Looking for good starter kit.. polisher, wax, pads etc. to get started on polishing my cars.
Car 1 - Red C6
Car 2 - Black Challenger
Car 3 - Blue Lexus

I've been using autozone/pep boys for years, and figure it is time to step up a notch.

 

Choosing the best machine polisher for your needs is a daunting task. There are many terms associated with machine polishing and the types of polishers that for a novice it is often overwhelming: D/A, circular, defects, jeweling, pads, rpm, pressure, speed, opm, rotary, forced rotation, orbital, passes, two mode, variable speed, ETC.

Choosing the best polisher requires answering a couple of questions.
-One, how much experience do you have or do you have any prior experience machine polishing?
-Two, what are you looking to accomplish by machine polishing?
-Three, how frequently will you be machine polishing your car.
-Four, how much time are you willing to invest in machine polishing.

What is a machine polisher and what is it used for? For automotive use, a machine polisher is a tool that moves a media (polishing pad, applicator, sand paper) against a surface (paint, glass, metal). Machine polishers, when used on paint, are used to increase the appearance of the paint by working an abrasive polish against the paint or applying a thin layer of wax or sealant.

What are the different types of machine polishers? Machine polishers are defined by the type of movement or action the machines produce. Orbital polishers are single action machines, meaning they move in one repeating direction, and mimic the tight circles of a hand. Rotary polishers are also single action machines, but act to spin the pad at a high rate. In between an Orbital Polisher and a Rotary Polisher is a Dual-Action Polisher. These polishers combine the tight circles of an Orbital Polisher with the spinning motion of a Rotary Polisher. Dual-Action Polishers can be random in nature, that is the spinning of the pad is controlled by physics, or forced rotation, where the pad is mechanically driven to spin.


Orbital Polisher




Orbital Polishers mimic the motion of hand polishing. This older style of polishers are difficult to find and often lack the power necessary to polish the surface and remove paint defects , although they work well for applying and removing gloss enhancing glazes, sealants, and waxes. These polishers are available at most parts stores and outlets.


Random Orbital Polisher





Random Orbital Polishers such as the Porter Cable 7242XP and Meguiar's G110 are dual-action polishers that combine the movement of an orbital machine with the spinning motion of a rotary polisher. The speed of the polisher is rated in orbits per minute or OPM and is variable via a selector dial; This gives Random Orbital Polishers the ability to effectively polish the paint as well as apply waxes and sealants.

The pad is not forced to spin; the machine only controls the orbit of the pad. Instead the momentum created by the high speed orbital motion causes the pad to rotate in the same direction as the orbit. There is no direct link, making these polishers very safe for novices. The combined motion creates a curly-q pattern the pattern that is 'm' shaped. The pattern is infinitely variable depending on the number of orbits that occur during the rotation of the pad. This is a factor of the stroke length, the pad size, and how much grip the the pad has to the surface. This variable constantly changes pad is moved across the paint's surface creating a truly 'random' pattern.

Using a smaller diameter pad or a pad with a stiffer structure will allow the pad to spin at a faster rate allowing the machine create a powerful polishing motion.

Advantages: Random Orbital Polishers feature interchangeable backing plates which allow the mounting of various polishing pads and polishing pad sizes, as well as carpet brushes and other accessories. Variable speeds make Random Orbital Polishers very versatile and well suited to polishing away paint defects and applying waxes and sealants.

Disadvantages: Random Orbital Polishers lack the power to remove large amounts of paint quickly, limiting their effectiveness when polishing out significant damage.

Bottom Line: Random Orbital Polishers safely produce good results for beginner polishers. There is a slight learning curve to learning this polisher, as an increase in experience and using different techniques and polishes will allow these style polishers to produce amazing results. It is easy to learn and challenging to master.


Forced Rotation Dual-Action Orbital Polisher





Forced Rotation Polishers such as the Flex XC3401 VRG or the Makita Two Mode are Dual-Action Polishers which combine the motions of the orbital and rotary polisher. The difference between these (forced rotation) polishers and Random Orbital Polishers, is that these polishers drive both the orbit and the rotation of the pad.

The forced rotation of the pad marginally increases the risk of damaging the paint from heat build up or from the the edge of the pad contacting the paint. However the motion of the machine still makes it a very safe choice and ideal for novices. The number of orbits is directly related to the number of rotations of the pad, therefore the pattern the machine produces is not random. A gear drive forces the pad to rotate in the opposite direction of the orbit creating a pattern that is the inverse of a Random Orbital Polishers; A 'w' pattern.

