tweedlestan
Well-known member
I'm in the market for a good 7'' polisher for my vehicles and boat. I've been reading reviews on Amazon and the Makita seems like a good choice. I'd like to get the opinions of GJ before I decide though. 
Best 7'' polisher?
- Thread starter tweedlestan
- Start date
CobraChevelle
Banned
I like my makita.. No experience with anything else but pos harbor freight. Most body shops around here have makita.
I've been looking at the dewalt. The handle at the back fits my hand much better than the makita.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W1WGIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W1WGIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
From what i've been reading over the last few months. The pro's use the flex. But it's not cheap.
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Flex_Orbital_Polisher_and_Buffer_p/buf_101.3.htm
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Flex_Orbital_Polisher_and_Buffer_p/buf_101.3.htm
Stooge
Well-known member
I've had a Makita 9227c for a few years and was my first rotary, non orbital polisher and I've been very happy with it. easy to use and control, good weight so your arms don't get too tired doing larger cars and I like the top handle. I haven't used many rotary polishers, but I always recommend the Makita to people if they are looking.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If you're speaking of a straight rotary polisher the Makita is the way to go. The aforementioned Flex and Rupes are NOT rotary polishers but forced rotation dual action machines similar to the Festool ROTEX or Makita BO1640 (which I prefer over either the Flex or the Rupes). These two machines do not do the same thing. The rotary does most of the work and can do all of the work with the right pads, polishes and operator knowledge. The DA machines are for swirl removal, they don't cut like the rotary. However, they can be used by anybody without much fear of disaster so they are becoming more popular.
MixManSC
Well-known member
On the slightly more budget side the Griots Garage 6" one also gets very good reviews. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009UKUUWE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have this one, I got it with the 25 foot cord which is very convenient. Got it about a year ago and have used it quite a bit and have been very pleased. I've run it hard on everything from ambulances to boats to cars (probably about a dozen vehicles in total so far) and not a single problem.
While I'd love to have a Flex I cannot justify that sort of cost when its not a tool I use to make a living with.
I have this one, I got it with the 25 foot cord which is very convenient. Got it about a year ago and have used it quite a bit and have been very pleased. I've run it hard on everything from ambulances to boats to cars (probably about a dozen vehicles in total so far) and not a single problem.
While I'd love to have a Flex I cannot justify that sort of cost when its not a tool I use to make a living with.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
Porter-Cable makes a 6" polisher that gets rave reviews and costs a little less than the Makita.
7424XP
I'm not sure if the extra inch diameter of the polishing pad makes a big difference in performance? I've been pondering the same purchase myself.
7424XP
I'm not sure if the extra inch diameter of the polishing pad makes a big difference in performance? I've been pondering the same purchase myself.
Jpol908
Member
The Porter Cable 7424 has always been a decent polisher. Almost impossible to burn or ruin paint with it, and is pretty durable. I've had mine for over 10 years and it's still going.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002654I46/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002654I46/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
For a rotary polisher go Makita or Flex.
Stooge
Well-known member
I bought that porter cable as part of a kit I bought from Adam's polishes a while back. its a nice one, and I really liked it and has always had great reviews, but depending on what the OP is looking for, its an orbital and while more user friendly since you cant burn up the paint, it doesn't cut like a high speed/ rotary one like the rotary Makita. My parents ended up getting me the 9227c for Christmas one year and since I didn't need 2 polishers, I ended up giving to a buddy who has had good luck with it but doesn't take out need swirls/ paint imperfections since it doesn't have the speed and friction to do it
morgantm
Well-known member
This right here, the Porter Cable has been the standard for the last 10 years. The last couple of years the Flex and Torq have been getting popular as well but its hard to beat the PC for the weekend warrior.
If you are looking for bang for the buck the Griots and HF polishers get good reviews as well. I currently use the HF myself but it only sees use ever few months.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
this one takes up to 8" pads with the weight of a 6" polisher:
http://www.flexnorthamerica.com/products/PE14-2_150.php
The Makita polisher and other polishers based on large two hand 7/9" angle grinders are quite heavy and uncomfortable to handle imho. The above Flex tool comes with a double gear reduction hence the power/torque of a larger tool in a ligther package.
http://www.flexnorthamerica.com/products/PE14-2_150.php
The Makita polisher and other polishers based on large two hand 7/9" angle grinders are quite heavy and uncomfortable to handle imho. The above Flex tool comes with a double gear reduction hence the power/torque of a larger tool in a ligther package.
BBC71Nova
Well-known member
I went with the griots. Advance Auto has them and the coupons make them a but less expensive than the PC 7424. Seems like good machine for the home shop guy.
Lifetime warranty as well.
For a rotary polisher I have used a Makita and a Milwaukee. I also have a Fein that is probably high quality but I do not know enough about it to say.
For an orbital polisher the Porter Cable mentioned above has been around a long time and has good reports, but I can't say from personal use.
For use on boats (which I do), a problem with all big polishers is getting around fittings, ladders, etc. that block access. So it is good to have something small, with a head smaller than usual, for that purpose. Griots has small heads.
For an orbital polisher the Porter Cable mentioned above has been around a long time and has good reports, but I can't say from personal use.
For use on boats (which I do), a problem with all big polishers is getting around fittings, ladders, etc. that block access. So it is good to have something small, with a head smaller than usual, for that purpose. Griots has small heads.