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      10-22-2014, 06:48 PM   #1
zipphreak
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Dual action polisher?

Any one use a dual action polisher to apply polishes, glazes, waxes ?

What do you recommend for a 6" dual action polisher, Porter 7424xp, Griot Garage ?
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      10-22-2014, 10:33 PM   #2
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Been using one for over 10 years now to do compounds, polishes and AIO's. It is really the only way to get any kind of swirl marks out with a compound. I always do the last step (i.e. the top coat) by hand (I'm using Zanio).

I have a portal cable but forget the model number right now (like I said I bought it about 10 years ago).
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      10-23-2014, 01:15 PM   #3
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Been using the Griot's for years and years. They really stand behind the product. Porter is very popular as well. You won't go wrong on either.

I like the Griot's due to the selection of items to use with it--but all the finer product & pad lines are made to use with any good orbital....it's all personal choice.
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      10-23-2014, 03:04 PM   #4
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Yah I have the black sapphire metallic, and I know investing in a good dual action polisher will be wise. Will save my arm from all that hand buffing Plus one more tool will not hurt, right?
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      10-24-2014, 05:36 PM   #5
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I use a 6" dual action polisher from Griots Garage. Does everything I want from it and is well built. It cuts down the amount of time spent detailing by more than half!
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      10-24-2014, 08:04 PM   #6
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I'm between the Porter Cable 7424XP and the Griot Garage 6". They both have great reviews between the two.

What brand polishes and waxes are you guys using? Chemical Guys, Pinnacle, Wolfgang, Meguires, Mothers, etc..
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      11-11-2014, 10:25 PM   #7
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Same as the other guys here - I own a PC 7424xp. Great tool and fun to learn with. Best part of a DA - you have to work VERY hard to do permanent damage (they are designed to not allow the level of repairs that rotary devices can).

Porter Cable or Griots work fine. You will find that the pads, polishes, and methods are more important. Name brands, levels of cut, microfiber v. wool, etc.
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      11-30-2014, 11:15 PM   #8
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Flex is the best dual action there is. I used to detail cars and have used the pc as well - honestly no comparison between the two, flex spins at a much faster rate thus correcting the paint more.
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      12-01-2014, 07:19 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zipphreak View Post
Yah I have the black sapphire metallic, and I know investing in a good dual action polisher will be wise. Will save my arm from all that hand buffing Plus one more tool will not hurt, right?
If you don't have swirls and the car is relatively new then I don't see why you need an electric (pneumatic) polisher.
Wash and hand wax should be able to keep your paint perfect.
As far as ease of buffing, a car the size of a 2-series is absurdly easy to buff out by hand if using the products I use.

Environmental (fallout) factors?
How often do you plan to take a polisher to the paint?
Maybe you should get a polisher, though you can maintain impeccable paint by hand.
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      12-01-2014, 08:29 AM   #10
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It's a lot safer to use a dual action polisher, and if you do a 3 step system (polish, glaze, wax/sealant) it's quicker with a machine.

Also electric and pneumatic (= air) are two different things.
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      12-01-2014, 12:00 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zipphreak View Post
It's a lot safer to use a dual action polisher, and if you do a 3 step system (polish, glaze, wax/sealant) it's quicker with a machine.

Also electric and pneumatic (= air) are two different things.

You think a dual action polisher is safer then hand application?

I really like hand application.

I mention pneumatic because I think it's nice having compressed air for drying and dusting when detailing, also for interior vacuuming and dusting compressed air works great.
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      12-01-2014, 01:39 PM   #12
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I use a Porter Cable (forget the model) and normally pair it with Adams polish/wax. The PC isn't the most powerful, but I promise you won't hurt the paint using it. A new car with proper washing procedures should never really need heavy correction anyway.
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      12-01-2014, 03:21 PM   #13
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has anyone tried the meguiar's da power tool system? it's basically a da polisher without a motor that you attach to a drill. i just bought it but haven't tried it yet.
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      12-01-2014, 06:38 PM   #14
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Dual actions are extremely safe for the paint.. I've seen many videos of people stopping these on their bare hand with no issues. If it's safe for skin, i'm sure paint will be fine..

The key is cleanliness, if the paint is really dirty and you are polishing that around it will cause issues. Always start with a nice hand wash, microfiber wash mitt, separate buckets for rinsing, and then maybe some clay if you've really neglected it.

Check out Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0, it's supposed to be one of the best winter sealants around.
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      12-02-2014, 10:40 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Sud View Post
Flex is the best dual action there is. I used to detail cars and have used the pc as well - honestly no comparison between the two, flex spins at a much faster rate thus correcting the paint more.
The Flex is a great tool, but it's forced rotation. A little less user friendly and forgiving for a novice.

You can get great results with a Porter Cable or Griot's.
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      12-10-2014, 09:18 AM   #16
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Dual action polishers are not just for heavy correction. If you want to keep you paint looking good, using glazes, light polishes, sealants that are just for shine/protection.
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      12-10-2014, 09:29 AM   #17
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OP - I suggest you get on autogeek.net or detailedimage and start reading up.

There is a ton of information that needs to be absorbed to decide what you really want.

I personally own a PC 7424 and a Makita 9772c Rotary. Both have their places for paint correction but you'll be good 95% of the time with a PC
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      12-10-2014, 07:58 PM   #18
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I did end up getting a PC 7424 , 6.5" LC CCS Pads, and 4" LC Spot Buff Pads.

I have a few different sealants to play with, but the one i'm most excited about is Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0.

Gotta finish hanging some more fluorescent lights in the garage for some better lightning first..

Autogeek has a great amount of knowledge. Along with there sister site autopia care care. Can always find free shipping between one of them,they are owned by the same company.
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      12-16-2014, 10:04 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zipphreak View Post
I did end up getting a PC 7424 , 6.5" LC CCS Pads, and 4" LC Spot Buff Pads.

I have a few different sealants to play with, but the one i'm most excited about is Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0.

Gotta finish hanging some more fluorescent lights in the garage for some better lightning first..

Autogeek has a great amount of knowledge. Along with there sister site autopia care care. Can always find free shipping between one of them,they are owned by the same company.
Congrats, they are interesting to work with. A lot of fun to learn as well. After 5 years, when I sold my Audi, the paint still looked like new.

Good to see you found the forums, there are a lot of good detailers with advice on there. If you ever want pro advice (like when two methods are presented and need honest advice) - I would ask Phil at Detailer Domain. They are a sponsor here and he actually responds to PMs and emails.
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