The increased power of Forced Rotation Dual-Action Orbital Polishers gives them an advantage in polishing power over their Random Orbital counterparts in most circumstances. While they are slightly more difficult to control because the forced rotation will drive the machine across the paint, the repeating pattern of the machine allows beginning polishers to achieve near optimum results from the get go.

Advantages: The increased power and forced rotation will allow these polishers to produce results faster then a Random Orbital Polisher in most cases. The fixed pattern of movement makes microscopic marring difficult to see, eliminating visible holograms in most cases. Can be used to polish out paint defects as well as apply glazes, sealants, and waxes.

Disadvantages: Forced Rotation Dual-Action Polishers do not feature traditional backing plates that be exchanged for other sizes. The fixed rate of rotations per orbit can limit the power of these polishers in certain circumstances.

Bottom Line: While slightly more difficult to control, Forced Rotation Dual-Action Polishers are ideal for beginners because they produce more consistent results regardless of inconsistencies in technique. The orbital/rotary motion greatly reduces the risk of creating buffer trails, allowing for more consistent finishes on the paint.


Rotary Polishers





Rotary Polishers are sometimes referred to as circular or high-speed polishers because they spin the pad at high rate. This direct polishing action eliminates all variables associated with Orbital or Dual-Action Polishers. The direct spinning action of the pad creates more friction on the paint resulting in an increase of surface tempature. The power and motion of the machine increases the risk of damaging the paint in the hands of less experienced users.

Rotary polishers require more time to learn, but those who use them will tell you that it is time well spent. The power and direct control of the machine allows the artists who use these machines to create some of the most perfect paint surfaces in the world. Rotary polishers break down polishes (particularly traditional polishes) in the most even and efficient manner, and the speed which they polish cannot be matched with the other styles of machines. Nothing has the potential to create stunning finishes and remove severe damage faster then a rotary polisher.

Advantages: Rotary polishers are the most powerful polishers and are capable at removing defects quickly and efficiently. The direct motion of the machine gives the user infinite control over the polishing action, allowing experienced users to create stunning finishes.

Disadvantages: Rotary polishers produce a repeating pattern as they work against the paint which increases the risk for damage and creates microscopic scratches known as holograms that are visible on some paints. These polishes possibly offer the highest potential but require the most experience to achieve that potential The spinning motion is not ideal for applying waxes or sealants.

Bottom Line: Rotary polishers are ideal for those who have the time to learn the machine. The users experience and skill is directly responsible for the results achieved, which can be a benefit or a negative depending on who is viewing it.



Angelo
Email me at Angelo.g@properautocare.com
Toll Free 1-800-628-7596

 

The Porter Cable 7424XP, the Meguiars G110V2, the Flex XC3401 VRG, and Makita BO6040 polishers are just a few of the polishers in our inventory. We also have developed various kits using these polishers, along with Lake Country and Meguiars polishing/buffing pads.

The Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital Polisher is simply a wonderful machine. It doesn't matter if you're a first time user or a skilled enthusiast, this machine will give you professional-looking results the very first time you use it.
The 7424XP Polisher is easy to use and safe for all fiberglass, metal, paint and clear coat finishes. It will not create swirls and can not harm or remove paint or clear coats.
It will allow you to apply a polish and liquid wax or sealant in a fraction of the time it would take by hand and create an unbelievable shine.

There are now a number of Chinese-made polishers being imported to compete with the Porter Cable 7424XP. We have elected to stay with the time-tested, Porter Cable machine. The Porter Cable 7424XP is UL Approved, has a neutral balance, very little vibration for fatigue-free polishing and the adaptability of changing the counterweight to facilitate larger pads.
With tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of machines in use, the Porter Cable 7424XP has withstood the test of time and become a detailing icon.

The Meguiars G-110V2 weighs in at 5.5 lbs, comes with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate and has a 4.2 amp motor. It has a speed range Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.

The Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine.
With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern.
Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating.
This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power.

So, if you need a polisher, we have the polisher for you!

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The new Porter Cable 7424XP creates a professional shine in half the time!
Not content to rest on their laurels, the engineers at Porter Cable have taken their best-selling, dual-action polisher, the 7424, and made it into a super-polisher! The new Porter Cable 7424XP incorporates a beefed-up, 4.5 amp, motor, a wider speed range, improved ergonomics and a heftier on/off switch. While each change is small, the net result is a wonderfully well-balanced, comfortable-to-use polisher that now has the power to tackle virtually any detailing task. What hasn't changed is the random, swirl-free polishing action that will not scratch or burn the paint or clear coat and the field-proven mechanism that has earned the reputation of being bulletproof.




