think that's going to be my next purchase. Apparently there's nothing wrong with buffing a whole car out with a 4 or a 5 inch pad. Explaining the cars from the 50's,60's and 70's have so many sharp body lines, that by the time you cut in both sides of all these body lines the car is half done, and there's no reason you can't finish the car out with a 4-5 inch pad, adding I do it all the time. Also invited back next week if I wish, offering to explain what pads and polishes he likes to use and why.

So this is where I'm at with this new found hobby of mine.
 
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