5 Orbitals Evaluated for you...
#16
Originally Posted by Raptor
SS: Thanks for taking time to post reviews. I use a PC but also put air outlets around my garage. The compressor is reasonably quiet, so I may look at the pneumatic unit. Is this the unit you suggested? http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10415
BTW, pretty hot out here this week, too.
BTW, pretty hot out here this week, too.
#17
Originally Posted by mastiffdog
Very nice job, thanks for taking the time to review them. I just bought the PC and liked it, seemed fool proof. I tried it out on the E55. I used One Grand Omega Glaze on the white sponge the PC came with, which is very very mild to start out (the paint was in good shape). Then I hand waxed it with PS21. This is my only orbital experience so far.
What source for the pads to you recommend? I am thinking about the Cyclo and that little pneumatic unit from Griots - I have air in my garage.
Also, not to steal the thread, but I just bought the CR Spotless, works pretty good, but it will be interesting to see how long the cartridges last me...another review for another day!
What source for the pads to you recommend? I am thinking about the Cyclo and that little pneumatic unit from Griots - I have air in my garage.
Also, not to steal the thread, but I just bought the CR Spotless, works pretty good, but it will be interesting to see how long the cartridges last me...another review for another day!
As for the pads, NYCA listed a good site for the German pads that are really tough, or Griots has some too.
CR Spotless, keep us posted on this, especially the longevity of the filter.
#20
Originally Posted by OCBen
Thanks for the informative thread and review!
I'm a rotary polisher guy myself - don't currently own an orbital. My favorite is the Makita 9227C professional model:
I'm a rotary polisher guy myself - don't currently own an orbital. My favorite is the Makita 9227C professional model:
#21
Really nicely done comparo. Thanks.
I think it would be very important for folks who use these or are thinking of using them to understand the significant difference between ORBITAL and RANDOM ORBITAL. Orbitals are typically high speed units used post-paint, to clean up nibs/fisheyes/flaws in paint. RO can be more lightly used for wax/polish application, and can be revved up to address problem spots too.
Amateurs can ruin a paint job with a high speed orbital, though an experienced pro can do wonders with either unit and the right materials. RO tends to give you great results with minimal swirls, assuming paint in decent condition.
PC/Griots RO units are really sweet. I have the PC and the Griots backer plates/pads for it, though I don't need it on the Porsche....other vehicles in the fleet do need it from time to time.
Thanks again, nice job.
I think it would be very important for folks who use these or are thinking of using them to understand the significant difference between ORBITAL and RANDOM ORBITAL. Orbitals are typically high speed units used post-paint, to clean up nibs/fisheyes/flaws in paint. RO can be more lightly used for wax/polish application, and can be revved up to address problem spots too.
Amateurs can ruin a paint job with a high speed orbital, though an experienced pro can do wonders with either unit and the right materials. RO tends to give you great results with minimal swirls, assuming paint in decent condition.
PC/Griots RO units are really sweet. I have the PC and the Griots backer plates/pads for it, though I don't need it on the Porsche....other vehicles in the fleet do need it from time to time.
Thanks again, nice job.
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Chief Plug Guy
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2022 GT3 Touring
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Eric
Chief Plug Guy
BumperPlugs.com
2022 GT3 Touring
2009 997 Turbo Cab
2018 M2 6sp
Gone but not forgotten
2004 C4S Cabriolet
1999 C2 Cab
#23
Originally Posted by Eric - Plug Guy
Amateurs can ruin a paint job with a high speed orbital, though an experienced pro can do wonders with either unit and the right materials. RO tends to give you great results with minimal swirls, assuming paint in decent condition.
An orbital, by definition, has the axis of the rotating pad revolving around the axis of the motor drive, in an "orbital" path. The rotary polisher, on the other hand, has the rotating pad driven by the shaft of the motor, pretty much like a grinder (see pic above of the Makita). Hence the damage that can result if used incorrectly by amateurs. But when used by pros, the results are unmatched.
#24
Originally Posted by 997 C2
Ben,
What pad do you use with your Makita?
What pad do you use with your Makita?
There might be better pads out there, but these work just fine for me.
#25
I'm impressed by how many of you use them. I've shied away for fear of damage to the finish. Of course that means hand work.
Do you feel that you get a better shine than hand application/buffing, or is it just easier?
Do you feel that you get a better shine than hand application/buffing, or is it just easier?
#26
Hey Ben,
You ought to try these pads the next time you need to order some:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10626
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10628
They are as durable as can be and the backing lasts for a very long time, even if you let them soak in your bucket.
allegretto - if you aren't using at least an orbital, then you are seroiusly missing out! Pick yourself up a Griots or Porter Cable orbital and you'll have an idiot proof way of making your paint look phenomenal! Rotaries can yeild better results and are faster to work with than the orbitals, but you can get in trouble with them if you aren't paying attention. With the Griots orbital you can lean into it with your full body weight sit in the same spot for 5 minutes with a orange pad (using Machine Polish 3) and do nothing more than end up with a super shiny spot! I know, I've seen someone do that in real life - try that with a rotary (DON'T).
You ought to try these pads the next time you need to order some:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10626
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10628
They are as durable as can be and the backing lasts for a very long time, even if you let them soak in your bucket.
allegretto - if you aren't using at least an orbital, then you are seroiusly missing out! Pick yourself up a Griots or Porter Cable orbital and you'll have an idiot proof way of making your paint look phenomenal! Rotaries can yeild better results and are faster to work with than the orbitals, but you can get in trouble with them if you aren't paying attention. With the Griots orbital you can lean into it with your full body weight sit in the same spot for 5 minutes with a orange pad (using Machine Polish 3) and do nothing more than end up with a super shiny spot! I know, I've seen someone do that in real life - try that with a rotary (DON'T).
#28
Originally Posted by ronmart
Hey Ben,
You ought to try these pads the next time you need to order some:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10626
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10628
They are as durable as can be and the backing lasts for a very long time, even if you let them soak in your bucket.
You ought to try these pads the next time you need to order some:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10626
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1004&SKU=10628
They are as durable as can be and the backing lasts for a very long time, even if you let them soak in your bucket.
#29
Originally Posted by OCBen
Thanks Ron, but those are too small for me. Those are 6 inch pads. I need the 8 inch ones for my Makita. Besides I can just pick the Meguiar's up at my local detail shop at a discount. (Btw, Meguiar's is headquartered here and you can pick up their products just about anywhere.)
#30
My appologies if this has been addressed before. For a newbbie that has never used a power polisher (I wax and Zaino my car by hand), and is scared stiff of marring the surface with a power tool, what recommendations you experienced detailer have for a SAFE (beginers) power polisher? Thanks.