Small Polisher--Am I The Only One?

Sorry about the auto correct fumble. "PC style machines, than on...."

The Duetto is very close in dimension to the PC, but even that is a touch larger.
 
i just got back from SEMA and though i don't have much reason to be in the North Hall other than to browse and say hi to Dr. G, i did check out the Flex and Rupes booths.

two observations barely related to this:

i thought the PE8 was smaller. a lot smaller than it is. i'm big so i expected it to be much smaller than it has appeared in videos and i was disappointed.

the little battery powered Rupes thing looks awesome! i watched a run through by one of the guys. also, it was fun seeing random people taking one and grind it against the red panel they had with no product on the pads, hahaha.

not necessarily related to the OP's post, but on the subject of machine size: i haven't met an area i've wanted to polish that couldn't be done with the right combo of adapters, extensions and pads on either my DA or Makita. but, if i were a pro, maybe i would hit some walls that would require more equipment.
 
I just found this today, Zentool Mini DA Polisher. Has anyone got one or used one yet? Could this be a fit for what we are looking for in a 3" polisher? Looks like price is $199.

The Zentool ZEN-12EM 76mm dual action polisher is the latest long throw polisher from Zentool with a massive 12mm orbit for superior performance and faster results.

The Zentool ZEN-12EM mini dual action has a 76mm (3") backing plate to operate smaller pads and allow fast correction of tight spaces where larger machines can't operate effectively.

The ZEN-12EM operates a 700W motor which will provide plenty of power without bogging down, but still providing the safe operation of a dual actiuon polisher.

Electrical: 110VAC/60Hz
Power: 700W (0.939 hp)
No Load Speed: 2500-5500 RPM
Orbit: 12mm (0.472 in)
Weight: 1.8kg (3.968 lb)
Backing Plate: 76mm (3 in)
 
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mikejames said:
I just found this today, Zentool Mini DA Polisher. Has anyone got one or used one yet? Could this be a fit for what we are looking for in a 3" polisher? Looks like price is $199.

The Zentool ZEN-12EM 76mm dual action polisher is the latest long throw polisher from Zentool with a massive 12mm orbit for superior performance and faster results.

The Zentool ZEN-12EM mini dual action has a 76mm (3") backing plate to operate smaller pads and allow fast correction of tight spaces where larger machines can't operate effectively.

The ZEN-12EM operates a 700W motor which will provide plenty of power without bogging down, but still providing the safe operation of a dual actiuon polisher.

Electrical: 110VAC/60Hz
Power: 700W (0.939 hp)
No Load Speed: 2500-5500 RPM
Orbit: 12mm (0.472 in)
Weight: 1.8kg (3.968 lb)
Backing Plate: 76mm (3 in)
Click to expand...

No
The higher watt motor interests me though..

To me with the head/shroud? Design to backing plate ratio this is equivalent to a Rupes Duetto with 3in kamikaze BP
Where as the Rupes mini BP is pretty much flush while flirting outside the body via oscillation

The other 2 don't see the BP going outside the body as the body is allot larger
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Disclaimer: Part of my interest in this is of course for small, difficult to reach areas, but also my observation that some members of the fairer sex who have small hands and less upper-body strength have some difficulty with the full-size machines, which reduces their ability to participate.

Translation: I'm tired of having to do all the polishing on my wife's car!
Click to expand...

If you are both polishing at the same time, delegate the smaller, intricate sections to her and give her a PC with a 3-4"pad or even better, if you have air...a little, $29 pneumatic with a 2" BP (it will also run 3" comfortably).

I know you don't have one now, but get a HF 10 gallon, 125psi, 5.3 CFM. You will find lots of uses for it. $139

Honey, you have so much better focus than I do...these smaller areas are tough for my big hands...your beautiful, delicate hands are perfect for this cute little machine.

If you get her the pneumatic; I suggest the Rupes inline air regulator. It allows the user to control RPM/OPM with the regulator instead of trying to feather the trigger constantly.
 
