Polishing Machine Recommendations?

Agreed

 

Ok so trying to use

5" Sander to Buffer Polisher Waxer Backing Pad Adapter Kit.

5" Sander to Buffer Polisher Waxer pads with this is a bad idea?:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...andom-Orbit-Sander-Tool-Only-R8606B/205907850

What are the thoughts on this? seems small to me but it uses batteries I already have:
M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Variable Speed Polisher/Sander (Tool-Only)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...d-Polisher-Sander-Tool-Only-2438-20/205433690

 

I would say don't do it they're just not meant for the work time that will be required to get decent results from polishing paint. Metal or other surfaces, go right ahead. Going the other way around, sure use a DA in place of a sander as that what a polisher was built upon.

 

I don’t think a palm sander will have the power needed to correct paint. I have used my porter cable DA to sand wood and it had way more power versus a palm sander.

 

First off, I'm a novice in this arena. Some years ago I had to paint the hood on my Jeep and needed a DA/polisher to finish the job. On a tight budget I decided on the HF DA/polisher after reading reviews as well as the hacks. I went with a 5" (and a 3") backing pad, reclocked the motor/switch, and added a longer power cord. I believe I paid about $45 at the time. Currently, it's been discontinued and replaced with a similar unit by Bauer.
I just finished using it on my Taco and will be using it on our 2015 Sport. I'm sure it's not as good as some of the high end units mentioned, but for occasional use it's worthy of consideration. I'm really glad I purchased it.

 

Is there a good pad kit on Amazon or something that will work well with a Griots G9 ?

 

The best deal I've found on pads is on Autogeek or Autopia (same company) depending on which one is running the highest % off sale. They have 6 pack deals where they let you choose the 6 from any given line like the Griots BOSS pads for example which should run great on the G9 as they are thin.
If running the 5" backing plate: If running the 6" backing plate: They have these 6 packs in other pad lines like Lake Country too. I find these 6 packs are better as other pad deals I've seen already choose the pads or give you one of each which may include ones you don't want. For instance you likely don't need a bunch of heavy cutting pads for a Tacoma or other Japanese paint systems.

Whatever you do get yourself plenty of pads, change them every other panel for example. The pads will last longer, they'll perform better and give you better results. The longer you run the pad the wetter and more loaded with paint and dead product means you're going through the motions but it's no longer cutting/polishing.

 

As a friendly tip. Banana wax (yellow liquid wax) always comes off easy on cool temperature paint. Also 3m paint sealant works well for polishing.
mothers is a cheap wax and leaves a great shine. It’s getting warm. Stay hydrated!


1st I recommend a clay bar. It will Clean the surface of most things that are on the paint. A cleaner wax is also affective.
scratches? Yep it’s time to break out the good old fashioned High speed buffer. Variable speed!!!


When I was younger I worked at a few dealers and learned how to buff cars. We had Milwaukee variable speed buffers. The Velcro backing for easy changing pads. Caution on anything. Even a orbital buffer can burn paint with abrasive cutting product. On edges keep ‘er movin....

Practice on the wife/Girlfriends car. Hell even your parents car. They will think you are so nice to clean their car. They don’t know you didn’t want to ruin your truck. Keep it moving on edges where paint is thin!!!! Also light pressure on those areas ... Burn once , learn once.

 

Sorry, but I can't recommend a high speed rotary buffer to just about anybody these days. The first reason is that you can get into a whole lot of trouble a whole lot quicker using a rotary than any other machine. There is simply no quicker way to create a Delorean out of an average car than a rotary in the wrong hands. In the hands of a professional, a rotary is a good tool, but I try not to bring an F-16 to a knife fight.

The second reason is weight. I have a DeWalt rotary but have used a Milwaukee many, many times. After a few hours of using it, my knuckles are dragging on the ground. No thanks.

The final reason is that there are a really good number of reasonably powerful dual action machines out there these days and for 90% of the population, they are more than powerful enough.

