Griot`s DA polisher

[ssuny7761]

Hi guys,
I have a quick question.
I recieved Griot's 6" DA polisher and I found the pad attached to the polisher spins up and down little bit, not spinning in a same plane when I spins the pad with my hand. Is this normal? Does it mean the machine's axis is somewhat twested? Thanks for your comment in advance.

[d33p]

Awesome review....lol

Its not supposed to spin in the same spot like a rotary. Have you turned it on or just spun it by hand?

[cleanmycorolla]

It's a dual action, it's a random orbit, not sure by what you mean up and down...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-floating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html

[ssuny7761]

So sorry. I am a newbie here and could not find a place to ask questions.

Basically, the yellow backing plate spins unevenly when I spin the plate with my hand if you see the machine side way.

By the way, where should post this kind of question in the forum? Thank you for your help and sorry for giving a question in a wrong place.

[iron_worker]

Are you talking about the backing plate or a foam pad? Your question isn't exactly clear.

If it has a foam pad on it that wobbles when you spit it on it's free spinning axis then you just need to pull it off (velcro) and stick it back on straight.

If the backing plate is wobbling ... Is it the free spinning axis? A DA polisher has a forced orbit (IE it moves the axle of the backing plate in a circular motion) but the axle of the backing plate is just on bearings and not driven. It's the orbiting motion/vibration that induces spin at the pad even though it's not directly driven.

Anyway, if the backing plate is wobbling slightly on the free spinning axis it's probably not a big deal. If you're using it correctly (correctly downward pressure applied) then the pad shouldn't be rotating that fast anyway (maybe a few hundred RPM) and shouldn't cause a massive out of balance vibration if that's what you're worried about.

If it's wobbling on the orbiting axis ... well then it's supposed to. lol

IW

[rms64]

First of all, welcome to the forum and don't hesitate to ask questions. All of us were new to this at one point or another.

If you're looking down at the machine, you'll be seeing the "random orbit" of the machine, which is fine.

If, on the other hand, you're looking at the machine from the side, and the pad is wobbling up and down, then something isn't right. Make sure the backing plate is firmly connected - maybe post up a pic of what you're seeing if you can.

Again, welcome!

[Guessless]

I think you are saying that your yellow BP doesn't turn in a perfect circular motion like a bicycle or car wheel, right?

If so what you are seeing is the second motion (Random Orbit) of the machine, kinda to the left maybe to the right up or down,. That is the way the machine is supposed to work to lessen the effects of the first motion which is circular rotation.

As far as where to post for this particular question, perhaps in the "machine polishing dept."

And Welcome to AGO :welcome:, a great place to learn with lots of helpful & friendly members.:props:

[Mike Phillips]

Hi guys,
I have a quick question.
I recieved Griot's 6" DA polisher and I found the pad attached to the polisher spins up and down little bit, not spinning in a same plane when I spins the pad with my hand. Is this normal? Does it mean the machine's axis is somewhat twested? Thanks for your comment in advance.


Are you turning the machine on while holding it in the air?

If so... don't do this.


A couple of things...

1. Don't lose the compression washer. If you installed the backing plate, do you remember if the compression washer was on the backing plate?

2.
Be sure the backing plate is tight. Check it using the included wrench.


Here's some info about the comrpession washer. The pictures show a Porter Cable but it's the same idea for the Griot's polisher. If you don't have the compression washer installed the backing plate could be sitting against the free floating spindle assembly crooked. (Just a guess)




The Compression Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/48913-compression-washer.html)



The Purpose of the Compression Washer

The compression washer performs multiple functions,


Crushable Interface
The compression washer provides a crushable or malleable interface between two pieces of metal that are going to see a lot of pressure from being tightened together with a wrench and my guess is a lot of punishment from the operator. I punish all my tools... so it's not a reach to think others are going to punish their's too. Add to the above mix, the violent oscillating action of the tool on the highest speed setting and add to that t-i-m-e...

By time, I mean putting your polisher to work buffing out a car section-by-section, panel-after-panel. As Pros know and anyone that wants to get the job in a decent amount of time, when you start buffing out a car you have to keep the tool running and buffing on paint. There's no breaks. That's time of endured punishment.

Point being is you want and need the crushable interface between two pieces of metal on an electric tool capable of running at high OPM's.


Spacer
They also act as an actual spacer between the arbor or stud seat where there are the raised heads of a type of rivet or brad that anchors the arbor base to the the backing plate and the threaded portion of the Free Rotating Spindle Bearing Assembly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-floating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html).


Free Rotating Spindle Bearing Assembly
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/794/FreeRotatingSpingleAssembley004.jpg



Here you can see a compression washer seated at the base or seat of the 5/16" arbor or stud where it's attached into the backing plate surrounded by the raised heads of the rivets or attachment anchors.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates06.jpg



So keep track of both the compression washer and the rubber nut and don't use your DA Polisher, be it a Porter Cable, Meguiar's or Griot's without it.



:)

[Mike Phillips]

The Griot's comes with a compression washer that looks like this,



Nylon Compression Washer
Here you can see where after tightening the compression washer has an imprint from where it was crushed during tightening.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1423/CompressionWasher007.jpg




:)

[Mike Phillips]

By the way, where should post this kind of question in the forum?

Thank you for your help and sorry for giving a question in a wrong place.




Here's a general catch-all forum group for asking any type of questions....


Auto Detailing 101 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/)



:dblthumb2:

[Mike Phillips]

If you haven't read this article first.... please read it BEFORE you start buffing... it will help make sure you don't make any of the common mistakes.


DA Polisher Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)



:xyxthumbs:

[ssuny7761]

Thank you for all your comments.

Actually, as rms64 mentioned, the yellow backing plate wobbles up and down when I look at the polisher side way. I posted the video in youtube for your understanding.
Please find the link below.

IMG 3604 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/t9Xknwfe5ik)

I would appreciate it if you would let me know whether this polisher is okay to use or not. I just don't want to damage my car and to make sure it is okay before I start working with it. Thank you again!!!

[cleanmycorolla]

Thank you for all your comments.

Actually, as rms64 mentioned, the yellow backing plate wobbles up and down when I look at the polisher side way. I posted the video in youtube for your understanding.
Please find the link below.

IMG 3604 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/t9Xknwfe5ik)

I would appreciate it if you would let me know whether this polisher is okay to use or not. I just don't want to damage my car and to make sure it is okay before I start working with it. Thank you again!!!

you're fine

[Jim B.]

I have a question about the new Griots MicroFiber Finishing Pads!! Do I need the new backing plate, or can I use the one that's on the machine?? Thanks for your input in advance!!

[Guessless]

I have a question about the new Griots MicroFiber Finishing Pads!! Do I need the new backing plate, or can I use the one that's on the machine?? Thanks for your input in advance!!

In general you'd leave a margin for safety when matching pads and BPs, that is your BP should be smaller than the pad by 1/4" or so.
So if you mean the following pad,
Griots Garage 5 Inch Micro Fiber FAST Finishing Pad (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-mf-finishing-pad.html)

Then as the description says, you are OK with a 5" BP, if your pad is smaller say a 5" then go with a smaller BP say 3.5".
Make sure your BPs are for a DA and not the rotary type.