gorilaFART

do you know if all ace hardware stores are an authorized porter cable repair center? or just the one near you?

MelYW

Thinking about the OP's question on "best bang for the buck"....why no mention of Harbor Freight's Dual Action Polisher that is $48 with the ever present 20% of coupon? (reg price is $80 but always on sale for $60).

If you google it, many people seem very satisfied w it. I would say that this is perfect for a beginner and for someone that is the occassional polisher.

Doubt I'd feel comfortable polishing my car more than once a year (and probably less) as you take a small amt of clear coat every time.

Downside maybe that some may want to replace the 6 inch backing plate with a 5 incher?

I have not picked up a PC as I havent wanted to dump $100+ on something I will rarely use. As another poster said, spend the dough on nicer pads and polish? Thoughts anyone?

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

You shouldn't need to really polish your paint even once a year after you fully correct it if you wash and dry it properly and do not add more swirls and scratches.

You can use your buffer to apply glazes, sealants, and waxes multiple times each year.

TUNG

iTrader: (2)

zmcgovern4 ^^ He's the man if you need help on what you need to get to detail your car.

Zach's a great help and would provide you with good information and knowledge of doing it!!

MelYW

[QUOTE=zmcgovern4;7718112]

The difference between "entry level" DA polishers (PC, meguiars, griot's) these days is pretty minimal, however the pad + product combination makes all of the difference! I think that should be your area of focus.

QUOTE]

^^ Thanks zmc, you were also the one I quoted on spend it on the pads and product....not the DA.

detailersdomain

iTrader: (3)

I would have to disagree the PC and the Griots are a very big difference, the Griot's has more power, same price, as well as a life time warranty against defects.

The pads do matter but the machine matters as well. We retired all of our PC 7424XP's for the better Griot's machine 2 years ago, our productivity increases, our corrections were better. That being said there is a new DA in town that trumps all of them the Rupes BigFoot series of orbital polishers. They are much more but they are worth every penny in the shop for the pro and the guy doing it on the side.

Again just an opinion from someone who does this just about everyday.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

I agree the polisher does matter very much... and to be honest, I didn't know the GG and PC were so closely matched in price. Given that they are the same price (or very similar depending on the site you are shopping on), the GG would be a great choice with it's additional power.

For the "average" car owner, that may need to use the polisher a handful of times per year, I don't think a $350 rupes unit is very reasonable. However if you've got the extra pocket change lying around - go for it! As the saying goes "you get what you pay for" and I've heard nothing but fantastic reviews on those machines.

Side note: Was cruising through your website and Facebook page the other day... you guys do great work! Keep it up!

detailersdomain

iTrader: (3)

thanks very much!

Mojo122

How does the Rupes compare to the Flex?

detailersdomain

iTrader: (3)

I favor the Rupes over the Flex.

If you are around come by and test them out for yourself.