Help

[Jersey John]

I am thinking of getting a polisher for my car so that I can give my arm a break. The one problem is I am new to polishers and I don't want to spend any more than $150. I am only going to use this for 3-4 years so I don't need something that will last forever but that is always a bonus. Please help.

[Jersey John]

Also I was thinking of getting a 3in instead of a 6in because they are cheaper and and I can only get one so I want a uniform look around the car. Unless I should just go with the 6in.

[bsmith0404]

If you get a 3", make sure you have a lot of time available. I can't even imagine polishing an entire car with a 3", I only use them for small areas (window pillars) and applying wax. Spend the money on a 6.

All of them are good and will get the job done. If money is an issue, I'd go with the PC or Harbor Freight. Don't forget the pads...to stay generic with the typical ones you need...3-4 of each orange and white (if you want to do paint correction) if you are only looking to do a one step with an All In One product for a daily driver, you will only need the white. If you want to save money, apply wax (if you are going to use it over an AIO) by hand.

[Jersey John]

If you get a 3", make sure you have a lot of time available. I can't even imagine polishing an entire car with a 3", I only use them for small areas (window pillars) and applying wax. Spend the money on a 6.

All of them are good and will get the job done. If money is an issue, I'd go with the PC or Harbor Freight. Don't forget the pads...to stay generic with the typical ones you need...3-4 of each orange and white (if you want to do paint correction) if you are only looking to do a one step with an All In One product for a daily driver, you will only need the white. If you want to save money, apply wax (if you are going to use it over an AIO) by hand.

Can you give me any links to ones on harbor freight because people have told me to go there if I want an inexpensive one but navigation is a little too confusing for me.

[Jersey John]

Here is one I found is it decent:
6 in. Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher

[bsmith0404]

Here is one I found is it decent:
6 in. Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher

I'm not that familiar with the HF polishers, I just know they are inexpensive. The main thing I would look at on this (you can call their customer service to make sure) is that the backing plate is changeable. You would want a 4.5 or 5" plate so you can get 5-5.5" pads. If you go with this DA, just watch the temps of it. My experience with the Chicago Electric tools is that they tend to run hot and burn up. That said, it looks like a decent machine for the money.

[Jersey John]

I'm not that familiar with the HF polishers, I just know they are inexpensive. The main thing I would look at on this (you can call their customer service to make sure) is that the backing plate is changeable. You would want a 4.5 or 5" plate so you can get 5-5.5" pads. If you go with this DA, just watch the temps of it. My experience with the Chicago Electric tools is that they tend to run hot and burn up. That said, it looks like a decent machine for the money.

Thanks, I was reading some other thread and people said that they were able to change the backing plate and it was decent for the money. Just wondering now if you have any suggestions for polishing pads.

[bsmith0404]

Don't forget the pads...to stay generic with the typical ones you need...3-4 of each orange and white (if you want to do paint correction) if you are only looking to do a one step with an All In One product for a daily driver, you will only need the white. If you want to save money, apply wax (if you are going to use it over an AIO) by hand.

Lake Country CCS work well and are easy to use. You can get a 6 pack at a pretty reasonable price

[tuscarora dave]

Here is one I found is it decent:
6 in. Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher

I've been using that polisher in my shop for a whole year now. I don't polish cars day in and day out, but I'd say I've got 30 or more paint corrections done with it since I purchased it. The backing plate that came with it had to be discarded immediately and replaced with a higher quality backing plate.

This machine has surpassed my expectations in power and reliability. Just be aware of the replacement policy that can be purchased at an extra fee. It can only be replaced once with that additionally purchased replacement policy.

I haven't needed to use it yet on my unit but have on other tools. They will replace it if it fails, but you'll need to purchase another replacement policy with the replacement tool when they give it to you.

For the amount of money I spent on this unit, and the amount of money I earn with it's use, it's a non issue even if it does fail within the 2 year replacement term I purchased.

I give it 2 thumbs up.

[tcrummitt87]

I would recommend Griot's Garage 6in. It has plenty of torque! Most 3in models don't have enough torque to really get the job done. A random orbital will be easy for you to learn with too.