Suggestions for Random Orbital Polisher?

[Stryker124]

I was just wondering what you guys would suggest for a good 6" random orbital polisher. I'm looking for one that I can run off my compressor, not an electric one. I have seen the one offered in Griots catalog, and wondered if this was about what I should expect to pay for a 6" that does a good job polishing/waxing cars? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

[GearHead_1]

I love air tools but this is one tool that I believe electric wins hand down. That said I would tell you to take a look at the Porter Cable 7424. Here's the link to a good automotive detailing site, do a search and see what these guys say.

http://www.detailcity.org/

 

[dboat]

The best thing about Griots is that if you dont like it or it breaks during your lifetime, you can send it back. But I would agree that the electric would be better. My neighbor bought the Porter Cable and then sent it back and is getting the new one from Griots (electric) since all the pads fit, etc..
Dana

 

[eschoendorff]

I love air tools but this is one tool that I believe electric wins hand down. That said I would tell you to take a look at the Porter Cable 7424. Here's the link to a good automotive detailing site, do a search and see what these guys say.

http://www.detailcity.org/

This PC model is the grandaddy of them all. It is mentioned on just about every automotive forum I've ever encountered.

 

[GearHead_1]

My neighbor bought the Porter Cable and then sent it back and is getting the new one from Griots (electric) since all the pads fit, etc..
Dana

I too have been interested in Griots new machine. I considered picking one up but I called them and it wouldn't take the Edge 2000 pad system. I've been using this system since it came out and I'm not going back. I still have a ton of Lake Country and Meguiar's pads, I'm sure I'll use them up eventually but the Edge system is so sweet I'm not sure why I would want to. These two machines are virtually the same price, you can pick the PC up at Lowes for $109.


The Griots machine apparently doesn't use the center hub set up so you have to use their backing plate. The Griots rep described it as a multi-point fastening set up for the backing plate. That too is a limiting factor for me. I would love to hear some reports back on it from someone who has used it and the Porter Cable.

 

[dboat]

I too have been interested in Griots new machine. I considered picking one up but I called them and it wouldn't take the Edge 2000 pad system. I've been using this system since it came out and I'm not going back. I still have a ton of Lake Country and Meguiar's pads, I'm sure I'll use them up eventually but the Edge system is so sweet I'm not sure why I would want to. These two machines are virtually the same price, you can pick the PC up at Lowes for $109.


The Griots machine apparently doesn't use the center hub set up so you have to use their backing plate. The Griots rep described it as a multi-point fastening set up for the backing plate. That too is a limiting factor for me. I would love to hear some reports back on it from someone who has used it and the Porter Cable.

GearHead, would you mind posting the link to the Edge system? I use Griots pads currently on my PC.. the main reason for their machine is that it is a system that you dont have to think about.. just plug and play. There are a lot of people that want that. They dont want to have to think about changing the counter weights, etc on a PC. its the old KISS principle. Which does make it attractive and is the very reason my neighbor uses it. I cant tell you how much I have spent with Griots over the years, but its not a small sum. I have connected so many friends and neighbors up with them too.. I dont use his stuff exclusively, but since almost all of it is good, I do use most of his stuff.

Thanks
Dana

 

[GearHead_1]

Here's the Edge link:

http://www.edgepads.com/

I think the change the counter weight thought is a real misnomer. I've got two Porter Cables and to date have never changed a weight I could but I don't need to. If you have the need to it's no more than a two minute two screw job and then you leave it alone. It's not like something that you have to keep going back and forth on. Can you tell that I really like these machines?

The Edge Pad System also makes life so simple. The pads go over a center stud and just clip on, the pads are two sided so you get two pads in one. You can polish with one side of the pad then flip it over and put on you last step wax or sealant. This is when life gets easy. Once you've washed it you can put it back on the machine and let the machine dry it out. If you do this with a hook and loop backing plate you can ruin the back plate or tear the pad. Can you tell I really love these pads?

 

[Stryker124]

Thank you everyone for the links and feedback, I'll have to do some more reading and take a closer look at the electric options.