Is GG Griots Garage??? Not familiar with all the brands... Ill have to look into them. I just want something that will do a good job and I wont burn up my paint or anyone elses with it. I plan on learning to do this and do cars on the side to make more money.
Any dual action polisher will be pretty fool proof as long as you use common sense. Burning the paint or "Strike through" usually occurs from the misuse of a rotary polisher- different thread, another day.
Quick overview of popular DA machines. Do know, that all "Random Orbitals" are Dual action, but not all dual action polishers are "Random Orbitals". ROPs have a free spindle assembly that allows the pad rotation speed to slow down or change without effecting the oscillation speed- this creates the random pattern.
Here is an overview of the more commonly used DA polishers, there are a ton, but these are the most popular.
Beginner/Inexpensive Polishers:
(~$120) Porter Cable 7424XP
500w, 8mm offset, free spindle, random orbital DA, limited warranty, gets the job done but lacks in outright power.
(~$140) Griots Garage: 850w/7amp, 8mm offset, free spindle random orbital, much more torque over a PC, more vibration tho. Lifetime warranty (free replacement forever)
(~$180)Meguiars G110v2: 4.2amp, 8mm offset, free spindle RO, Similar power levels to the PC with more "features".
There are also DAs made by 3DHD, Harbor freight, its all made in china and all very similar. Griots is "made in america" technically and has the best warranty.
Industrial Grade/Professional DA Polishers:
(~$350) Rupes LHR15: 500w, Free spindle(ROP), 15mm offset, 2 year warranty, very smooth operation. Large offset maximizes pad movement across the paint making the machine more capable at the same speeds.
(~$400) Rupes LHR21: Same body/design as the LHR15 with a 1" larger backing plate and 21mm offset, even more correction ability.
(~$360) Flex 3401VRG: 900w/7.5amp,
Direct Drive DA, 8mm offset. Smooth operation, interchangeable backing plates.
The direct drive means the spindle rotates the BP along a geared ring, as the machine spindle rotates clockwise the backing plate spins counterclockwise against a gear in the shroud, this results in a locked ratio of rotation to oscillation, so when the machine is set at speed the oscillation and rotation change together, but not independently. The advantage is that the machines rotation speed is faster and doesnt bog down or slow rotation like a ROP does. Its sort of like having a low speed rotary that oscillates for safety. Its still very safe, like other DAs, but has advantages over a free spindle system. The flex also has a microprocessor in it that monitors the speed of the machine and as pressure is applied, the processor increases torque from the motor in order to maintain a constant speed- youll never bog a flex. Also, being a direct drive design, it has a very mild learning curve when it comes to using it (i can elaborate later if your curious). Note: Because the relationship between rotation and oscillation are fixed, the flex is NOT a "Random orbital", its a Direct Drive dual action polisher.
I know it seems like im talking up the flex- Im just explaining more about it because its one of the only polishers with an
integrated direct drive design.
There are many other smaller DAs, pneumatic denibbers, rotary polishers, orbital sanders, but this is a rundown of what most people buy as there "main" machine. Most pros have more than 1 as they work on different cars all the time and have to be prepared.
I started with a GG, killed it in about a year, it died in the middle of a big correction (07 BMW 335i in super soft black). I bought/("rented") a PC7424 locally to finish the job and HATED it, so down on power compared to the GG. Once i got my replacement GG in the mail, I sold it and a variety of supplies in a kit to a forum member (different forum) and used the proceeds to purchase a Flex 3401 DA because i needed a machine that I could count on detailing on a more freqent level that your average "enthusiast". I already had purchased a Flex PE14 Rotary prior that year and really loved the ergos and build quality of the Flex. Very happy with my pair of Flex polishers. To each his own however, everyone has a preference.
Yeah, I'm at the point where I want to move beyond the PC....been looking at the Flex though.
Just need to come up with the funds right now lol. Maybe a Christmas present to myself.
I love my Flex, its a beast. I have the PE14 Rotary as well. Ive had my Flex for a year and a half and it still works like new.
