need help with polisher and pads

[Nxtstep]

Hey guys...so I'm new here still..been reading a bunch and did introduce myself got some good info...so now i need some help picking up a few items and i hope you guys can go easy on me..lol...btw this is just for myself not doing any other cars..maybe family if they are nice haha.

i been thinking of picking up a polisher and the 2 i came down to are Rupes 15 mk ii or Griots DA 6" ...yes i know there is a big price difference but have been hearing they are pretty close with results especially for a newbie..i want to get something thats really easy to use so i don't damage the car.

As for pads i been hearing if i get the griots to change the backplate to 5" if I'm not mistaking...which pads would you recommend getting for compound and polish? any links would be appreciated....i have a 3d products store near me but they aren't too much of help with polishers..they just wanna sell the most expensive and yet its way over priced there. I picked up the 3d adept since he said that should be perfect for my car it has a compound and polish in 1.

main thing i want to get rid of is swirls and few minor scratches...again sorry maybe I'm starting this all wrong but i think I'm at the point to give this all a shot and jump into it...more i wait more i get angry for not doing the right thing for my car.

thanks in advance and sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place.

[VISITOR]

the GG6 is more versatile because you can swap out different backing plates and use different size pads (cover more areas of the car) and if you're only doing your cars and a few others then this would be the better choice. if you're looking for a long throw DA to compliment the GG6 then the G15/21 are great choices as well. all polishers from GG carry a lifetime warranty, great/responsive no nonsense customer service, and pack plenty of torque/power. buy with confidence that GG has your back if you should encounter a problem later down the line. trust me.. buy one now, you won't be disappointed!

WE GUARANTEE IT
Griot's Garage was built on high expectations, which is why everything we sell is covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Guarantee against defect. We strive for perfection in everything we do so you always... Have fun in your garage!®
http://www.griotsgarage.com/text/content/about-us/images/header_different_3.png

as far as pad choices go (there are many), here's a great article..
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/102347-5-5-super-thin-foam-pad-options-your-dual-action-polisher.html

also, here's a video (forum member joe@nextleveldetail) of the GG6 in action...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_bu5uQ-6zc

[Nxtstep]

so wait let me get this right...the GG 6" random orbital is not a DA???i thought it was a DA system...i want something that i will make sure i won't be damaging the paint..yes i have a little idea of what to do and have owned the meguiars DA kit that you throw on the drill so i just want something a bit better.

so out of all the pads would you recommend 1 over the others?? i guess i need to get a 5" backing plate and a 5.5" pad if I'm not mistaking??

[The Guz]

The GG 6 is a DA. The Boss G15/G21 are long throw DA's.

[VISITOR]

so wait let me get this right...the GG 6" random orbital is not a DA???i thought it was a DA system...i want something that i will make sure i won't be damaging the paint..yes i have a little idea of what to do and have owned the meguiars DA kit that you throw on the drill so i just want something a bit better.

so out of all the pads would you recommend 1 over the others?? i guess i need to get a 5" backing plate and a 5.5" pad if I'm not mistaking??

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE SHIPPING (http://www.autogeek.net/new-griots-polisher.html)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_27859469
Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate
(http://www.autogeek.net/griots-5-inch-vented-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-5-inch-vented-orbital-backing-plate-1.gif


Buff and Shine 5.5 inch Flat Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/buff-and-shine-5-in-6-pk.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/buff-and-shine-5-5-inch-flat-foam-pads-6-pack-your-choice-4.gif

these pads are very durable and i haven't had any issues with them. there are other pad choices too, but these perform very well, and are high quality...

[SKorch630]

Can't go wrong with the GG6. I went with the Flex 3401 personally because I got a killer deal on it. Pads I bought were 6.5" Orange, Black, Blue, White. 6 of each. Granted I do this more than "part time", but having extra pads won't hurt. They'll just cost you lol. Doing your own personal vehicle that's relatively well maintained, you can get away with a 6 pad combo, probably do 3 of orange, and 3 of a finishing pad. Then, I'd get an AIO (all in one) like HD Speed or McKee's 37 AIO, and go to town. Check out some youtube videos on HD Speed, and the GG6 if that's what you're going with, and just get some time behind the polisher.

[Nxtstep]

awesome thanks a bunch all...just putting my order in..now the downtime til things come

[VISITOR]

also, if you would like to use smaller pads in/around tighter areas of the car pick up...

Buff and Shine Dual Action 3.5 Inch Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/buf-350y.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/buff-and-shine-dual-action-3-5-inch-backing-plate-1.gif

Buff and Shine 4 inch Flat Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/buff-and-shine-4-in-6-pk.html)

on the B&S pads (both 4"-5.5"), a good start would be three orange and three green if you get the 6pk...