What exactly does dual action mean?

[JAF06SE]

I've been looking and can't seem to find an answer. What does it actually mean? I read people calling the GG polisher a DA but it says it's a RO. I was under the impression they were basically a safer rotary. Can someone shed some light on this for me cause I am confused on it.

Thanks in advance.

[Nick McKees37]

Dual Action Orbital Polishing Guide

Dual Action polishers are characterized by the motion of the head. It spins on a central spindle, and this spindle rotates around an eccentric offset. A good metaphor for a dual action polisher is the earth's orbit. The earth itself spins and it also orbits around the sun. Dual action polishers are also called orbital polishers for this reason.

The rotating and orbiting of the pad produces what many refer to as a "jiggling" motion. This irregular motion prevents the polisher from burning the paint, which refers to removal of paint below the clear coat surface. Dual action polishers are very USER FRIENDLY because they produce very little heat compared to a rotary polisher.

[JAF06SE]

Gotcha! Thanks Nick. I knew it would be a simple explanation but I can't seem to find it anywhere and none of the sites that sell them explain them very much. I knew if I saw one I would get it but nothing is locally available.