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Makita PO5000C forced-rotation for heavy compounding work, 5" backing plate
Griot's Garage G15 for compounding and polishing, 5" backing plate
Griot's Garage G8 for compounding and polishing, 3" backing plate
Proxxon 38660 rotary micro-polisher for compounding and polishing, 1" backing plate
I still have my trusty Porter Cable 7424XP polisher with a vented 5" backing plate on it. I usually bring that with me as a back-up in case one of the other machines dies.
Makita PO5000C forced-rotation for heavy compounding work, 5" backing plate
Griot's Garage G15 for compounding and polishing, 5" backing plate
Griot's Garage G8 for compounding and polishing, 3" backing plate
Proxxon 38660 rotary micro-polisher for compounding and polishing, 1" backing plate
I still have my trusty Porter Cable 7424XP polisher with a vented 5" backing plate on it. I usually bring that with me as a back-up in case one of the other machines dies.
Have a Griots BOSS21, FLEX 3401, Rupes LHR15 Mk2, Rupes LHR75 & Griots original 6" DA. Use the LHR15 Mk2 for the most part along with the LHR75 for smaller areas.
Cords don't really bother me so never went for the cordless units.
Cords never bothered me either, till a got a cordless.
I've given the cordless a try, the 'freedom' of the cordless was just never worth the cost of replacing a polisher that works so well for me like the LHR15. The only one I would consider is the HLR75 to replace the LHR75 but it's not so much that's it's cordless as it is that it's just so much more effective ergonomically than the larger LHR75. Goofy looking little thing but nice to use in tight areas.
I'm cheap and when the Griots had an anniversary sale on the G9, I purchased one. A point I like to make is to consider the pad you use. The Griots Red, black and orange pads all have very differnt results.
I used a Griots for quite a while, then on a tip from a pro detailer, told me to try the Bauer at HF. Figured for $80 what do I have to loose (cheaper with a coupon). I've been buffing cars for 40 years. Learned how reconditioning cars at a Ford lot as a kid. I'll say this with confidence. That $80 Bauer is all the buffer a hobbyist needs. I'm no pro, but I'd stack my skills against anyone here without pro training or worked significant time in a shop.
Rupes are very nice and zero doubt much more refined than that $80 Bauer, but unless you are a next NEXT lever pro detailer, 99% of us here would never know the difference in performance. When it breaks I'll toss it and buy another. They perform well beyond their price tag.
I am another that uses the Harbor Freight. I have been detailing and buffing cars for 40 years as a sideline income. I gave up on my old machines, (as most were very old technology) and bought the HF a few months ago, I am sure the more expensive units are as good or better, but are they 3 or 4 times better? I doubt it.
For an added plus, the pads that HF sells are not made in China, they get them from Germany and are some of the best I have used.
Jim
I am another that uses the Harbor Freight. I have been detailing and buffing cars for 40 years as a sideline income. I gave up on my old machines, (as most were very old technology) and bought the HF a few months ago, I am sure the more expensive units are as good or better, but are they 3 or 4 times better? I doubt it.
For an added plus, the pads that HF sells are not made in China, they get them from Germany and are some of the best I have used.
Jim
Thanks for the tip. We have a new HF opening up down the rd next week.
I also jumped to the HF machine. Used a Griots for years. Cousins son has a brick and mortar detail shop in a major city. Kid pulls 6 figures a year since he was 24. He has and uses all the top brands. When I went to him he recommended the HF machine. Like others have said, it's outstanding, especially given it's price point. Is a Rupes better, I've no doubt, but it isn't 9 times better. I'm sure I'd enjoy a cordless unit, but cords haven't annoyed me enough to pry the $$ from my wallet. If I were a pro I can see it, but just a few times a year the HF unit more than earns its keep.
I do have a Griots GR3 with extended arbors for tight areas that I really enjoy using.
