Polisher Suggestions For A Newbie?

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bryanviper

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Hello All,

So I have always detailed my car and hand waxed it and so on. I generally keep it in pretty good shape. I have paid detailers to do a Stage 1 polish on my car and rims in the past.

However now I'm thinking of picking up my own polisher/buffer to do some of the more basic stuff myself like waxing or getting rid of minor scratches in my clear coat of my car or rims however looking at different options I Have no idea what to buy, what the difference is and if its worth spending more or not.

I have seen products from Porter cable/rupes etc but again Don't know what to buy. Is there one that would be better to buy for a beginner so I don't burn through the clear coat/paint?

Thanks
 
bryanviper said:
Hello All,

So I have always detailed my car and hand waxed it and so on. I generally keep it in pretty good shape. I have paid detailers to do a Stage 1 polish on my car and rims in the past.

However now I'm thinking of picking up my own polisher/buffer to do some of the more basic stuff myself like waxing or getting rid of minor scratches in my clear coat of my car or rims however looking at different options I Have no idea what to buy, what the difference is and if its worth spending more or not.

I have seen products from Porter cable/rupes etc but again Don't know what to buy. Is there one that would be better to buy for a beginner so I don't burn through the clear coat/paint?

Thanks
Click to expand...


I would go with the Griots Garage 6" DA. It's a great all around machine plus you get a lifetime warranty and its reasonably priced.
 
I started out with the Porter Cable 7424XP and love using it. So far, I have used it for light polishing and wax application. It is easy to use, and extremely difficult to burn the paint with.

Plus, Mike Phillips has some great articles and videos showing how to use a DA/Porter in this forum that I found very helpful when starting out. That helped make my decision to start with PC easier.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html
 
If its just to maintain your own car and you coming from working by hand, a PC is exactly what you looking for. No need for overkill.
 
GG6, hands down is a DA style machine that you'll never regret.

With that... you'll need a 5" backing plate, and AT LEAST A DOZEN 5½" pads. Something like 4~5 orange ones, 4~5 white ones, then 2 blue, 2 black, (or just fill the last slot with either the blue or black).

Wouldn't hurt to pick up the Meguiar's Microfiber Correction System (in the 5½" size). That'll get you the backing plate, as well as 2 cutting, and 2 finishing pads. With that you'll get a bottle of Megs D300 Correction Compound and a bottle of D301 Finishing Wax. Plus... they throw in a Meguiar's detailing apron just for the heck of it. ;)

As for burning through the clear....
Unless you're SERIOUSLY trying to do damage... I doubt you'll be able to burn through the clear with reasonable prudence and care when using a DA type machine.

That's not to say however that you cannot lay into a sharp edge, raised body line, or similar area with a heavy cutting pad, as well as a heavy cutting compound, on speed 6, bearing down till the pad is squished flat and end up doing damage.

Just that the chances of any damage when taking reasonable care are fairly slim.
 
Well it would be for my car & then once I get the hang of it I would also want to do my parents car. Maybe down the line some family/friends cars.

The good thing is I have my dads old GMC Safari van thats in terrible shape so I could practice on there & not be worried of damaging it, I'm pretty sure I could only make it better.

Thanks

Zubair said:
If its just to maintain your own car and you coming from working by hand, a PC is exactly what you looking for. No need for overkill.
Click to expand...
 
haha thanks for the info. Yea I know better then to sit on the Polisher in the same area on the paint for a while :D

Thanks

cardaddy said:
GG6, hands down is a DA style machine that you'll never regret.

With that... you'll need a 5" backing plate, and AT LEAST A DOZEN 5½" pads. Something like 4~5 orange ones, 4~5 white ones, then 2 blue, 2 black, (or just fill the last slot with either the blue or black).

Wouldn't hurt to pick up the Meguiar's Microfiber Correction System (in the 5½" size). That'll get you the backing plate, as well as 2 cutting, and 2 finishing pads. With that you'll get a bottle of Megs D300 Correction Compound and a bottle of D301 Finishing Wax. Plus... they throw in a Meguiar's detailing apron just for the heck of it. ;)

As for burning through the clear....
Unless you're SERIOUSLY trying to do damage... I doubt you'll be able to burn through the clear with reasonable prudence and care when using a DA type machine.

