Polisher questions

I have a old Porter Cable, 7424.

How much of a difference is the long throw polisher?

Did it take awhile to get use to?

What is a good long throw polisher brand?

 

Just about anything is upgrade over porter cable. I replaced mine with a Flex 3401. Night and day difference. I keep PC setup with a 3 inch pad for tighter areas. 3401 requires much less effort than PC.

Rupes is probably the brand I see the most.

 

Generally speaking, a long throw polisher will work faster in getting the paint correction done using the same techniques, pads, and polish. I don't have any experience using them, but this is my takeaway from watching a lot of videos about doing paint correction.

 

I’m still usin’ an old Sioux air powered unit. Settin’ it up is a bit of a PIA but the results are descent.

 

I would recommend searching forum at Autogeek. In general I think most people use the Rupes Bigfoot with 15 mm throw versus the 21 mm.

Any machine Rupes, Griots, or Flex will be a big upgrade over the PC. And your arms and hands will thank you for it.

 

Does the Flex start walking away on you?

Is the old Flex 3401 with the aluminum housing better than the new 3401 with plastic housing?

 

Is the Griot's worth getting? Some people says it cheap feeling.

 

You have to control it but its no where near the effort as PC. Not sure about plastic vs aluminum.

 

I have a Griot’s G8 and G9 personally, I think they’re great. Very easy to use.

 

I got used to the vibration on the 7424, so it doesn't bother me.

I know the plastic housing runs cooler, but a read it feels cheap.

Which size backing plate are you running?

 

Any long throw polisher experience?

 

Does anyone has experience with cordless polishers?

Is the runtime good?

Milwaukee, Dewalt, Flex, Rupes

 

I am using the plate that came with the flex. Use 6 inch pads. I’ve had it a while now.

 

Have you tried the 4 3/8" backing plate?

 

nope just the original 5.5 plate

 

Thanks!

 

a couple words of caution on long throw polishers: They correct faster, but they can and will also burn through paint faster, (even faster than a rotary polisher), they also make working around tighter areas more challenging, (15 or 21mm of throw limits where you can squeeze the pad into).

I am still using a flex XC3401VRG after 12 years because it works extremely well. it is not as fast as the large throw machines but still produces great results. it will "walk" if you aren't keeping it flat on the surface so it takes good technique to run it efficiently. I like the 5.5" HDO pads from lake country for the flex on a 4 3/8 backing plate. IME, they are a good balance between coverage and maneuverability.

If you are just detailing your own vehicle, I don't think I would spend the money on a rupes polisher, the bauer knock-off sold at harbor freight seems to be a decent for the money large throw DA.

Cordless machines are pretty good these days but Corded will never let you down and doesn't require batteries, chargers and downtime.

another note, I have found that due to the incredibly soft paint on our trucks, finishing is a very delicate process with the DA machines. If you are using a really soft pad your speed needs to be slower than normal to avoid micro-marring, or use a slightly firmer pad.

 

Yes. They makes things go faster. They also increase you chance of burning thru the clear if not paying attention. For me personally a short throw is just easier. The LT is great for big panels like the hood, roof or deck lid. But for me since cars nowadays have so many body lines to deal with, when you break up the panel into sections the ST just works better for me.

 

I don't mind about the speed of correction. That why I'm looking at a long throw polisher. If speed an issue I have a rotary or I'll buy a 3401.

I looking more for comfort. Something I can look away if I have to and I don't have to worried about burning through. Since I'm working outside there's a lot distractions.

 

How's the overhead grip of the G9? I like putting my hand on the head of the polisher while their's a handle on the Griots, Rupes.

Like this.



I guess it's just a matter of getting used to the polisher.

Anything I get will be an improvement over the 1st gen 7424.