Polisher upgrade decisions, need some input.

IHA Mark

IHA Mark

New member
Ok guys give me some seasoned advice here, I have a Dewalt rotary for the big stuff, but primarily use my PC 7424. Although my PC is a boss I am looking to add another DA because:



1. I need a backup, if I were without a DA even a few days I would be in trouble.

2. I would like something with a little more teeth, the PC takes a long time with heavy correction work at times.

3. Family gave me some money for my birthday, and I need a new toy to play with. :cool1:



My choices are in between...



Groits Garage, seems to be a popular unit around here, and according to reviews has significantly more power than the PC. Price would be about $150 + shipping for polisher, plus 5 inch backing plate.



3D Polisher, kind of an unknown here since a couple of people have reported that their polishers have had a few "issues". On the other hand, this will primarily be something for use when the PC goes down or I just need a little more power. Worth the risk? Again about $150 plus shipping



Meguiar's GV110, my Meguiar's vendor can get me one for $210 with a LIFETIME warranty, no questions asked if something goes wrong. What say ye about this unit? Doesn't seem like as many people run them around here, and the price is a bit higher. Might be worth it for the warranty though?



What say the hive mind?



Thanks for the input!
 
I advise that if possible, you come to the Thursday evening chat to gain more information on the 3D unit.

Several who will be there have the new unit and can provide you more instant input at chat.

Grumpy
 
For a unit that will last forever the FLEX XC 3401 dual action orbital polisher is my choice. The price is a little high but you get a quality polisher.
 
IHA Mark said:
3D Polisher, kind of an unknown here since a couple of people have reported that their polishers have had a few "issues". On the other hand, this will primarily be something for use when the PC goes down or I just need a little more power. Worth the risk? Again about $150 plus shipping
Click to expand...



The 3D Polisher does have great power potential, but there are some caveats in the build quality. If you primarily plan to use it as a backup unit, it's not a bad choice.



Meguiar's GV110, my Meguiar's vendor can get me one for $210 with a LIFETIME warranty, no questions asked if something goes wrong. What say ye about this unit? Doesn't seem like as many people run them around here, and the price is a bit higher. Might be worth it for the warranty though?



What say the hive mind?



Thanks for the input!
Click to expand...



Huh?! A lifetime warranty on a G110 (or G110v2)? You might want to verify that, the last time Meguiar's offered a lifetime warranty that I'm aware of was on the old G100 polisher, which was just a relabeled Porter Cable. That's been several years ago now. If you can get one of the newer units with a lifetime warranty, especially if it's a v2, jump on it.







Now, having said that, if what you are after is as much power as you can get, consider picking up a Dynabrade adapter for your DeWalt rotary. TONS of correction power, just no using spot pads and edging can be challenging depending on what pads you do use.
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
[quote name='IHA Mark']

3D Polisher, kind of an unknown here since a couple of people have reported that their polishers have had a few "issues". On the other hand, this will primarily be something for use when the PC goes down or I just need a little more power. Worth the risk? Again about $150 plus shipping



The 3D Polisher does have great power potential, but there are some caveats in the build quality. If you primarily plan to use it as a backup unit, it's not a bad choice.







Huh?! A lifetime warranty on a G110 (or G110v2)? You might want to verify that, the last time Meguiar's offered a lifetime warranty that I'm aware of was on the old G100 polisher, which was just a relabeled Porter Cable. That's been several years ago now. If you can get one of the newer units with a lifetime warranty, especially if it's a v2, jump on it.







Now, having said that, if what you are after is as much power as you can get, consider picking up a Dynabrade adapter for your DeWalt rotary. TONS of correction power, just no using spot pads and edging can be challenging depending on what pads you do use.
Click to expand...



Yes, it is a lifetime warranty. He even showed me a unit (bad power cord) he had just warrantied out. I asked him several times and it is guaranteed through Meguiar's. You have to buy it through them direct, however.
 
MDRX8 said:
For a unit that will last forever the FLEX XC 3401 dual action orbital polisher is my choice. The price is a little high but you get a quality polisher.
Click to expand...



Would love to have a FLEX, but the price tag is just too much right now. I am looking into buying one of those through my business account next spring, right now I'm getting a more affordable DA though some extra personal money.
 
Ron Ketcham said:
I advise that if possible, you come to the Thursday evening chat to gain more information on the 3D unit.

Several who will be there have the new unit and can provide you more instant input at chat.

Grumpy
Click to expand...



I will try to be there if I can, my schedule is booked this week and my little guy is very sick, what time does the chat start? I am in central time zone.



Is there anyway to get some abbreviated cliff notes if I can't make it?
 
I go out of my way not to bash HD nowadays, but you'd have to be CRAZY to buy their new DA until the issues are sorted out. I mean, even the one Garry Dean has that actually works is overheating now.
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
Now, having said that, if what you are after is as much power as you can get, consider picking up a Dynabrade adapter for your DeWalt rotary. TONS of correction power, just no using spot pads and edging can be challenging depending on what pads you do use.
Click to expand...



I would recommend getting a Dynabrade as well. I finally saw one in action about 2 weeks ago...That thing is a BOSS. Additionally, the "price of entry" is cheaper than any of the DA's that you listed since you already have a rotary.



I am extremely tempted to sell my Flex 3401 and pick up a 849x/DB combo.
 
FWIW, the Griots machine can be had for much less than $150. $120 easily, sometimes for around $90. At those prices and their warranty, it is hard to consider anything else. The 3D machine is nice, but with the bugs being worked out, its hard to recommend at the going price.
 
Dynabrade is something you should look into, and honestly something I'm looking into myself as both my primary and backup rotaries see less and less use these days.



I was upset with Porter Cable thinking their quality was really starting to go down hill. It was to the point where I was either ordering a new one or having them re-built at least once a year if not more, seemed like the new ones would die just out of warranty and the re-builds get me just about a year....and this is only as a weekend warrier (1-2 cars a week max) not a full time pro.



I opted for the Griot's machine last year thinking it's increased power, great name and lifetime warranty would make it the ticket for me. I'd double check the Meguiars lifetime warranty too because the lifetime warranty on the Griots machine is what made me choose it over the Meguiars unit. Anyhow, I just had to send the second Griots machine back, neither of them has lasted me more than 6 months. When they run they are nice, do offer more power than the PC and correct a little bit quicker but I'm already sick of them not lasting.
 
Some sorta-random thoughts follow:



-My GG has held up great, but I'm not a Pro using it all the time

-AFAIK, Dynabrades are limited with respect to pad sizes

-I really like my Flex 3401 for aggressive work, but it won't finish out quite as nicely as any of my other polishers regardless of what paint I'm working on

-Individual preference is gonna factor in with regard to switch/speed dial placement and other little ergonomic issues
 
I am looking into a new one myself and have a PC now and after looking around Im not gonna say its the best but its run almost everyday and most of the time that day by one person or another and has NEVER had a part fail . I will most likely stick with Porter Cable . Mine has to be 8 or so years old . just now starting to have some heat issues . Thats good quality IMO.
 
PC quality must vary, my older one needed rebuilt after a short while and not both of 'em are making unhealthy-bearing noises.
 
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