Sure, a rotary is inexpensive - even a really good one. But the damage one can create with just one slip up will more than wipe out those savings. I use my Flex 3401 on an daily basis at a Toyota dealership and feel absolutely no need for a rotary. Just my 2 cents.

 

Autogeek is running a sale today.

 

Too bad the sale doesn't work on polisher kits, but I could save $25 on the other things I'm thinking about getting.

Is this a good entry kit? . On the Detailer thread, this polisher comes highly recommended. I've got a crapton of swirls and scratches from my moronic and lazy cleaning job almost a year ago and what looks like orange peel. I was going to get the 6-pad 6" choose-your-own kit with 2 orange, 2 yellow, 1 white, and 1 microfiber, along with their pad brush and cleaning solution. As that all comes out to $275, I wanted to make sure it was going to work for my issues and skills (or lack thereof).

 

I think it all depends on if you're going to end up using all the items that come with the kit. Usually the kits have one or two items that are worthy and the rest are just kind of throw ins like the towels for example probably not worth $1 each. With this kit I think if you had planned on machine waxing then it may be worth it. If you were going to do a ceramic coating or use spray sealants those two 6" pads are nearly useless. The microfiber pad that comes with it looks to be a cheap one as they don't even list what brand. They're not giving you two of the BOSS microfibers for example. Also the 5" backing plate (not an expensive one), that was kind of a must with the previous Griots machine. You might be better off catching the other items on the 25% off sale if they're truly items you want.

Also stay away from any thought of sanding down orange peel on a factory paint job. Especially with a truck, you're better off with it than not when it comes to scratching.

 

Appreciate the reply. For the backing plate, are you saying I should get a better one? Are the included pads not quality either, making the 6 pack an even better purchase? Or, is it simply better to get the standalone polisher with the 6 pack?

 

No was just pointing out how the items in the kit just happen to be the less expensive choices that they are throwing in. Maybe you'd prefer the Griots vented plate for example, or did you want the 5" plate at all? In my case I would because I don't have any 6" pads if I were to pickup the G9 I'd be getting one. I was just pointing out to go with a kit where you actually want most of the bonus items. Obviously the kit is the better move if you did want those items. Looking at the 10 or so G9 kits on Autogeek, none of them really jump out as one I'd choose even if I didn't have any products.

 

I’ve got a Rupes Bigfoot after going to school to be trained by professional auto detailers and Rupes factory representatives. It’s a great system and gives professional results. Those of you using wax and buying your supplies at retail outlets are lost. Using cheap polishers and hand towels, lost.

what you fail to realize is you can do real damage if you don’t know what you are doing. Paint correction starts with using the right wash materials, the two bucket method, clay mitt and proper polish of clear coat followed by weak alcohol wipe down to get any residual contamination off. Now you can apply a ceramic coating closely following detailed instructions. Done correctly you can have a coating that last five years without any maintenance save a proper wash and ceramic wipe down about every three months. Ask professional auto detailers were they buy materials, it ain’t autozone. You’ll mix your own and save money while getting better results. Wax is dead it’s obsolete, technology has moved beyond wax. Wake up. We use microfiber towels now too, ditch the cotton hand towels and tee shirts they are damaging your paint.

 

You done beating that straw man down? Use what works for you, applying products to maintain a coating every few months doesn't sound like much progress from applying a wax that often. Don't get me wrong I'm not advocating for wax, I'm a fan of coatings but there is a diverse market out there for a reason. To say wax is obsolete is foolish.

 

add yourself to the lost boys

 

I still believe!

 

Thanks again. I have no idea which pad diameter would be best. I think the kit I linked is 6" but I think that's for the polisher. Getting the 5" would give me the most flexibility, right? Since I could use pads as small as 5" and up to 6.5".

 

if you wait they do run sales that allow for discount on polishers. Also, check out Detailers Domain. I bought my Flex from them on a 20% off sale.