Micro Polisher for Weekend Detailer

[betrdays]

Hey there friends,

I am a weekend detailer of my own cars only. I polish my cars a few times each year. I want to buy a micro polisher, something like the Nano but not spend $600 dollars for something I’ll use a few times a year.
Does anybody have recommendations? The Adam’s machine? The SPTA machine? Maybe adapt a G8 to a 1” backing plate with an extension?
Any help will be appreciated.

Jim Foster

 

[2black1s]

Rotary - Griot's GR3... about $200 --------------- Random Orbital - Griot's G8... about $140

Both are 3" tools.

The Random Orbital also comes with a 2" backing plate.

The Rotary comes with 1", 2" and 3" backing plates plus 2" and 3" shaft extensions.

The ibrid nano will get into some tighter spaces but for that functionality you have to spend the bucks.

I've also thought about fabricating a shaft extension for my G8 but I suspect it may throw off the balance too much. Won't know for sure until I try. Even if the balance remains tolerable, it will certainly increase the loads on and decrease the life of the backing plate bearing so keep that in mind.

 

[The Guz]

Flex PXE 80 if you do t want to spend the money for the ibrid.

 

[57Rambler]

I'm in a similar position as OP and have been looking in to a polisher in this class ... I'm about convinced it is well worth the additional $100 or so for the ibrid. :dunno:

 

[psnt1ol]

Rotary - Griot's GR3... about $200 --------------- Random Orbital - Griot's G8... about $140

Both are 3" tools.

The Random Orbital also comes with a 2" backing plate.

The Rotary comes with 1", 2" and 3" backing plates plus 2" and 3" shaft extensions.

The ibrid nano will get into some tighter spaces but for that functionality you have to spend the bucks.

I've also thought about fabricating a shaft extension for my G8 but I suspect it may throw off the balance too much. Won't know for sure until I try. Even if the balance remains tolerable, it will certainly increase the loads on and decrease the life of the backing plate bearing so keep that in mind.

I use this to extend the G8.

Shift Linkage Extension Kit for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles with 5/16"-24 Right-Hand Threaded Ends.

I use the shorter extension on a 3" backing plate all the time without issue. I find the length of the shorter extension gives me better sight line to what I am doing. G8 comes with a 2 inch backing plate as well but the 8mm throw is too large for a 1 inch backing plate in my opinion. With a 8 mm throw, its close to a third of a 1 inch backing plate. Thats a lot movement for such a small plate considering the purpose is to get into small places.




Ibrid long neck comes with a 3mm, 12mm, and a rotary functional unit. Its a great unit for getting in to the tight spaces but the cost of admission is high. A mini rotary (Flex PE8) is a good substitute by adding this attachment.

I have all the above tools in my arsenals and it allows me to get in to just about everywhere on the vehicle.

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

The old Adam’s mini had issues but hear good things about their new pro.... google and watch some for reviews.

For me if I do decide in a mini i’ll pay the little extra and get the pixie....


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[2black1s]

I use this to extend the G8.

Shift Linkage Extension Kit for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles with 5/16"-24 Right-Hand Threaded Ends.

I use the shorter extension on a 3" backing plate all the time without issue. I find the length of the shorter extension gives me better sight line to what I am doing. G8 comes with a 2 inch backing plate as well but the 8mm throw is too large for a 1 inch backing plate in my opinion...

Thanks for the tip on the HD parts. That will save me some search time and/or make my own time.

I've only used my G8 once so far to polish my bike. That was with the 3-inch pad. During that initial use I noticed the "line-of-sight" issue and just imagined how much worse it would be with the 2-inch pad. That's what got me thinking of an extension.

 

[psnt1ol]

Thanks for the tip on the HD parts. That will save me some search time and/or make my own time.

I've only used my G8 once so far to polish my bike. That was with the 3-inch pad. During that initial use I noticed the "line-of-sight" issue and just imagined how much worse it would be with the 2-inch pad. That's what got me thinking of an extension.

Great mind thinks alike. LOL

I had the same thought upon the first time using the G8 so I experimented with several items and found the HD part worked the best.

 

[betrdays]

Thanks so much for the insight. I’ll buy the HD extensions for sure. I guess my only open issue is a 1” solution. I’m not sure which polisher is the most cost effective way to go.

 

[Mike Hoekstra]

I'd buy the Griots and adaptors that are available for it. Honestly, there are very rarely any places I use a 1" polisher when I'm working on cars. 95% of the time it's a 2 or 3" pad.

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

I'd buy the Griots and adaptors that are available for it. Honestly, there are very rarely any places I use a 1" polisher when I'm working on cars. 95% of the time it's a 2 or 3" pad.

Under door handle is only real place that i think i’d use a 1”


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[2black1s]

Under door handle is only real place that i think i’d use a 1”


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I've thought about using a one-inch under door handles but my only concern there would be inadvertently running the shaft into the door handle and marring it up. Haven't tried yet but that is something I see as a potential concern.

Under the door handles might always be a hand operation for me... Won't know for sure until I try.

 

[eaglefan]

pnst1, Im in the same boat needing a super mini polisher. I do quite a few Harleys and need something small for the inner fairings, around bag latches, etc. Tat Max Shine kit seems like it would be tool. How well does it work?

 

[psnt1ol]

pnst1, Im in the same boat needing a super mini polisher. I do quite a few Harleys and need something small for the inner fairings, around bag latches, etc. Tat Max Shine kit seems like it would be tool. How well does it work?

The rotary mini polisher attachment works great for behind door handles and honeycomb grills. I generally would use the cone shape foam to do this.

It also has a 1/2" and a 1" backing plate. I generally would use 1/2" in conjunction with the cone shape foam to work on around and between the lettering of the logo or badge if removing them were not an option. I bought center hole arch punches so that I could punch out my own 5/8" and 1 1/4" pads and this saves me a little $$$.

The attachment also comes in handy when I have to polish carbon fiber or painted parts inside the cabin.

Just dont go crazy with the speed and keep the pad moving and you will be fine. With the pads that small, I would recommend switching out the pads often to keep residue under control for better results.