Looking for a polisher

[Duckyscrubs]

I want to polish my car but I'm not sure where to start. There are a ton of polishing kits on this site but I wanted recommendations on what's great for someone new to this as well as a bang for my buck. I'm working with an 07 sentra now but I'd like a polisher that's gonna last since I'm in the market for a new car.

[dennis hiip]

Favorites and opinions are without end here. Anything sold here are excellent and you can't go wrong. Stick with a dual action. IMO long throw 15mm is a wise choice just starting out. There are also Chinese knock offs about half the cost with good reviews on Youtube and Amazon. For me, the fun is in the hunt.

[spazzz]

Porter Cable 7424 is ok,I have one, but the Griots Garage is suppose to have a little more power for a few extra dollars.

You will definitely need a 5" backing plate for some 5inch pads which you will also need.
Don't bother with the 6"inch backing plate or any 6"pad deals.
I honestly would never mess with any kind of package deals. I looked at all of them and there is always something that just aint right.

[VISITOR]

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher (https://www.autogeek.net/new-griots-polisher.html)
You can always add a G15 and/or G21 to compliment the GG6 later down the road.. :dblthumb2:

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-5-inch-vented-plate.html)

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-3-inch-hd-backing-plate.html)

Griots Garage 5.5 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-boss-5-inch-pads.html)

Griots Garage 3 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-boss-3-inch-pads.html)

OR (for pads as it's a personal preference)

Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pad System 5.5 Inch (https://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-thinpro-5-inch.html)

Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pad System 3.5 Inch (https://www.autogeek.net/3-inch-thinpro.html)


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

[dlc95]

I make most of my money with a PC 7424, Meguiar's liquids, and Buff and Shine pads...

[Rsurfer]

Get a Rupes Mark II you won't regret it.

[PaulMys]

Grab a Griot's GG6. Awesome polisher for a beginner, and the lifetime warranty and Griot's second-to-none customer service seal the deal.

[ski2]

Stick with a Griots GG6 for your first polisher. Here's a write up by Mike Philips that may help--Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2018-new-car-detailing-how-to-article-by-mike-phillips/111332-heres-what-you-need-get-into-machine-polishing-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html)

[VISITOR]

Grab a Griot's GG6. Awesome polisher for a beginner, and the lifetime warranty and Griot's second-to-none customer service seal the deal.


Stick with a Griots GG6 for your first polisher. Here's a write up by Mike Philips that may help--Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2018-new-car-detailing-how-to-article-by-mike-phillips/111332-heres-what-you-need-get-into-machine-polishing-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html)

:iagree:

purchasing a long throw polisher as a first polisher isn't a good/wise idea, but rather a companion to the GG6 (or similar/smaller stroke DA) to cover most of your basis around the whole vehicle. your limited to areas you can polish, not to mention pad selection as well...

[Ronin47]

Get a Rupes Mark II you won't regret it.

Agreed, also the Rupes Duetto is a 12mm, super smooth polisher compared to the Chinese knock off stuff.

[Dan Tran]

Grab a Griot's GG6. Awesome polisher for a beginner, and the lifetime warranty and Griot's second-to-none customer service seal the deal.

When I first got into machine polishing I purchased “GG6” because:

Griot’s Garage 6” Polisher for the lifetime warranty - no need to worry if you plan on having it for a long time.

Customer service is TOP NOTCH!

Super capable for what you’ll most likely need it for.

But know what I know now:

Wish I knew right away to go with a 5” backing plate

Wish I knew to invest in ENOUGH OR PLENTY OF PADS - this is important.

All in all, a splendid machine!

[JFire72]

Porter Cable 7424 is ok,I have one, but the Griots Garage is suppose to have a little more power for a few extra dollars.

You will definitely need a 5" backing plate for some 5inch pads which you will also need.
Don't bother with the 6"inch backing plate or any 6"pad deals.
I honestly would never mess with any kind of package deals. I looked at all of them and there is always something that just aint right.I've got the same Porter Cable. Have you used any others, and gotten an opinion of them?

I too think it works fine for use on my vehicles, although it would be nice to get them done faster. I have always wondered if I am missing out not having a higher end polisher.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Belo]

i started with and still use the porter cable. wait for a good sale and get one of the bundles from ag that comes with some pads and everything you need. find a good polish and wax/seal that you like and have at it. You may also go with in all in one for a first time too depending on your cars condition or your time constraints.

one thing I didn't know starting out is how many pads to use. Get at least 4 polishing pads (white LC's) and at least 2 finishing (black LC's). You only need one finishing pad per vehicle, but you always want to have a spare.

here's where i'd start. also buy a pad brush and a few extra white and maybe orange (if you need them) pads. Assuming you have all the washes, clay bars, towels and buckets.
Porter Cable 7424 & Foam Pad Kit - Car Buffer (https://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html)

[Desertnate]

Grab a Griot's GG6. Awesome polisher for a beginner, and the lifetime warranty and Griot's second-to-none customer service seal the deal.


When I first got into machine polishing I purchased “GG6” because:

Griot’s Garage 6” Polisher for the lifetime warranty - no need to worry if you plan on having it for a long time.

Customer service is TOP NOTCH!

Super capable for what you’ll most likely need it for.

But know what I know now:

Wish I knew right away to go with a 5” backing plate

Wish I knew to invest in ENOUGH OR PLENTY OF PADS - this is important.

All in all, a splendid machine!

Great advice. I went with a DA from a discount hardware store and swapped in a Lake Country 5" backing plate. Today, I wish I had simply bit the bullet and paid the additional money for a better quality machine.

[dlc95]

I've got the same Porter Cable. Have you used any others, and gotten an opinion of them?

I too think it works fine for use on my vehicles, although it would be nice to get them done faster. I have always wondered if I am missing out not having a higher end polisher.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Man, have a Flex 3401, and Rupes Duetto/Mini, as well as a 21.

Trust me when I say that the PC is a great tool. Even with those heavy hitters I still start with the PC, and usually it is more than enough to get things done.

Much of your success will be attributed to your buffing liquids, pads and technique/understanding of the paint polishing/compounding process.