simpsoap

Well I am in the market for a good orbital polisher and was curious to know what the other Rennlisters are using?

I was going to go with the Porter Cable 7424, but I was told that maybe I should get a Flex instead?

I'll be using this on our BMW and Porsche to help remove light swirl marks, and polish/wax the car. Inputs would be appreciated to see what others recommend.

Andy

Wachuko

Porter Cable 7424 or the Griot (both are the same units)...

WHB Porsche

If you want to do any real correction, most recommend the Flex. If this is just simple upkeep, the PC should be fine.

mrsullivan

the PC7424 is good for removing very light swirls, etc. but is not meant for heavy removal, as has been suggested... for that you need an orbital, not random orbital... but be careful...I am sure you know that a regular orbital can be dangerous to the paint if not in the right hands, etc...

i use the PC7424 and leave the regular orbital to the pros

JPS

Check out threads on www.autopia.com. As has been said, the orbital can melt your paint, the random you'd be pretty hard pressed to do it. Coastal Tools had a kit for everything you needed inluding a wheel upgrade with counter weight, all in one nice package, and far cheaper than anyone else.

bart1

I bought a kit from www.autopia.com and it has their ultimate detailing machine. Seems good enough. I imagine very similar to the PC.

ltc

I would suggest the Flex.
http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...ROD&ProdID=246

Head over to the Concours and Car Care forum, Phil from Detailer's Domain (Rennlist site sponsor) has taken excellent care of Rennlist members/customers

Van1

Griots used to sell the Porter Cable for much more than you would spend else where. I think the unit that they sell now is a much cheaper made in China unit with their name slapped on it.

Go with the Porter Cable. It is a quality unit.

JPS

I think the kit I got from Coastal was about $130 including the polisher, larger backing pad, and counterweight. Got the pads from I think Lake City Pads

Black993

Picked up a PC from autogeek.net with Optimum polish pack, a few pads, and some microfibers for little over $200. You can't beat it, my car looks a million times better after some time with the PC

Chuck A.

Second on Phil from Detailers Domain. He's having a sale for Father's day (on Audiworld) that I'm assuming he'd honor for Rennlist members.

Stealth 993

The flex is a rotary with orbits, it can burn the paint, but it will take some work. It also doesn't vibrate as much as the PC. It does correct the paint faster then the PC. If you have a Aero kit, it will not work on the rear wing, the backing plate is solid, & it's got a low deck height.

The downside to the flex is it's heavy, & hard to get into smaller places. The PC is easier to use, but takes a lot longer to get the same results as the Flex.

I use all 3, a PC, a flex & a rotary, they all have their place. Really you can't go wrong with either one. Remember it's a process, you got to go & do all the steps to get the proper results.

simpsoap

would someone have a link to a site or list which would have the steps to achieve the most desirable finish?

quasr

Griot's all the way. Works like a charm... I like all their stuff.

clipstone

www.detailingworld.co.uk

Have a look at the guides section - there are some very well put together guides on using the PC, a rotary, and other more general stuff like claying etc.

Real wealth of knowledge on there.