Best polisher for a beginner

[tfrost92]

Looking at purchasing a rupes machine as my current torq x, just isnt doing it for me anymore. Figured I would throw a 3 inch backing plate on it and use it for small stuff/tight areas. Im having a hard time choosing between the mark ii 15, or 21 with a 5 inch b.p. (dont think ill like 7 inch pads). Now I see the mille is coming out as well but I know nothing about gear driven polishers or how they operate/differ from da polishers. The goal is to have a good machine for all around use that I can expand my skills with. Hopefully somebody can provide some insight

[WaxMaster1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtRAlV3e_40

[Mike Phillips]

Hi tfrost92,


Since this is your first post... Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:


Recently I used all the tools we carry at Autogeek, that's a lot of tools, when I tested out the new Meguiar's D166 Polishing Wax. Somewhere around here I have a picture of all the tools laid out on two tables. Out of all the tools, I found the TORQ 10FX Random Orbital Polisher to be a tick on the weak side as far as maintaining pad rotation goes.

The good news is there are lots of tool options including the upcoming RUPES Mille gear-driven orbital polisher.


I'm also going to share this article, I wrote it not so much for you since you already have a simple DA polisher but for everyone else that will read this thread into the future. This is a lot of polisher for the dollar and it DOES have the power to maintain pad rotation.

Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips (http://tinyurl.com/y736nudd)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/Griots_Polisher.jpg



And if you do decide to go with a RUPES tool I would whole heartedly recommend to budget for the tool and the matching pads and products. Use the tool and master it as a "system" before you start experimenting with non RUPES pads and products. Their systems work but not every pad and product combo available is matched to their tools.

Just a friendly tip...


:)

[KBsToy]

I got my grandson the griots 6 with a 5" backing plate. I also got him L/C thin pro pads. A little pap teaching and he did real well and ready to move on.

[B5visser]

I got my grandson the griots 6 with a 5" backing plate. I also got him L/C thin pro pads. A little pap teaching and he did real well and ready to move on.

x2 for the GG6. Its a great tool for the beginner. I have no experience with the torq.

If you go the long throw route, Rupes mkII tools get rave reviews. I personally have been really happy with my 15mm Flex XFE7.

[pickles]

The Griot's 3 inch was my first and it works well. Perfect for headlights too. Not good for large panels/jobs. I thought using to put collinite on thin would be smart and about halfway through I switched to a microfiber brick.

[Ronin47]

I have the DAS 6 Power Plus which is the GG6, 900W 8mm DA and its without a doubt the perfect beginner polisher especially with a vented 5” backing plate. Even with more experienced detailers its still a gem of a machine to add alongside a forced rotation or long throw.

[Sharply Dressed]

I started with the GG6 and happy I did. If you watch the video Mike does on buffers, you'll notice the GG6 in each category of buffer ( beginner through professional). There's a reason. I've thought of getting a long throw but detail part time and the GG6 handles everything. I did purchase a Porter Cable 7424XP and use it with a 3 inch backing plate. I got it for a steal.

[mwoywod]

Definitely the GG6. Is actually effective at speeds 1-4 where the PC 7424xp is only effective at 4-5. If I'm not mistaken I think even mike phillips uses speed 4.5 on the PC just to spread wax. Only thing I can confidently say is the 7424xp much more durable in the long run.

[VISITOR]

the GG6 comes standard with a 6" backing plate which will allow you to use 6.5" pads (good for wide/long flat areas) which can rotate/turn bigger pads because of the torque/power the GG6 has. i would purchase the 3" hd backing plate and 5" vented backing plate (both below) that will allow you to use 3" - 5.5" pads (recommended) which will turn more effectively and also give you more access to covering different sized panels/areas of the vehicle. i would purchase the GG6 now and then later down the line if you feel the need to upgrade, you can also get the G15/21 (GG6 + G15/21 = great combo!). all the GG polishers come with a lifetime warranty and top notch (no beating around the bush or lack of response) customer service to back it up. a good, genuine, and honest company...

https://www.griotsgarage.com/text/content/about-us/images/header_different_3.png
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!®