AGOatemywallet said:
If you get her the pneumatic; I suggest the Rupes inline air regulator. It allows the user to control RPM/OPM with the regulator instead of trying to feather the trigger constantly.
Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the above suggestion, while a good alternative, would be somewhat clumsy to use around paint if you ask me. I've used numerous inline regulators before for various tools and they're just something else to 'drag around'. That said, the latter part of your statement seems to me to directly speak to what Setec is wanting, better control at his finger tips via a trigger. Correct me Setec if I've misunderstood that.

The small Flex rotary, whatever the number is, upon first seeing it was highly disappointing for me. I too don't like the DA 'look' it has nor the switch. Seems like Setec is asking for a mini-rotary...or at least a small DA type tool resembling a full size rotary, but smaller, and that offers DA action and/or 3401 type action being gear driven.
 
The inline regulator is tiny and attaches directly to the tool, which is also very small.

The trigger function allows you to ramp up the speed more slowly than the PE8 to decrease sling.

The regulator allows you to set the working RPM, so it stays there with the lever held down on the tool.

Bought the extension from KB, but haven't used it yet.
 
I hear you Setec.

Small Polisher needed:

1. Small body size - somewhere between the Rupe's Mini and GG3 and with a short stubby rotary style handle like on the BOSS15 & 21 or even Flex. (I personally like the handles on the BOSS polishers more than the Rupes handles which I think are longer than they need to be. I don't need that leverage like on a rotary)

2. No ON/OFF rocker switch. I want a speed dial and a trigger w/ a lock on the stubby rotary style handle. Speed dial on the top of the polisher so I can adjust it with my thumb without releasing my hand.

3. 12mm of orbital throw.

4. Switchable between forced rotation and free-spinning spindle (like the Makita BO6040) assuming that could be engineered with 12mm of orbital throw. Maybe the throw would to need to switch to 8mm in forced rotation mode due to the physics of it? I wouldn't know.

5. Have both a 3' BP and 4" BP available that is engineered to be part of the system to keep the proper weight balance and vibration. Not throw somebody else's 4" BP on it and hope works ok.

Now Rupe's, Flex, Makitia get to work.
 
I here you OP! What I want does exist, but seems to be EXPENSIVE. I love the 3M Electric Random Orbital 6 Inch Non-Vacuum they sell on here would be PERFECT for me to use with a Nanoskin Autoscrub pad, but the price is holy smokes expensive. I found a non 3m same looking polisher Googling around. And it was I believe a bit more expensive even lol. I know a much cheaper air version of the 3M exists, but I have no compressor. An electric one just like that for about $249 would be epic.
 
DBAILEY said:
I hear you Setec.

Small Polisher needed:

1. Small body size - somewhere between the Rupe's Mini and GG3 and with a short stubby rotary style handle like on the BOSS15 & 21 or even Flex. (I personally like the handles on the BOSS polishers more than the Rupes handles which I think are longer than they need to be. I don't need that leverage like on a rotary)

2. No ON/OFF rocker switch. I want a speed dial and a trigger w/ a lock on the stubby rotary style handle. Speed dial on the top of the polisher so I can adjust it with my thumb without releasing my hand.

3. 12mm of orbital throw.

4. Switchable between forced rotation and free-spinning spindle (like the Makita BO6040) assuming that could be engineered with 12mm of orbital throw. Maybe the throw would to need to switch to 8mm in forced rotation mode due to the physics of it? I wouldn't know.

5. Have both a 3' BP and 4" BP available that is engineered to be part of the system to keep the proper weight balance and vibration. Not throw somebody else's 4" BP on it and hope works ok.

Now Rupe's, Flex, Makitia get to work.
Click to expand...


Forgot one:

6. Soft start
 
I was so happy to get my Flex PE-8. Then when I found out it the lowest speed was 1200rpm. I was hoping its lowest speed would be 600. If you're trying to get away with using it as a 1 step on hard to reach areas on soft paint, good luck. Basically black pad and something like HD polish or M205 to ensure it finishes well. Thats why I have my Rupes 75E.
 
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