Tech Note: Technically, this polisher is classified as an orbital polisher. It is designed to safely apply polish and wax in a manner similar to hand application. It minutes, it creates a mirror-like finish and shine that would otherwise take hours of hand labor. It will not create swirls or remove your car's clear coat finish.

The pad does not rotate in the conventional sense, it oscillates. This "jiggling" occurs at such a high rate that the eye can not see any pad movement. This is normal. This is the way the polisher is designed to work. This polisher is not designed for heavy compounding and may not fully remove scratches, deep swirls or paint imperfections. To completely remove swirls and scratches, consider a professional, circular polisher such as the Makita 9227, or DeWalt 849.

This is the stock machine as it comes from Porter Cable. It has one medium density white pad which is permanently attached to a backing plate. The single white pad supplied with the polisher may be sufficient for the week-end enthusiast but its not enough flexibility for the serious detailer nor does it allow you to use any of our hook and loop backed accessory pads.

Should you decide to upgrade this machine to use any of our 6-1/2 inch or 7-1/2 inch Constant Pressure, Foam Pads, all you need is a 6 inch, Hook and Loop Backing Plate.


For more flexibility, see our 7424XP Ultimate Detailing Machine. While slightly more expensive, this machine comes with a 6 inch Hook and Loop Backing Plate and one CCS, White Foam Polishing Pad. This hook and loop backing plate allows you to use any of our hook and loop backed foam polishing and finishing pads.

7424XP Features & Specifications

* 4.5 amp motor, 120 VAC 50-60 HZ
* Variable Speed 2,500 - 6,800 O.P.M.
* Random, swirl-free action
* 100% ball and roller bearing construction
* Spindle thread size - 5/16-24
* One white foam polishing pad (permanently attached to the backing plate)
* pad changing wrench and side handle included
* Length 11-1/2 inches
* Weight 5-3/4 lbs.

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The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher gives detailing enthusiasts more power, more control, and more comfort. It has never been easier for car owners to create a legendary showroom shine. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher features a unique "cruise control" which prevents the machine from bogging, allowing the user to achieve better results, faster. Compared to previous generations of random orbital polishers, the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is way up on results and way down on time wasted.




The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a random orbital polisher that features a perfect 5/16th stroke. This physics of this powerful "stroke" cause the pad to rotate freely, creating a more perfect finish. Because the pad spins freely, and is not directly driven making this type of polisher extremely safe. And while enthusiast love this polisher for its safe power delivery, many professional detailers love it for its efficiency. It allows you to polish the paint to a high gloss, in less time, without fear of rotary buffer swirls!Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher

Features:

* Amps: 4.2
* OPMs: 1800 - 6800
* Thread Size: 5/16" x 24
* Weight: 5.5 lbs (without backing plate and handle)
* Noise: 55 dB
* Cord Length: 10.3 ft.
* Multi-position bail handle
* Soft-touch finish
* Meguiar's carry bag included
* Warranty: 1 year from Meguiar's

While torque, amp, and voltage readings seem to be mostly publicized figures today regarding orbital polishers, they far from tell the "truth". Meguiar’s G110 V2 was designed by professional car enthusiast for car enthusiast and no attention to detail was spared. The counter weight is placed close to the drive, for less vertical deflection and a smoother feel. The "cruise control" feature prevents the motor from bogging, and a more efficient design delivers more of the power to road. The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is the most efficient random orbital polisher we have tested. Like Porsche proved to the world, it’s not all about the numbers!

The power dial of the Meguiar’s G110 V2 is mounted at the rear of the polisher, next to the super long power cord. The power has been perfectly tuned to the dial; gone is the rapid jumps in speed that would occur between different speed settings. Speed 1 starts at 1800 Orbits Per Minute (OPM) and each higher number is 1000 OPM higher in speed, topping at 6800 OPM at speed 6.

The Meguiar’s G110 V2 is packaged in a beautiful stitched Meguiar’s bag equipped with a W68DA Softbuff 2.0 Flexible Soft Backing Plate, a bale handle, and a replacement set of maintenance brushes. The body is covered in synthetic soft-touch material that is a treat to hold and the housing is made of metal. Just holding the polisher lets you know it is built to a different standard. Turning it on and using on paint confirms the feel: The Meguiar’s G110 V2 Dual Action Polisher is a serious defect removing paint polisher, from a name you can trust in car care.

