What is the BEST dual action orbital polisher?

N

nissanztech

New member
Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
:buffing: :help:

If i was to buy a dual action orbital polisher, what would be the best to get?
 
This can be a tough one to answer because what's best for me may not necessarily the best for you.

There are three machines that come to mind;

  • Flex 3401
  • Griots 6"
  • Porter Cable 7424HP
Theses seem to be the most popular here rise to the top of the list. I personally own the Flex 3401 and the Porter Cable 7424

My Polishers from the left; Porter Cable 7424, Makita 9227, Flex 3401, and the Flex PE 14-2-150

Collection_RD17.jpg


The Flex 3401

The Flex 3401 is the most powerful dual action polisher that I'm aware of. It's power combined with the forced or gear driven pad rotation allow the operator to really concentrate of the downward presser needed for efficient correction.

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

Griots 6"

The Griots 6" dual action polisher boasts being the most powerful of this style polisher on the market. The Griot's polisher also boasts more torque, which keeps the pad moving even under pressure. Commonly the pad will stop rotating on a typical DA polisher when pressure is applied. Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher is designed to keep moving so imperfections are eliminated faster.

Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher

Porter Cable 7424HP

The Porter Cable 7424HP is in the same class as the Griots polisher above. Although not as powerful according to the numbers, it outsells all the other brand of this style polisher. Could it be the name Porter Cable that drives sales? Quite possibly but the same Porter Cable is also synonymous with quality and performance.
 
Like Bobby said, it depends. For me the Griots or PC are the best because I use and love the Megs MF DA system. It works better with those machines. Other pads the Flex 3401 with its forced rotation may be the best. It's like asking what it the best vehicle and not telling how it will be driven (off road, hauling, racing etc).
 
Here so I dont get attacked on other forums for misrepresenting a buffer:

Best Random Orbital -- Griots Random Orbital
Best Forced Rotation Orbital -- Flex 3401
 
Well I just picked up the Meguiar's G110v2 during the 24 hour sale, hopefully I don't wind up wishing I'd gone for the Griot's GG6 instead but I think I'll be happy with it as a stop-gap between my trusty Meguiar's G100 (1st-gen Porter Cable 7424) and Flex 3401. Of course I also have a Dynabrade DA, but it's a horse of a slightly different color.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Well I just picked up the Meguiar's G110v2 during the 24 hour sale, hopefully I don't wind up wishing I'd gone for the Griot's GG6 instead but I think I'll be happy with it as a stop-gap between my trusty Meguiar's G100 (1st-gen Porter Cable 7424) and Flex 3401. Of course I also have a Dynabrade DA, but it's a horse of a slightly different color.
Click to expand...

Any rotarys?
 
well said . I was gonna recommend the Fischer Price as the top dog rotary . all plastic construction . very light weight. so easy to use a kid could . lol ! but yes I started with the gg and just got me a flex
 
Hi There! Long time lurker here and first time poster. I have the same dilemma too, indeed one can never go wrong with either a PC or GG6. But if i will be using megs MF system and i want a durable equipment to use with it (i live at the other side of the world:D), which would be my best choice.

Thanks!:)
 
Kitoy22 said:
Hi There! Long time lurker here and first time poster. I have the same dilemma too, indeed one can never go wrong with either a PC or GG6. But if i will be using megs MF system and i want a durable equipment to use with it (i live at the other side of the world:D), which would be my best choice.

Thanks!:)
Click to expand...


What voltage does your country use for your electrical system?


110v or 220v ?


And since this was your first post to our forum...

Welcome to Autogeek Online!


:welcome:
 
nissanztech said:
:buffing: :help:

If i was to buy a dual action orbital polisher, what would be the best to get?
Click to expand...


The GG has the most power at least from the point of view from standing behind the machine. I've posted this for about 2 years now and at this time I'll stick by it assuming a person is using good technique and thin, small diameter pads.

The GG almost works like a safe version of a rotary buffer in that on the 6.0 speed setting you really can't stop the pad from rotating and that's similar to a rotary buffer.

The key to removing defects "out" of the paint like swirls and scratches is to maintain pad rotation while the pad is under pressure. (And I'll stick by this statement too)


The thing about tools like the PC, GG and Megs unit is they use a Free Floating Spindle Bearing Assembly between the motor and the pad and if you apply too much pressure to just one edge of the buffing pad or when your pad becomes saturated with liquid, or if you buff on a raised panel, all three of these things will slow down and even stop the pad from rotating, thus you'll stop removing swirls.

That said, as long as you use good technique, that is hold the pad flat to the surface, then when using small diameter, thin pads you can easily maintain pad rotating with all three brands of tools.


I personally reach for the PC most of the time, especially when simply machine applying a wax or paint sealant.


:)
 
My vote is for the Griots.

I have the Flex 3401 and an older model Porter cable, and like the bale handle, power and warranty of the Griots polisher.
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
What voltage does your country use for your electrical system?


110v or 220v ?


And since this was your first post to our forum...

Welcome to Autogeek Online!


:welcome:
Click to expand...


Thanks Mike!!! Its 220v here. Will voltage affect durability of the polisher even if i use an auto regulating transformer?
 
best bet it to get the correct polisher for your voltage and not bother with transformers. could always phone autogeek(they have a international number i believe) and see if they carry 220v versions if they dont i bet they could get you one for your correct voltage..good luck in your quest...
 
Kitoy22 said:
Thanks Mike!!! Its 220v here. Will voltage affect durability of the polisher even if i use an auto regulating transformer?
Click to expand...

It won't - assuming the AVR will be outputting 110v, the tool won't be operating anywhere out of spec. In fact, it might last longer, since it's hooked up to a voltage regulator rather than directly to the mains (less voltage variation).
 
I have the PC 7424XP and have used the Griot's a handful of times. Like everyone else said the PC generally has a little bit more reliability but lack the power of the Griot's. I don't think you can wrong with either one of these DA's :)
 
Got the Griot's. can't wait to use it and hope the machine won't bug down on me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top