Polisher Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Polisher Question
I just received a Griot's Garage polisher and there is a button on the top directly under the handle.
The instruction manual does not show it.
Does anyone who has such a machine know what this button is for?
I pushed it with machine off and nothing happened; I pushed it with machine running and it made a grinding noise.
Thank you for any help,
Kurt
The instruction manual does not show it.
Does anyone who has such a machine know what this button is for?
I pushed it with machine off and nothing happened; I pushed it with machine running and it made a grinding noise.
Thank you for any help,
Kurt
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Just tried that and it appears the shaft can't be locked to remove the backing plate. The Porter Cable can be removed with a wrench butit appears the Griots one does not come off. I just looked at both models as I am out in the garage playing with the Corvette.
The variable speed adjuster is on the end of the buffer numbered 1 to 6
I sent an e-mail to Griots asking what it is for.
Kurt
The variable speed adjuster is on the end of the buffer numbered 1 to 6
I sent an e-mail to Griots asking what it is for.
Kurt
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
Try calling Griot's and see what they have to say instead of guessing. You're probably not the first person to ask them. How do you like the polisher/buffer? I see them advertise it all the time, but I never have heard from an actual person that has used one.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
427-390,
Actually, I like it very much and I was using a Porter Cable previously.
In fact this weekend, I used them both simultaneously just to see the differences. Previously I was sold on the Porter Cable (a nice machine) but after using the Griots I prefer it. over the Porter Cable.
The Griot's seems to have a slightly better balance, but the two things I noticed immediately after using both all day was the Griots has the handle positioned differently and over the center of the machine rather than to the side like Porter Cable. The other big thing was that the surface that holds the pad on the Griots is very close to 6 inches while the Porter Cable base is 4 7/8 inches so with the Griots machine the pad doesn't overhang and rides flatter on the paint. The Griots also has a vent that blows the hot air away from the pad and the paint, the Porter does not but I don't know how much of a difference that makes.
All in all, I became converted from the Porter to the Griots. The Griots has a larger counterweight I think whihc balances it better.
Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
Actually, I like it very much and I was using a Porter Cable previously.
In fact this weekend, I used them both simultaneously just to see the differences. Previously I was sold on the Porter Cable (a nice machine) but after using the Griots I prefer it. over the Porter Cable.
The Griot's seems to have a slightly better balance, but the two things I noticed immediately after using both all day was the Griots has the handle positioned differently and over the center of the machine rather than to the side like Porter Cable. The other big thing was that the surface that holds the pad on the Griots is very close to 6 inches while the Porter Cable base is 4 7/8 inches so with the Griots machine the pad doesn't overhang and rides flatter on the paint. The Griots also has a vent that blows the hot air away from the pad and the paint, the Porter does not but I don't know how much of a difference that makes.
All in all, I became converted from the Porter to the Griots. The Griots has a larger counterweight I think whihc balances it better.
Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Just received an e-mail from Griot's saying the button I was asking about is used to hold the backing plate if I should ever want to remove it. I pushed it and it held nothing but maybe I sheared something off by pushing it while the buffer was running.
Ooops,,
Kurt
Ooops,,
Kurt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
This is how it should work. Apply slight pressure to the button while rotating backing plate by hand. Button should engage a slot in the shaft to lock the shaft allowing you to remove backing plate. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
Kurt: Yep this is exactly what mine does, so as to remove the backing pad. I received my Griots a couple of months ago and really like it. In reference to the backing pad...we will need new backing pads eventually
I say this, as I have a Ridged 6" sander with this same velcro set up, and the velcro does eventually go south
I've been through 2 backing pads on my Ridged. Nature of the beast I suppose. One last note: I betcha the Griots machine is built by Porter Cable to Griots spects! I say this as I was at a Maguires booth (Goodguys show) and they have nearly the same set up as the Griots. I asked them if it was a Porter Cable. He said it was, but the gearing was changed at Maguires tech spec's. Muddy
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
427-390,
Actually, I like it very much and I was using a Porter Cable previously.
In fact this weekend, I used them both simultaneously just to see the differences. Previously I was sold on the Porter Cable (a nice machine) but after using the Griots I prefer it. over the Porter Cable.
The Griot's seems to have a slightly better balance, but the two things I noticed immediately after using both all day was the Griots has the handle positioned differently and over the center of the machine rather than to the side like Porter Cable. The other big thing was that the surface that holds the pad on the Griots is very close to 6 inches while the Porter Cable base is 4 7/8 inches so with the Griots machine the pad doesn't overhang and rides flatter on the paint. The Griots also has a vent that blows the hot air away from the pad and the paint, the Porter does not but I don't know how much of a difference that makes.
All in all, I became converted from the Porter to the Griots. The Griots has a larger counterweight I think whihc balances it better.
Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
Actually, I like it very much and I was using a Porter Cable previously.
In fact this weekend, I used them both simultaneously just to see the differences. Previously I was sold on the Porter Cable (a nice machine) but after using the Griots I prefer it. over the Porter Cable.
The Griot's seems to have a slightly better balance, but the two things I noticed immediately after using both all day was the Griots has the handle positioned differently and over the center of the machine rather than to the side like Porter Cable. The other big thing was that the surface that holds the pad on the Griots is very close to 6 inches while the Porter Cable base is 4 7/8 inches so with the Griots machine the pad doesn't overhang and rides flatter on the paint. The Griots also has a vent that blows the hot air away from the pad and the paint, the Porter does not but I don't know how much of a difference that makes.
All in all, I became converted from the Porter to the Griots. The Griots has a larger counterweight I think whihc balances it better.
Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
ksbunting,
Thanks for giving me an overview. I'm walking the fence on buying a polisher/buffer. Right now I manually put the wax on a car and use an orbital buffer to remove the wax. If the PC or Griots machine can make the job easier and it comes out better, I think I know what to ask for on Christmas.
Thanks again!