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This Flex XC3401VRG is a true dual-action machine. There's a huge difference between the two. With the Porter Cable 7424, the pads do not rotate, they oscillate, or jiggle, in a random pattern designed to simulate hand application. The "throw" or amount of "jiggle" is not disclosed by Porter Cable but it is very, very small. With the Flex XC3401VRG, the pads do have a forced circular motion, they rotate or "cut". Plus, as the pads rotate, they oscillate, or move, in a random pattern. Hence the name, dual action. One action is the circular rotation and the second action is the random movement of the pad while it is rotating. This random oscillation also has a exceptionally "long throw" of 8 mm. The forced circular pad rotation coupled with the long throw of the oscillations give the Flex considerably more cutting power than the Porter Cable 7424. In fact, after spending an afternoon with this machine, I feel it will do 90% of what a pure circular polisher can do with the safety of the random oscillations to prevent swirls. A case of having your cake and eating it too!
The Flex XC3401VRG has a bale-style handle which puts your hands at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position which most professionals prefer. This gives you an even weight distribution between your hands, making the polisher less fatiguing when used for long periods. A six position speed control allows you to limit rpm's between 160 rpm and 480 rpm. Under the speed control, a variable speed trigger allows you to feather the oscillations per minute (OPM's) up to the maximum set by the speed dial. A very nice touch for keeping the rpm's low for applying waxes and sealants which you normally can not apply with a circular polisher.






Speed Control Note: Since the Flex XC3401VRG has a forced circular motion, every speed setting is slightly more powerful when compared to the Porter Cable 7424. If you are stepping up from a 7424, we recommend starting one speed setting lower than you would with the 7424. In other words, If you typically polish in a speed range of 3 to 4 with the 7424, start with a speed range of 2-3 with the Flex. You can always increase the speed if you need more cutting power.

This machine has a very solid "feel", like it could operate all day without stopping (which it probably does in some plants). It never feels strained or "near the edge". Feature wise, the Flex XC3401VGR is one of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet. It features a seven function microprocessor to insure consistent speed, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection and temperature monitoring. Auto shut-off carbon brushes automatically shut off the motor when they wear down to prevent motor damage. A 13 foot power cord allows you to work around most vehicles and the machine comes with a one year warranty through service centers across the US.

The machine comes with a 5-1/2 inch padded backing plat that is not changeable but will accommodate all of our 6-1/2 inch and 7-1/2 inch pads.

Specifications:

Motor Amps 7.5
Rotary RPM: 160-480
Orbital OPM: 3200-9600
Recommended pad size 6.5" - 7.5"
5.5 inch Velcro® backing plate included (not changeable)
Weight 5.75 lbs
Warranty 1 year

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This is the safest circular polisher I know of making it great for enthusiasts with limited machine experience.
The BO6040 features a heat resistant grip and front pad for the "fore and aft" grip preferred by professionals. (There is no side handle.) This polisher also comes with a high quality, flexible 6 inch Hook and Loop Backing Plate and a carrying case but does not come with any pads.







Features & Specifications

* Variable speed 1,600-5,800 OPM; 180-670RPM
* Dual mode selector for "random orbit" and "random orbit with rotation"
* One year factory warranty.
* Rubberized palm grip for comfortable operation..
* Double insulated.
* 6 inch Hook-and-Loop Backing Plate included.
* Spindle thread 5/8 x 11
* 6.6 amp heavy duty motor.
* Overall length 12-1/2 inches.
* Overall weight 5.9 lbs.

This unit comes with a one year factory warranty through any authorized Makita Service Center ( listed on the back of the owners manual).

Anymore information please be free to call me at ProperAutoCare.



Angelo
Email me at Angelo.g@properautocare.com
Toll Free 1-800-628-7596

 

Take a look below at the tables we've created explaining each polishing pad and we believe you will get clarity on some of your polishing pad questions.

Have you ever wanted to see each of the Lake Country Pads compare to each other in one place? Check out this handy Polishing Pad Chart that lists the main Lake Country Pads, Kompressor, CCS, and OEM, and their colors. The table shows how the surface is designed, type of machine they are best used with, and the sizes available.



This Polishing Pad Comparison Chart compares Lake Country's pads to the Meguiar's pads. You can see how the Lake Country foams compare to Meguiar's Mirror Glaze and Solo1 foam pads. It also compares Lake Country's Foamed Wool and Twisted Wool pads to the Solo1 wool pads.



Take a look each foam type close up. These foams are listed in order if most aggressive to least aggressive.

Purple Super Cut Heavy Compounding Pad can be used in place of wool pads, and is only available in the Kompressor pad.



Yellow Cutting and Compounding Pad has less cut than the purple pad, and is used with cutting compounds and polishes used to remove paint defects.



This Orange Power Pad is great for removing moderate to severe defects using the right polishes without leaving a haze.



White Polishing Pads are great for general polishing and cleaning, and used with the right polish can remove minor swirl marks.



