Question for the detailers

[Ak Jim]

I have an older Griot’s Garage random orbital polisher. While I’m not sure of the orbit size I’m using a ruler and measuring the best I can and I think the orbit size is about 4.5 mm. It takes a long time to get any real noticeable results with this machine. I’d like to upgrade, the question is how big of an orbit should I get? They sell 9, 15, and 21mm. I don’t have a business and don’t plan on having one. Just want to maintain my cars. I’m thinking the 9mm would be a big increase but is it enough? I’d like to save some time but don’t want to have to worry about damaging the paint. Thx.

 

[Monte]

Is it a "forced orbital" machine ? Maybe it also depends on the polish you use...

 

[SJay3660]

This is the one I have with a 5" pad. https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/g9+random+orbital+polisher.do?sortby=ourPicks

I have had good luck with it using their Complete Compound and the yellow pads. Just removed some scratches from my sons truck this weekend with it.

 

[hoffman912]

Have you looked at the rupes big foot? It’s pretty bad ***


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Retroman]

I have the Rupes Bigfoot 15mm like you just maintaining my personal rigs and my work truck (Company owned least I can do is maintain it) It's all the polisher I will ever need and I doubt I will wear it out. Also purchased a Griots G8 for the tighter and smaller area's. Be careful detailing is a deep Rabbit hole.

 

[seber]

The one you have is advertised as 9mm.

 

[bob15]

I bought the G9 last year, no complaints with it.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/g9+random+orbital+polisher.do

 

[Ak Jim]

The one you have is advertised as 9mm.

The one I have is from 2006. I still have the box it came in and I don’t see any information on orbit size.

 

[bob15]

The one I have is from 2006. I still have the box it came in and I don’t see any information on orbit size.

Have the model number?

 

[MileHighRover]

There's pros and cons to the long throw polishers. Do some research to figure out what will work best for you. The G9 would be a big step up from your older polisher.

 

[MileHighRover]

Have the model number?

Should be 10925.

According to the manual, it is a 1/8" orbit, or 3.175 mm.

 

[Ak Jim]

Should be 10925.

According to the manual, it is a 1/8" orbit, or 3.175 mm.

COOL! That was the info I was trying to find. I’m thinking the g9 is more than enough and the g15 will be too much. Much appreciated everyone! This is such a great web site. And yes it is a 10925.

 

[M6erfan]

If you get the G9, also get their 25ft cord (sold separately)

 

[jshillin]

Forced rotation is the key if you're not getting the results you are after. If it's just straight RO it will correct paint, but take forever. Check out the Flex 3401. I bought mine way back in '07 and it's still a beast. Rupes is another good one to look at as well. Both of these will cost more money, but it's worth it if you are looking for better, faster paint correction. You can always go with a straight orbital, but they are less forgiving. I have a RO, Forced Rotation RO and Orbital. They all have a place in your arsenal, but the Flex is what I use 95% of the time.

 

[On-Wheel]

The old $50 HF 8mm kicks ****. I’d buy another one if they still had them.