Should I get a Random Orbital?

M

mini1

New member
I have been detailing for years and I have always used a Makita rotary, but I'm starting to think it may be time to get a Random orbital such as the Griots 6" due the high number of super soft Honda/Toyota black products I'm starting to see. I can do these with the Makita and they look fine, it just takes too long and sometimes due to poor lighting I do miss a buffer trail or two (and that is on speed 1 or 1.5 with the softest LC pad). Sometimes I'm amazed as just how soft these paints are.



I'm starting to invent some money in equipment that allows me to be more mobile, more professional looking, and most importantly cuts time off each detail. Those 3 things are my main objectives for spending money on equipment.



I just bought a new dedicated detail van, a Honda generator and an extractor.... none of which I have ever had before. The extractor is already saving me at least 1 hour off each complete interior. It just saved me at least 2 hours today on fabric interior. The van is getting me more business because its a rolling advertisement and the generator is allowing me to pick up new jobs that I could not service before.



If I were to get the GG6, do you think it would be a good idea? I could see cutting .5 to 1 hour off each black paint single-step job and making sure there are no hidden buffer trails.
 
I would definitely say giving a DA a shot would be smart; especially with the newer products and techniques specifically geared toward DA machines you may even find that it quickly becomes your go-to tool.



The nice part is the price of entry is fairly low.
 
Definitely get one. The new Meguiars microfiber pads combined with polishes like Meguiars #105/205/D300/D301 and Optimum's spray polishes work great and can do a tremendous amount of work in a short time frame. Even for your customers who are looking for a quick polish and wax, you can turn out better results due to the increased cut but great finish the pads and polishes give you.
 
I suggest picking one up, just make sure you allow some time learning how to get the most out of the tool.
 
mini1 said:
Do you think the GG6 is the one to get? I've never used one.
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I'd go with the G110v2. The GG6 has great power and a lifetime warranty, but my unit #3 is about to go (bearing) and it sucks sending them in to get fixed. G110v2 has a much better build quality IMO.



Or you can watch Amazon for sales and get two GG6 units like I did for just over the cost of a G110v2. I think my second one was $80 shipped and now I have a back up while the other is being fixed....though both units have the bearing going out on them now. :(
 
Hehehe - The real question is not "Should you get one?" but rather "Which one should you get?" :D



As what Rasky1 said, definitely look into the Amazon Gold Box deals for the GG6 - I "think" the last deal they had for the 6" was around $80 including free shipping. They go on sale every 2 or 3 months...the good news is that there is always someone that picks up the sale and posts in the "Good Deals" forum.
 
MCA said:
Hehehe - The real question is not "Should you get one?" but rather "Which one should you get?" :D



As what Rasky1 said, definitely look into the Amazon Gold Box deals for the GG6 - I "think" the last deal they had for the 6" was around $80 including free shipping. They go on sale every 2 or 3 months...the good news is that there is always someone that picks up the sale and posts in the "Good Deals" forum.
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How do I get the Amazon deal? $80 would make my choice very easy. Even if the bearings do go, I can switch back to the rock-solid Makita while the GG6 is repaired.

Would I pay shipping on warranty repairs for the GG6? How many cars can it complete before the bearings go? I've done several thousand cars over 5 years with the Makita and the bearings have not gone yet.
 
There's another option to consider as well... you could just convert your rock solid Makita into a DA/orbital:



Dynabrade AbrasivEdge - Buy Abrasive Belts, Sanding Discs, Flap Wheels, Wire Wheels, Grinding Wheels, Air Tools, Dynabrade Tools, and More Online!



The oft-overlooked Dynabrade DA adapter. Threads onto the spindle of any standard rotary and gives you a free floating spindle assembly with a monster 3/4" stroke, and it accepts any standard DA backing plate. I use mine all the time, probably as much as I do one of my dedicated traditional DAs. And the best part is it's dirt cheap compared to buying a separate machine.
 
Every 2 or 3 months Amazon will put the Griot's 6" or 3" polisher on sale...sometimes on it's own, sometimes in a package that includes some of their products. Check this link every so often as it will have most of their sales:



Amazon.com Gold Box: New Deals. Every Day.



Here's a link to the past "Good Deals" thread about the polisher back in July:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/good-d...shipped-new-sale-only-lasts-couple-hours.html



With regards to warranty, the GG6 has a lifetime one (abuse not included of course) - However, I am not sure on your shipping cost question.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
There's another option to consider as well... you could just convert your rock solid Makita into a DA/orbital:



Dynabrade AbrasivEdge - Buy Abrasive Belts, Sanding Discs, Flap Wheels, Wire Wheels, Grinding Wheels, Air Tools, Dynabrade Tools, and More Online!



The oft-overlooked Dynabrade DA adapter. Threads onto the spindle of any standard rotary and gives you a free floating spindle assembly with a monster 3/4" stroke, and it accepts any standard DA backing plate. I use mine all the time, probably as much as I do one of my dedicated traditional DAs. And the best part is it's dirt cheap compared to buying a separate machine.
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Can you post up pictures of this? I've heard of it but have never seen one.
 
It looks like you cannot go below 6" with it. That wouldn't really work for me.



Can you put smaller backing plates on the GG6 like the Makita?
 
I love my dynabrade attachment. I got one few months ago, couldn't believe how fast it cuts when it is switched to force rotation mode. But when I put some pressure while compounding it pop out of rotary mode few too many times. Called the company they wanted me to send the unit for warranty repair. They said there was nothing wrong with my unit but decided to send me a new one.

I was so impressed with forced rotation, decided to order Flex 3401 since I was not sure if the new Dynabrade Head will do the same thing the old one did.

Flex arrived first and used it the next day on a cc paint Mercedes after 20 minutes with it, I decided to go back to my Dewalt rotary and finish with my GG orbital. Now I know why some rotary users have a hard time with Flex 3401.

New Dynabrade Head is not poping out of the forced rotation mode and I have been using it more than any of my tools. Some people complain that it is heavy when attached to a rotary, unless you doing boat or RV it is not a big deal on the cars.
 
How do the backing plates attach to the GG6? Do they screw on? Can I use the same backing plates and pads I already have for the Makita? That would be very helpful and cost saving.
 
mini1 said:
How do the backing plates attach to the GG6? Do they screw on? Can I use the same backing plates and pads I already have for the Makita? That would be very helpful and cost saving.
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Well, technically speaking you can use the same backing plates if you buy an adapter:



D.A Adapter 5/8" X 11



autogeek_2175_55381580
 
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