Recommend me a POWERFUL 3" polisher

luckydawg

luckydawg

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IF there is such a thing
I have the Griots and am not happy with it
 
I donated my GG3" to an Autogeeker a couple of years back. What I did was CONVERT my PC7424XP into a 3" DA and have used it with much success since. My main DA is my Flex 3401, however, my PC is my designated wax applicator or minor correction or headlight repair. The Griot Garage 6" can be converted the same way. With the proper adapters, you can make the DA a 1" DA.

FYI
 
The flex 3" is an animal and built stout like a 3401.

I own an Adams SK mini and very much like it.

I've also heard good things about the Rupes LHR75E
 
I have the Rupes 3", the FLEX 3" and I also converted a Harbor Freight into a 3" with the heavy Griot's 3" backing plate. They all work well, just depends on how much money you'd like to spend.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
I donated my GG3" to an Autogeeker a couple of years back. What I did was CONVERT my PC7424XP into a 3" DA and have used it with much success since. My main DA is my Flex 3401, however, my PC is my designated wax applicator or minor correction or headlight repair. The Griot Garage 6" can be converted the same way. With the proper adapters, you can make the DA a 1" DA.

FYI
Click to expand...

I did the same with my old PC. Works great for spot correction, glass and headlight polishing.
 
FLEX PE14 with a 3" backing plate and the Lake Country rotary extensions.


I like the Griot's 3" and use it and show it all the time but I also keep everyone's expectations grounded in reality. It's small and limited in power, (because it's small), but with thin pads and great products I can make it work for me for paint correction. I also use it a lot for machine sanding paint and headlights.

Just finished packing for a private roadshow class, for this class I shipped hundreds of tool, pic are here,

TOOLS! - Car Detailing Training - Packing for a Roadshow Class! No sitting all hands-on!


And in this picture I count 6 Griot's 3" polishers I shipped to the offsite location plus all the thin pads to go with them.

01_19_RS_Packing_004.JPG





But I hear ya.... I wish it had more power too but I think it would get bigger in size to have a bigger motor and a larger reciprocating weight to maintain inertia. But then we're back to not being small again.


Tough nut to crack.


But the PE14 with the right attachments can do wonders.




How to buff in tight spaces using a rotary buffer


2014_Mobil_Tech_Expo_Detailing_Classes_by_Mike_Phillips_0071.jpg



Surgical or Precision Buffing
I could have done this type of precision buffing using a FULL SIZE DeWALT, or Makita or 3M or Milwaukee Rotary Buffer but it's the compact size, that is no bulky body in the way of my view or in the way of body components, plus the lightweight plus the slow RPM that makes the Flex PE14 the perfect tool for this type of work.

2014_Mobil_Tech_Expo_Detailing_Classes_by_Mike_Phillips_007c1.jpg




:)
 
If cost is no issue, you cannot beat the Rupes Mini (75). It's one of my favorite machines to work with. Even more than the BOSS G15.
 
I really like my PCXP with Griot’s 3inch BP. It’s a little “wobbly” at low speeds but 4 and up feels great! Works well for mirrors, bumper areas, edging(although not as perfect as a rotary), spot corrections(especially if one stepping and need to bump up your correction on a deeper scratch here or there), glass and headlights.

Only downside besides feeling a bit “wobbly” would be what Mike mentioned, it’s a larger frame then the GG3 so it can present a problem in very tight spots.
 
DMiglio said:
I really like my PCXP with Griot’s 3inch BP. It’s a little “wobbly” at low speeds but 4 and up feels great! Works well for mirrors, bumper areas, edging(although not as perfect as a rotary), spot corrections(especially if one stepping and need to bump up your correction on a deeper scratch here or there), glass and headlights.

Only downside besides feeling a bit “wobbly” would be what Mike mentioned, it’s a larger frame then the GG3 so it can present a problem in very tight spots.
Click to expand...

For a 3 or 4-inch pad you shouldn't be going much more than speed 4 to begin with. I don't even use 6 with a 5.5 inch pad. That's my issue with the larger body polishers. They work, yeah. I did it for a few years, but using a purpose built and balanced machine for 3 or 4-inch pad makes a huge difference because most of the work is being done between speeds 3-5 on all machines.
 
I have 3.5", and 3" plates I use on Porter Cable 7424 tools, as well as Rupes Mini.

They seem to get the job done just fine.

I wish Buff and Shine made 3" plates and "Grip Pads"...
 
conman1395 said:
For a 3 or 4-inch pad you shouldn't be going much more than speed 4 to begin with. I don't even use 6 with a 5.5 inch pad. That's my issue with the larger body polishers. They work, yeah. I did it for a few years, but using a purpose built and balanced machine for 3 or 4-inch pad makes a huge difference because most of the work is being done between speeds 3-5 on all machines.
Click to expand...

The PC isn’t even purpose built for polishing paint... it’s actually designed as a sander.
 
if you could foot the bill (i'm sure it's worth it), the flex xfe 7-12 80 would be a great choice. if on a budget, the adam's SK mini seems to be a good option as well...

 
If power and performance trump price, I’d go with the flex over Rupes. Just read better reviews and same with their larger polishers.... stalling seems to be an issue. Did not read about any issues with the flex.

Because I’m new, only doing 2 cars (3” on one) I went with the Adams SK mini. Could not find anyone with anything bad to say.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I know of a powerful 12mm 3in polisher, but since AGO doesn't sell it, I'm not allowed to mention it.. it has 900 watt motor with 6500 OPM :-)
So next best option is GG6 with Griot HD 3in plate with LC Thinpros
 
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