Use the Green Polishing Pad for all-in-one polishes and protectants.



The Black Foam is ideal for ideal for last-step polishing or finessing to really bring out the shine in the paint.



This Red Finishing Foam is ideal for final machine polishing on soft paint, and can also be used to apply liquid waxes and sealants.



Gold Concours Finishing Foam is the softest foam available and is best for applying final waxes and sealants.



This chart should help one out on the selection of pad to use........Angelo




Angelo
Email me at Angelo.g@properautocare.com
Toll Free 1-800-628-7596

 

Here is another chart for you:








Angelo
Email me at Angelo.g@properautocare.com
Toll Free 1-800-628-7596

 

Sometimes it may seem harder than it has to be in order to pick a great buffer or buffer kit. The first thing to decide is the budget as this will dictate what you are able to purchase. Most Random Orbital Buffers (PC-XP, Megs, Griots, Flex) have come such a long way in design and power they can really get the job done even in the hands of the weekend detailer. They are darn easy to use too.

It then comes down to the polishes needed. Right now there is really only three choices in polishes and all are two-step systems. Menzerna is probably the forum leader because they are so darn easy to use. Menzerna SIP and Nano are extremely popular and for good reason. Our own Wolfgang 3.0 polishes (TSR and FG) are made in conjunction with Menzerna and use the same diminishing abrasives. The final choice is the always popular Meguiars 105 and 205 polishes. They use non-diminishing abrasives so they continue to cut and remove defects at the same level start to finish.

The final deal is to decide on the type of pads used and sizing. If you choose most of the buffers (PC, Megs, Griots) you can usually find 5.5 inch pads seal the deal , I prefer flat pads personally, and you just need to remember to add a 5 inch flexible backing plate. Now if you choose the most powerful buffer, the Flex, because of its fixed backing plate you'll want to focus on 6.5 inch pads. Dont worry however, this buffer excels and is considered the Cadillac of buffers currently.

If you need some help with purchase, consider calling in to us tomorrow. Its toll-free in Continental US and we aim to help and point you in right direction, including video's to help you feel comfort in using a buffer. We currently have a sale going that should afford discount on other items needed, and free product with purchase over 95.00. Add into it we offer a price match guarantee and we should be able to really help make shopping and your detailing experiences wonderful. If I can help more, please PM me.


http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html (orbitals are on first three rows)
http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html (basic info and a video)

 

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-polisher.html

(must read article)

 

Thanks for the reply.. what is the typical life on pads? I would like to get everything I need to knock off all 3 cars for my next vaca week.


Leaning towards the flex for the polisher.. looks good

 

The Flex will have you satisfied for years to come, its the best of the random orbitals and for good reason. With the pads, remember to clean them well and store them properly (I use ziplock baggies) and you'll have pads for many details (10+) and years to come. I would suggest a minimum of 2 of each per car being detailed on same day. Our DP Pad Rejunivator is the best option for cleaning, and you can mix up as little or much as wanted. Soak the pads, rinse, and then allow to dry prior to the baggies.

 

The Flex is a great polisher because it is easier to achieve great results with then other polisher designs right off the bat.

It's biggest advantage is that it is not a random orbital dual-action polisher but rather a forced rotation dual-action polisher. A random orbital relies on centrifugal force to make the pad spin (the machine just jiggles) where as the forced rotation Flex will directly drives the pad to spin.

It is certainly more expensive but it allows beginners to achieve near professional results almost immediately. There is a slight learning curve to using it, as it will 'steer' itself over the paint, but start at a lower speed and remember to add a little pressure to keep the pad evenly pressed on the paint.

 

Having used the Porter Cable and Flex, I can HIGHLY recommend the Flex. It makes the job much easier.

I have had great success with the Meguiar's 105/205 for getting the car in shape to put a sealant. Using a clay bar is an absolute must first.

For a sealant (last step), Wolfgang or Blackfire seem great.

 

http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html

The most popular kits are the Wolfgang, Menzerna and Megs kits. I might also suggest grabbing the buffer and then adding each item you desire seperately. That way you can get the amount of pads, polishes, and sealant you desire. If you need help we are open today and looking to help you. You can also PM me thru weekend as needed too. Best of luck, and cannot wait to see/hear your Flex results.

 

Big thanks to Autogeek!!!

I polished/waxed two cars in two days with my new Flex. The results were outstanding. . For a beginner, I strongly recommend the Flex.. Top notch results and a great product.

 

thanks for the kudo's ... we truly try to make you successful in detailing and have some fun at it too. Its more than just a product or two, its can be several that work together in unison. Thanks again