GearHead_1
Long Time Member
Long throw polishers don’t do small pads. Porter Cable and Griot’s GG6 seem to be able to pull this off without too much difficulty.
New to This Which Polisher Should I Buy?
- Thread starter KBS756
- Start date
Long throw polishers don’t do small pads. Porter Cable and Griot’s GG6 seem to be able to pull this off without too much difficulty.
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Mi Hermano El Gear_Head1 ---
I never knew that those long throw guys could not do smaller backing plates... Guess the reason is because they cause so much more friction = heat, they dont want that, right ? Or, the longer throw with smaller pad = destroying the smaller pad quickly, etc.. ?
I mean, can you not put a smaller backing plate on them ??
Just curious - you know me - Mr. Rotary Power...
Dan F
Mary B
New member
I like the GG 6 idea the best. You can pick one up at an Auto parts store, use different size BPs and pads, good quality machine.
When you do upgrade, the GG6 becomes a nice carpet cleaner for it`s smaller size.
I also use my 8mms. for waxing.
By the way
WELCOME KBS756
:welcome:
When you do upgrade, the GG6 becomes a nice carpet cleaner for it`s smaller size.
I also use my 8mms. for waxing.
By the way
WELCOME KBS756
:welcome:
Accumulator
Well-known member
Heh heh...I`m still envious of you folks who can be satisfied with the GG6. OK, it does OK with 3-4" pads all right. Doesn`t seem to do as well as my Rupes Mini, though.
I`d consider a Polisher a long-time investment, a tool that you`ll want to be satisfied with decades from now. So with all the recent advances, I`d be after something I was certain I`d still be happy with for a long, long time. Wouldn`t want to be thinking "gee, I wish this went faster.." when I`m twenty years older than now.
I`d consider a Polisher a long-time investment, a tool that you`ll want to be satisfied with decades from now. So with all the recent advances, I`d be after something I was certain I`d still be happy with for a long, long time. Wouldn`t want to be thinking "gee, I wish this went faster.." when I`m twenty years older than now.
EdLancer
New member
The Harbor Freight DA is a more powerful machine than the GG6 ! I don`t own either because shipping cost from HF to Canada will cost me more than buying a Rupes here in Canada ! ...LoL
GearHead_1
Long Time Member
I have both of the machines in this video, both with 5” backing plates, 5.5” pads and 5” counter balance weights (the Porter Cable weights fit these machines). My HF machine has had the grease and handle change. I believe the Griot’s machine to be slightly more powerful with slightly less vibration or at least it is in my non-professional hands. I took a quick look at that video and unless my eyes are lying to me he has a larger pad on the Griot’s machine than he has on the Harbor Freight machine. If I’ve seen that incorrectly you can disregard the balance of this post. I didn’t listen to the whole thing but I actually stopped watching it because it appeared he was making a heads up comparison with different size plate and pads. That will very much change the outcome of the comparison. A heads up comparison would be with the same size pads but take it a step further and put the big pad on the HF and the small pad on the Griots and it would be a very different outcome.
Not knocking the HF, it’s a lot of machine (when used with quality plate and pads) for not a lot of money and a good choice for a dedicated 3” polisher or a dedicated carpet machine or a machine that will do a bit of most things albeit slowly. There are several guys that really like and speak highly of the HF machine, Garry Dean being one of them.
Would I take the HF over the Griot’s? Not even with the Griot’s costing twice as much. This said, I still use a long throw polisher for 85% of my polishing activity but given a little time could complete a polishing job with one of these. Anyway... as Accumulator points out, these machines are not in the same league as quality long throw machines for speed and power. But if being on a budget, only having one machine to do multiple tasks and limited production are on the agenda, these smaller machines still fit the bill. I believe that criteria was basically implied by the OP. One last thought, it’s easy to make a recommendation if money isn’t an object, there is always bigger, better, faster but if you’ve never used the best you really won’t know what you might be missing. There was a time we didn’t have long throw machines, heck even R/O’s and still turned out quality details. If this thread has talked you into a better long throw machine, great! You won’t be sorry.
Not knocking the HF, it’s a lot of machine (when used with quality plate and pads) for not a lot of money and a good choice for a dedicated 3” polisher or a dedicated carpet machine or a machine that will do a bit of most things albeit slowly. There are several guys that really like and speak highly of the HF machine, Garry Dean being one of them.