That's not to say however that you cannot lay into a sharp edge, raised body line, or similar area with a heavy cutting pad, as well as a heavy cutting compound, on speed 6, bearing down till the pad is squished flat and end up doing damage.

Just that the chances of any damage when taking reasonable care are fairly slim.
Click to expand...
 
PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher

Link removed in violation of forum rules

Griot's Garage 10813STDCRD 6-Inch Random Orbital Polisher with 10-Feet Cord

Link removed in violation of forum rules



The Porter Cable is more expensive then the Griots Garage, any idea why? Different warranty? Is one better then the other? more features?

Thanks
 
Don't forget... the GG6 can be had for 30% off at Advance Auto Parts (with the right coupon code) day in, day out. Autogeek will match that code according to Nick. ;)
 
Also for those of you that dont know I'm from Canada so that discount would not be good for me espcially with how crappy our dollar is right now compared to the american :)

But thanks for the suggestion,

Anybody know if warranty on the Griot's Garage 10813STDCRD 6-Inch would be transferable? Just thinking maybe of even picking one up used if I can find a good deal?

Thanks

cardaddy said:
Don't forget... the GG6 can be had for 30% off at Advance Auto Parts (with the right coupon code) day in, day out. Autogeek will match that code according to Nick. ;)
Click to expand...
 
I like the Porter Cable 7424xp. I use it for everything from heavy correction, to waxing.

I've beaten mine up with no issues since 2010.

I also like that it has a smaller spindle housing. Comes in handy when using 3" and 4" pads.

I hear lots of great things about the Griots line of machines too. But don't think that the PC isn't a capable machine. I just picked up a back up locally on Craigslist for 60 dollars.
 
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE SHIPPING
autogeek_2269_27859469
 
bryanviper said:
Hello All,

However now I'm thinking of picking up my own polisher/buffer to do some of the more basic stuff myself like waxing or getting rid of minor scratches in my clear coat of my car or rims however looking at different options I Have no idea what to buy, what the difference is and if its worth spending more or not.

I have seen products from Porter cable/rupes etc but again Don't know what to buy. Is there one that would be better to buy for a beginner so I don't burn through the clear coat/paint?
Click to expand...

You can't go wrong with the PC or GG or like. Most of even these basic units are very durable, easy to use and will last and get the job done. You won't have issues burning into clear coat unless as noted earlier, you really try and do something like that. These DA units don't build up enough heat; no where near as easy as a rotary.

The only insight I'll give you if you are open to spending a little more is to then go with a gear driven DA unit. They will not stop spinning if you encounter a nice curve or contour on a body panel. Read up on the different units reviewed here and you'll see some good examples of what I'm talking about. They aren't a requirement but a nice upgrade if you have the chance.

Like you I am just an average Joe taking care of his cars and some friends stuff so instead of investing in a more expensive unit like that I bought 2 standard DA units and just keep one mounted with a smaller backing plate so I don't have to switch back and forth or change up my workflow when polishing.

I have a PC 7424 and a Shurhold 3100.
 
Well... afaik... Autogeek will still ship to Canada. And they'll still honor other sellers discounts. ;) (Just wouldn't be free shipping.)
 
I went with the GG6 and love it, equipped with a lake country 5.5inch backing plate (not sure why but the guys on here told me to so I did lol), lake country thin pro pads in Orange & white, and some HD speed.
 
I started with the harbour freight DA which I used and abused for a year straight with no problems before going to the rupes DA and flex rotary. That being said I bet the PC or GG have the same if not more power and less vibration.
 
kwwhite1 said:
I started with the harbour freight DA which I used and abused for a year straight with no problems before going to the rupes DA and flex rotary. That being said I bet the PC or GG have the same if not more power and less vibration.
Click to expand...

My HF machine is more powerful than my PC, and about a smooth.
 
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