This new version is suppose to be more powerful than it's predecessor. I would hate to see the power of the old version
The first version was less powerful you could even use the word anemic... or weak...
This new version is more powerful or more effective but it's still weak, especially compared to any of the full size DA Polishers.
I had a Metabo and after trying to use it a few times I gave it away. The first gen and the Metabo worked the same, they even looked alike.
The new version could use a re-design and whatever needs to be done to help it maintain pad rotating under pressure should be incorporated. The problem I see with taking this type of tool and making it more powerful is that it might lead to micro-marring with aggressive pads and products. Not a problem as long as everyone understands that a follow-up step needs to be done afterwards using a less aggressive pad and product.
I have posted accurately about it in the past when I've stated that this tool has more power than the first version, or at least more ability to keep a pad rotating. And I've posted that if you you exact, or expert technique with it then you can remove defects wit it.
See here and keep in mind I didn't use overly aggressive products, my guess is Optimum Hyper-Compound would provide excellent cut and lubrication to use with this tool... for what it's worth...
Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher - Extreme Demo - Warning!
At this time, as the tool is currently configured, it's always going to be faster to use a smaller pad on a full size DA or through a 3" pad on a rotary like you see in the pictures below.
Full size DA with 4" spot repair pads removing swirls and scratches.
1994 Porsche Detailed for "Operation Comfort" Modeled by Brittany from Stuart, Florida
Flex 3403 with a 3" Griot's Garage Foam Polishing pad removing swirls and scratches.
Pictures + Video of 1932 Ford Highboy Extreme Makeover
Now if you just want to use it to apply a wax to thin panels, tight or hard to reach areas, then the small size and the small footprint of the pad comes in real handy.
Does anyone know where I can find some thinner 3" buffing pads to help this machine spin/correct?
I've used the new Meguiar's 3" microfiber pads on it and I thought I posted somewhere on the forum the results? I don't think it was a dedicated article but a reply to someone's questions, so maybe a search involving the Griot's 3" Mini Polisher or the 3" microfiber pads would find it?
I'm coating Meghan's car in the studio today, since she has factory paint I'll test them again and post some pictures and experience.
You think the "new" GG 3" is anemic you ought to try the old one or the corresponding Metabo.
You can get some correction out of the GG 3"er but you've got to use the right materials and technique. If you need any serious correction in a tight spot you're better off using a PC or GG 6"er with 3 or 4 " BP and pads.
Accurately stated.
That said, the 3+" Megs MF cutting pads and Correcting Compound have given me the best results, I haven't tried M105 with the 3" MF pads but it works great with the 5.5"ers.
If I remember correctly, the microfiber pads did spin better than foam pads, but I'll double check today.
AG has some 4" orange LC thin pads, only real thin ones I've seen. Decent performance but you need to use a polish with lubricity to keep the pad spinning with much pressure at all. OPT Hyper polish & compound work OK.
The real answer is a redesign of the tool. The concept is great, a small, lightweight tool with the safety of a free floating spindle assembly to prevent burning or swirling paint. The drive mechanism needs to be redesigned and/or more power. At some point my guess is the engineer will hit a wall where too much power and ability makes the tool to close to a rotary so might as well make a mini-rotary buffer.
Richard Lin has some 3.5" LC orange & white CCS pads on his Show Car Detailing store. Work OK with a slippery polish. About the same performance as the others though.
Yep.. it's important to maintain enough product between the pad and paint to provide the lubrication necessary for good pad rotation under pressure.
AG has some 3M 3"ers, there's one really stout feeling purple cutting pad that I have yet to give a try. Just by the feel of it I'm guessing it'll result in some significant marring.
I have those out in the studio and you're right, they are fairly aggressive and my guess is while they would work to remove defects, they will impart their own defect which will then have to be removed.
