Griot's Garage DA vibration too much, now what?

[cardaddy]

Didn't read everything in your post Ike, but what stands out BIG TIME is you said you were running at 5.5~6.0. That's just too fast for compounding with that machine, especially as you move to smaller pads.

Usually you can do everything at 4.5~5, maybe 5.5 here and there. Now with the little Rupes (the Duetto) that puppy tends to need to run darned near wide open all the time. It's just not as powerful in keeping up the pad rotation as the GG6.

Honestly, I find that the Flex actually vibrates more than the GG6.

The 'trick' as some have said already is not to get a death grip on the machine. Just old it with one hand at the back and place your other hand over the head. Sure it can use a bit of (up to 15 lbs) down pressure, but you can do that with an almost open hand. That's where the Flex however is tricky as if you tilt it a couple degrees one way and it goes off to the right, tilt it just a few degrees opposite and it'll take off to the left. I find with that puppy I'd rather hold it left and right (parallel to my body) than outward like other buffers. Of course you can't always do that, but it makes it easier to control none the less.

[Hermes1]

I noticed the same with my Griot's 6" the first couple times I used it, I blew it off as needing to improve my technique. The last time I used it, I switched to 5" pads and also improved my technique, one or both lessened the vibration considerably, but still noticed some vibration. I guess what some are saying is true, just the nature of the beast.

[Kacz]

Honestly, I find that the Flex actually vibrates more than the GG6.

The 'trick' as some have said already is not to get a death grip on the machine. Just old it with one hand at the back and place your other hand over the head. Sure it can use a bit of (up to 15 lbs) down pressure, but you can do that with an almost open hand. That's where the Flex however is tricky as if you tilt it a couple degrees one way and it goes off to the right, tilt it just a few degrees opposite and it'll take off to the left. I find with that puppy I'd rather hold it left and right (parallel to my body) than outward like other buffers. Of course you can't always do that, but it makes it easier to control none the less.

I'm surprised you feel that the Flex vibrates more than the GG6, but I completely agree with you about how you hold the Flex. IMO it's the best way to completely control the machine at all times. (If I'm understanding what you wrote correctly)

I also think it's a bad idea for someone to learn using the Flex, unless of course they have someone watching over them that knows what they're doing. Some bad habits can be formed--although sometimes the flex will let you know by walking around on you!

[hdez]

Thin foam pads helped a lot to decrease the vibration on my GC6.

[Souldetailer]

Hey Ike,

Sorry about the vibration problems you are having. I believe there is something wrong with your machine. I've had mine for a year now and have experienced very little vibration. I even use one hand with no trouble in certain situations. I do make sure the pad is accurately attached to the DA & try to make sure the machine is in the right position for the applicable use. Not saying you don't, just stating a fact. Another thing, I never "stall" my machine, no need, there is enough power there and some to spare. I keep a light touch and proper speeds for the job, only applying extra pressure on those infrequent occasions. I would talk to Griot's and explain you problem in depth. Something's not right. Good luck and take care.

Peace,

Darrin

[Souldetailer]

Just saw the original post is nearly a year old. Hope things were resolved, or at the very least this helps others.

Peace,

Darrin

[smokeysbandit]

I recognize that this is an old thread, and that the OP has not been around for a while, but I have to share my experience in hopes of it helping someone else.

I’ve struggled with nerve impingements in my arms for a good portion of my life. They really started to have a dramatic impact on me when I was in my early 20’s. At this time, I was working professionally at a hot rod shop, using my hands and arms to build cars. In my free time I was doing body work on my own cars and rock climbing 3-4 times a week. In my case, this was a recipe for disaster. My arms would become basically unusable. The pain at times seemed unbearable. My nights were sleepless, and the most menial of tasks proved difficult. Carrying groceries, using the phone, typing- they all proved painful. After trying all sorts of exercises, pain and anti-inflammatory meds, and any other widget I could find, I decided to give up rock climbing and opted for a career change, in lieu of surgery, or further medical diagnosis. I don’t like the idea of going under the knife as I’ve had a number of friends over the years come out worse than better.

The following years were a mixed bag of results. It took almost a year for the numbness and pain to go away in a meaningful sense. After that, a rough weekend, a house project, or a detail would send me back into temporary hell. Sometimes something as simple as using my phone while lying in bed on vacation for a weekend would be enough repetition. Fast forward a few more years and I picked up a GG6 to add to my detailing arsenal. I did a number of completes the first year I had this machine, and each and every one would send me to hell for a week. I later purchased the flex and found some improvement, but not enough to not have a lasting reminder of the work I had been doing.

What I’ve learned in my 30’s—Buy yourself a Boss or a Rupes. I have the Boss, and it is by far the best machine I have ever used with regard to my arms, and pain. It is also a correction beast. The vibration is very low when compared to other high dollar machines, and there is no comparison to the GG6 and similar. The other important aspect is that the machine requires very little down force, and does not require me to “fight” the tool. Although I have incredible grip strength these days, if I have to squeeze and fight something for a long period of time, it greatly exacerbates my problem. When it comes to vibration, if you start to feel numbness, or tingling in your arms STOP! Walk away, take a break, get something to eat and let your arms recover. If you are really hurting, you need to let your arms recover before going back in inflaming the tendon more. After trying every snake oil, and whizbang I could find, the best recommendation I can make for therapy and strengthening is the Theraband Flexbar. The Flexbar comes in three different strengths, denoted by color. I started with the green (mid strength) and found it to be the right starting point. There are a number of exercise that can be done to help, and I’ve never found anything that stretches that tendon like the Flexbar. When I am on top of my exercises I can do a couple full corrections without batting an eye. If I’ve been lazy in my therapy, I can really feel it. Best of luck, and feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions.

[Matador]

It's funny, well not funny--but I felt similar pain to the OP last year when I got the bug again to start detailing with my GG6. I bought it in 2012 I think ?

I corrected a friend's ride and remember being so fatigued and arms hurting from all the vibration. I used it at 4.5 MAX, and I had pains afterwards and soreness for a couple of days. I said to myself, "i could never do this for a living."

After reading this thread, and hearing how the BOSS and others like Flex or Rupes actually is softer than the GG6, I decided to bite the bullet and get one of the more 'high end' machines. I have my BOSS 21 waiting to be used soon...

But it is pretty wild to think about the GG6 and if I had really had to use it everyday. I think also, improper use on my end may be the case back then. I would 'push' down really hard and 'fight the machine' almost like you said.

These machines do the work for you and you just have to let it work for longer times. My impatience forced me to not do that.

I think I will have a better go around this time with the boss.

Love this site!