Would I take the HF over the Griot’s? Not even with the Griot’s costing twice as much. This said, I still use a long throw polisher for 85% of my polishing activity but given a little time could complete a polishing job with one of these. Anyway... as Accumulator points out, these machines are not in the same league as quality long throw machines for speed and power. But if being on a budget, only having one machine to do multiple tasks and limited production are on the agenda, these smaller machines still fit the bill. I believe that criteria was basically implied by the OP. One last thought, it’s easy to make a recommendation if money isn’t an object, there is always bigger, better, faster but if you’ve never used the best you really won’t know what you might be missing. There was a time we didn’t have long throw machines, heck even R/O’s and still turned out quality details. If this thread has talked you into a better long throw machine, great! You won’t be sorry.
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
El Gearhead_1 --
That video definitely shows the Griot machine with a 6" pad and the HarborFreight has a 5" pad...
First time I saw this guy, he was singing praises for the Shurhold machine like it was absolutely the Best machine ever in the world..
Dan F
That video definitely shows the Griot machine with a 6" pad and the HarborFreight has a 5" pad...
First time I saw this guy, he was singing praises for the Shurhold machine like it was absolutely the Best machine ever in the world..
Dan F
KBsToy
New member
Exactly, Budget, Hobbyist, Technique are things to consider. You can really get caught up on all the hype with the newest best polishers and products.
Lots of good views here from experts and hobbyists. There are also some great videos on you tube you just have to sort through them..
Good Luck on your detailing journey
Lots of good views here from experts and hobbyists. There are also some great videos on you tube you just have to sort through them..
Good Luck on your detailing journey
Accumulator
Well-known member
If you`ll pardon my apparent cynicism, I simply do not put credence in online videos (or pics for that matter). Just too many, uhm...unverifiable variables (to put it nicely). If nothing else, there`s that YMMV wildcard that you just never know about.
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Congrats on your purchase..
You would do better with the 5" backing plate than the 6" one..
You need pad rotation to make the correction work better..
Oh well, good luck with this.. You should be fine..
Dan F
rlmccarty2000
Active member
Polishing outside is fine as long you are not in direct sunlight. Heat is the enemy. The polishers action causes friction and heat and if you add an already hot panel your compound will dry out too quickly and heat will destroy your pads.
GearHead_1
Long Time Member
^^^ This, you’ll want a 5” backing plate and a selection of 5.5” pads for the majority of your work.
RaydiantDetail
New member
Good choice with the GG6 and 3" BP. I would also suggest a 5" BP and 5.5" pads. You will get better pad rotation with the GG6 with the 5" pads also be able to work with curvier panels a bit easier.
If you can the Griots Boss pads work great and their compound (Fast Correction Cream), Correcting Cream and Perfecting Cream (Polish) work amazingly well.
If working outside as mentioned heat and residue control will be your best friends. You may need to cut your passes to a smaller 1ft. x 1ft. section depending on how your test spots go. Its not rocket science in the end but there are variables to consider just like with any process.
https://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-boss-5-inch-polishing-pads.html
https://www.autopia-carcare.com/gr-b3-combo.html
As a general rule of thumb you will want the following # of pads:
1. Cutting pads (White/ Orange) - 6 pads
2. Polishing pads( Yellow) - 4 pads
3. Finishing pad (Black) - 1 pad (usually used to apply wax/ sealant by machine, can be used to finish on softer paints if polishing pad is causing marring)
I will never again underestimate how horrible a finish can be on a new car as I have worked on quite a few "New" cars this year with less than 50miles on them that are a scratched and swirled up mess. In the end its going to be based on how much correction you want to achieve and having the proper maintenance process in place to maintain it even with the coating you won`t avoid all scratches/ swirls.
I think with the Autogeek sale for 25% off right now its a good time to pick up some stuff. I believe if you call Autopia they will give you the same deal as its pretty much the same company)
I enjoy Scotts (Dallas Paint Correction) videos but agreed I take it with 1) I have to do my own research on what is being stated/ shared 2) It is geared towards a mass audience that don`t all have Autopian standards and knowledge. I do really like super clean! I wonder if they gave him stock options lol
If you can the Griots Boss pads work great and their compound (Fast Correction Cream), Correcting Cream and Perfecting Cream (Polish) work amazingly well.
