Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips

SpectraAutoDetail said:
Great article Mike! I'm somewhat new to the detailing profession, and recently obtained the Griot's 6" DA with HD cord mostly due to your (and others') recommendation(s).
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It's a great tool for both people new to machine polishing and the MOST experienced and seasoned of detailers, including you're truly.

I use this polisher all the time. In fact, sometimes it's MORE BENEFICIAL to have a SHORT STROKE polisher over a long stroke polisher. And I ALWAYS cover short stroke polishers in all my classes.



I need to write an article on this topic someday.



SpectraAutoDetail said:
This is the most informative bit on polishing pads (microfiber vs. foam) I've seen...

Thanks!
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Thank you.

I know there is a LOT of confusion over microfiber versus foam buffing pads and you can't really find anything substantial in the blogosphere, so I typed this up to help people new to machine polishing.



:)
 
SpectraAutoDetail said:
Great article Mike! I'm somewhat new to the detailing profession,
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We were ALL new at one time, so nothing wrong with being new to the hobby or the business.

Just to note, we have one of our Roadshow classes coming to Gerogia.


Autogeek's Roadshow Detailing Class in Atlanta, Georgia - November 16th and 17th


Our 3-day classes here are $1,800.00 plus all your travel expenses. I hope you can come to one of our 3-day classes here but if you can't the roadshow classes are the next best thing.



Info, locations and dates for all our 2018 Roadshow Classes



:)
 
SpectraAutoDetail said:
Noted! I really hope to make it.
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Hope you and a few others will make it.


SpectraAutoDetail said:
BTW - I downloaded your "Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine" eBook today and am already about halfway through it.

Great stuff!

Thanks!
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Glad you like it.... to a lifetime to learn tons of stuff and then figuring out how to "type" in a conversational how-to manner so that people can take what they read and then put what they learn into practice in their own garage it's own "art form".


:)
 
Finally! Thank you for your article! Even though I started out with the PC7424XP, I am always letting beginners know they should start with the GG6". Can't go wrong with their Lifetime Warranty. This post is spot on! As always Yoda has spoken! Keep on Rocking!

I still use my PC7424XP as my mini DA and my wax/sealant applicator. My Flex 3401 does the rest!
 
***Bump***


I think I've shared this article at least 3 times this week alone.

Besides my articles on how clearcoat paints are thin and how and why to inspect your microfiber towels, I share this one the most.


:)
 
mike, thanks for putting these articles together. A lot of great information that is very helpful for someone trying to get into the world of machine polishing but doesn’t know where to start. A+ product recommendations that are proven performers. :xyxthumbs:
 
VISITOR said:
mike, thanks for putting these articles together.

A lot of great information that is very helpful for someone trying to get into the world of machine polishing but doesn’t know where to start.

A+ :xyxthumbs:
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Appreciate the compliment.

Just to note, behind the scenes, Jeff Brown from Griot's and I are working on something to share about Griot's tool quality.

We don't need any mis-information on our forum.


Hang tight...


:props:
 
***Bump***



A bump to bring this thread back to the top of the forum homepage for any new members or lurkers on the forum today.

The first page of this thread has TONS of information plus a video plus pictures plus LINKS to even more information. More information than you can ever find on a single post on a FB group.


:props:
 
I just stumbled upon this information and I will shamefully admit that I am one of the individuals who has always polished / waxed by hand. I never really thought I would have any use or need for a DA machine. Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth. Really appreciate the wealth of data in these links. I intend to utilize the information recommended here at order the Griot's machine if this one is still deemed worthy for a beginner in addition to being a machine that I'll be able to grow into? Thoughts?
 
1 pad per panel. I didn't know that.
Dumb me, I've been doing my entire car with 1 pad. Doh.

Now I know. Thank you Mike.
 
PSYS said:
I just stumbled upon this information and I will shamefully admit that I am one of the individuals who has always polished / waxed by hand. I never really thought I would have any use or need for a DA machine. Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth. Really appreciate the wealth of data in these links. I intend to utilize the information recommended here at order the Griot's machine if this one is still deemed worthy for a beginner in addition to being a machine that I'll be able to grow into? Thoughts?
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every detailer/enthusiast should own at least one traditional pc-style DA (i've said it many times). you can equip the GG6 with various size DA backing plates and pads to cover just about every part of the vehicle and it has the torque/power to maintain rotation. buy with confidence (best bang for the buck polisher IMO), it's as solid as they come. you can always add another polisher or two later down the road...
 
PSYS said:
I just stumbled upon this information and I will shamefully admit that I am one of the individuals who has always polished / waxed by hand. I never really thought I would have any use or need for a DA machine. Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth.
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Nothing wrong with starting out working by hand - that’s how most of us started out.

Most clearcoat are hard and thus difficult to work on by hand - that’s where a tool like the Griots 6” ROP can make a huge difference between success and failure when it comes to removing swirls and scratches.



PSYS said:
Really appreciate the wealth of data in these links. I intend to utilize the information recommended here at order the Griot's machine if this one is still deemed worthy for a beginner in addition to being a machine that I'll be able to grow into?

Thoughts?
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Yes.

The Griots 6” random orbital Polisher with its 8mm free spin orbit stroke is a VERY capable machine.

In fact - you get less Pad stall with 8mm free spin than large stroke free spin due to the fact the pad has less leverage over the reciprocal drive component.

This is the FIRST tool I use to start all my car detailing classes.

:)
 
Thank you for bringing this thread back to the forefront Mike. Compounding and polishing are areas of my detailing skill that I am still not totally comfortable with. I have been using my Porter Cable 7242XP with thick LC foam pads with mixed results. Through some wonderful people that I have met on the forum, and from watching your videos, I am finding out my mistakes and trying to perfect my technique. I seemed to have a lot of heat build up to the point where the backing plate was warped. I switched to a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. I am also using less product and changing pads more frequently and the results are better. I recently purchased Griots GG6 with the vented packing plate and I am looking forward to upping my game even more. The only problem is that Santa confiscated the Autogeek package and I have to wait until after Christmas to use it.
 
My Griot's 6" DA from AutoGeek is on the way and will be here on Friday. *w00t!*

So I just need the 5" backing plate and 5" pads, correct?
 
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