Griot's Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher (https://www.autogeek.net/new-griots-polisher.html)
https://sep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_99653591
Griot's Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-3-inch-hd-backing-plate.html)
https://sep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-3-inch-hd-backing-plate-coming-soon-15.gif
Griot's Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-5-inch-vented-plate.html)
https://sep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-5-inch-vented-orbital-backing-plate-16.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eQB4wb1L0Q


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr7q8yLU-6o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L63EtHH6Sg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em3wePHNE3I

Griots Garage BOSS System (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-boss-long-throw-orbital-polisher-system.html)
https://sep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-boss-long-throw-orbital-polisher-system-13.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtpgZV9vL1A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8eIKCHq72A

[tfrost92]

I appreciate all the insight but not sure if everyone read my original post.
Looking at purchasing a rupes machine as my current torq x, just isnt doing it for me anymore. Figured I would throw a 3 inch backing plate on it and use it for small stuff/tight areas. Im having a hard time choosing between the mark ii 15, or 21 with a 5 inch b.p. (dont think ill like 7 inch pads). Now I see the mille is coming out as well but I know nothing about gear driven polishers or how they operate/differ from da polishers. The goal is to have a good machine for all around use that I can expand my skills with. Hopefully somebody can provide some insight

[dlc95]

The Rupes 15 is hugely popular, and was designed with the detailer in mind. It's also the most recommended starting point for someone entering the Rupes system, by some of the associated at Rupes.

If you go that route, consider starting with the proprietary Rupes pads and compounds. Blue and yellow is a good starting point for that. I'd also recommend NOT modding it with a washer to get the full benefit of the tool.

I personally prefer the 12mm Duetto. It works a lot faster than any of the other 8mm tools I've used it against. I also dislike the body style of any tool that resembles the 15 and 21, but that is more of a personal preference thing.

I do have a 21 as well, but only have that for huge surfaces.

[tfrost92]

The Rupes 15 is hugely popular, and was designed with the detailer in mind. It's also the most recommended starting point for someone entering the Rupes system, by some of the associated at Rupes.

If you go that route, consider starting with the proprietary Rupes pads and compounds. Blue and yellow is a good starting point for that. I'd also recommend NOT modding it with a washer to get the full benefit of the tool.

I personally prefer the 12mm Duetto. It works a lot faster than any of the other 8mm tools I've used it against. I also dislike the body style of any tool that resembles the 15 and 21, but that is more of a personal preference thing.

I do have a 21 as well, but only have that for huge surfaces.

Thanks for the response. I definitely planned on following through with the rupes system before messing with any other pads or products. I was hoping it was easy enough to teach myself, since I know no other people that are into paint correction


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mike Phillips]

Definitely the GG6. Is actually effective at speeds 1-4 where the PC 7424xp is only effective at 4-5.

If I'm not mistaken I think even mike phillips uses speed 4.5 on the PC just to spread wax.



That's correct. You must put the PC on speed 4.5 MINIMUM to maintain pad rotation even with thin pads.

Tidbit of technique info

When machine applying a non-cleaning wax or sealant, it's not that pad rotation is important because you're NOT trying to remove paint i.e. remove defects. BUT - having the pad rotate a "little" helps YOU to move the pad and polisher over the paint. If the pad is not rotating it feels like the pad is dragging over the paint and this makes it harder for you to quickly cover the car with wax or sealant.

This is actually something Mike Pennington pointed out to me probably 12 to 15 years ago. I always give due credit where credit is due.





Only thing I can confidently say is the 7424xp much more durable in the long run.



The PC is built like a tank. Too bad whichever company is making it now days doesn't read car detailing discussion forums.


:laughing:

[dlc95]

Thanks for the response. I definitely planned on following through with the rupes system before messing with any other pads or products. I was hoping it was easy enough to teach myself, since I know no other people that are into paint correction


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

If you get Mike's book on using the system, you'll be way ahead of the curve. It changed a lot for me.

When I got my first Duetto I was using it like a lot of others - washer modded, and my normal PC/3401 pads.... While it worked very well, it didn't compare to the results I got with the system.