If working outside as mentioned heat and residue control will be your best friends. You may need to cut your passes to a smaller 1ft. x 1ft. section depending on how your test spots go. Its not rocket science in the end but there are variables to consider just like with any process.
https://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-boss-5-inch-polishing-pads.html
https://www.autopia-carcare.com/gr-b3-combo.html
As a general rule of thumb you will want the following # of pads:
1. Cutting pads (White/ Orange) - 6 pads
2. Polishing pads( Yellow) - 4 pads
3. Finishing pad (Black) - 1 pad (usually used to apply wax/ sealant by machine, can be used to finish on softer paints if polishing pad is causing marring)
I will never again underestimate how horrible a finish can be on a new car as I have worked on quite a few "New" cars this year with less than 50miles on them that are a scratched and swirled up mess. In the end its going to be based on how much correction you want to achieve and having the proper maintenance process in place to maintain it even with the coating you won`t avoid all scratches/ swirls.
I think with the Autogeek sale for 25% off right now its a good time to pick up some stuff. I believe if you call Autopia they will give you the same deal as its pretty much the same company)
I enjoy Scotts (Dallas Paint Correction) videos but agreed I take it with 1) I have to do my own research on what is being stated/ shared 2) It is geared towards a mass audience that don`t all have Autopian standards and knowledge. I do really like super clean! I wonder if they gave him stock options lol
Thanks for the advice guys ... tried putting my car in my garage for the first time today ... barely have maybe 20"-24" each direction with 6" in front ... so dont think thats wide enough a work area to work in doors
ordered a 5" and 3" adapter plate ... ended up spending quite a bit with polisher coatings pads micro fiber towels polishes and compounds all in .. hoping i dont totally screw up and the result is worth it
ordered a 5" and 3" adapter plate ... ended up spending quite a bit with polisher coatings pads micro fiber towels polishes and compounds all in .. hoping i dont totally screw up and the result is worth it
Accumulator
Well-known member
I`m confident you`ll do OK.
Just remember to pick a representative area for a Test Spot and make sure you`re all dialed-in before doing larger areas (let alone the whole car). Use good lighting so you can see what`s (really) going on, and inspect thoroughly at every step of the process. I`d get that test spot LSP-ready before doing any whole panels.
You`re gonna do fine
briarpatch
New member
Welcome to the obsession. Take your time and enjoy the process and the results. Just so you know....you`ve only begun to experience the sensation of money leaving the friendly confines of your wallet. I fully get that this hobby can get expensive. PM me your address, with a list of what you`ve purchased so far. I`ll send you some 4oz samples of stuff you don`t have.
Thanks again everyone for your help ... Think I had some decent success with what I did manage to do
Dont Have great pics yet hopefully will take it out in a couple days after Syncro has cured and the weather isnt iffy (how long do I have to keep Syncro Dry for?)
With only 1200 miles the paint looked like this
After Polishing got it to look like this
... will post in a bit having issues with image uploads ...
... also ceramic coated with Syncro (Mohs and Skin)
Not perfect but I think I did ok and didnt screw up too much for my first time ... just took a good chunk of 4 days ...
Unrelatd to the polisher question ... how long do I have to keep syncro dry?
If I get water spots on it is there a procedure im supposed to follow? Other one Bird Poop? just pressure wash... foam cannon ... and air dry?
Thanks again
Dont Have great pics yet hopefully will take it out in a couple days after Syncro has cured and the weather isnt iffy (how long do I have to keep Syncro Dry for?)
With only 1200 miles the paint looked like this
After Polishing got it to look like this
... will post in a bit having issues with image uploads ...
... also ceramic coated with Syncro (Mohs and Skin)
Not perfect but I think I did ok and didnt screw up too much for my first time ... just took a good chunk of 4 days ...
Unrelatd to the polisher question ... how long do I have to keep syncro dry?
If I get water spots on it is there a procedure im supposed to follow? Other one Bird Poop? just pressure wash... foam cannon ... and air dry?
Thanks again
