[Junkman2008]

The title asks the question and this video will give you a DEFINITIVE answer. After watching this video, you will have a complete understanding of how safe it is to use a CERTAIN TYPE (orbital) of polisher on your paint.

Do NOT read this part until you watch the video, or you will end up confused on what these paragraphs explain.


To reiterate on what I covered in this video. I showed you 3-DIFFERENT POLISHERS:

1. A ROTARY polisher.

2. A DUAL-ACTION polisher. (the orbital AND rotary actions are BY DESIGN, using gears). This polisher performs TWO actions, and both actions are FORCED by design. Neither action can be stopped.

3. A ORBITAL sander/polisher: The PC-7424XP was NOT designed to repair paint. It was designed to work on WOOD. However, if used with a PROPER TECHNIQUE, this device WILL repair paint damage. It takes longer than the other two polishers to fix paint, but it is MUCH SAFER to use on your paint.

The mechanism that makes the pad turn is technically known as the "free-floating spindle assembly". That is why I was able to freely turn the pad with my hand. That is what the free floating spindle assembly allows. So technically, this is why that polisher is called a ORBITAL polisher/sander, NOT A DUAL-ACTION machine.

The reason that the PC-7424XP is NOT a dual-action machine, even though it has an orbital and a rotary action, is because the rotary action IS NOT TRUE. In other words, the rotary action is NOT by design. The polisher was not designed to rotate in a perfect circle, the way a rotary polisher does.

The rotary action happens as an offshoot of the ORBITAL action. In other words, the rotary action starts to happen because of how the orbital action is created, but when you apply enough PRESSURE, the ROTARY ACTION comes to a STOP. Thus, the rotary action IS NOT TRUE, nor is it by design. It is a momentum reaction due to the design of the orbital action, which is TECHNICALLY caused by the design of the free floating spindle assembly. I just said the same thing TWICE, using two different descriptions.

The free floating spindle assemble describes the mechanical action that turns the pad in a orbital direction.

[arucano]

Did you change the counterweight? I have both the Porter Cable and the Griot's random orbital. I have had no problem with the PC. if it is not rotating the pad, you are pressing too hard. The other one I use stalls out easier than the PC. The stroke is small but it just gives you more time to "enjoy" your caring for your ride.

[Junkman2008]

I actually cover this question in my Machine Detailing for Novices thread. No, I didn't have to change the counterweight at all. Additionally, the Griot's polisher is a EXCELLENT polisher that I have NO issues with. If yours is stopping, then you are definitely applying too much pressure. Who's buffing technique are you using?

[cbpip]

I've been using a Cyclo dual head orbital polisher for years. Originally made for polishing Airstream trailers. Does an amazing job with little worrying of burning your paints clear coat. Also, a 6" direct drive orbital polisher.

[Junkman2008]

I never did like those polishers. They seemed like more of a gimmick than being worth anything.

[cbpip]

Work very well and no swirl marks, not a gimmick. If you haven't tried one you might like it. They are gear driven so they don’t slow or stop like the PC which i also have but rarely ever use anymore.

[Junkman2008]

They sent me one about 10-years ago when they first came out. I finally gave it away.

[cbpip]

The Cyclo dual head polishers have been around since the 1952 and were manufactured by Cyclo Toolmakers in Denver, CO. Acquired in 2015 by Rupes. So maybe one of the ones manufactured after the buy out.

The one I use is vintage pre Rupes. Don't know if the changed their make up characteristics.

[dudley@07726]

I use the PC to apply the wax. I take it off by hand. Been using it for years without issue.

[Junkman2008]

The PC's are built like a rock. I still have both the regular one and the upgraded one and have never had an issue out of either one of them. That is a solid orbital machine.

[omgzirra_exe]

huge fan of the PC when you mod it, but these days the HERCULES 8 Amp 6 in. Forced Rotation Dual-Action Polisher is a great buy also for $100.

[cbpip]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

huge fan of the PC when you mod it, but these days the HERCULES 8 Amp 6 in. Forced Rotation Dual-Action Polisher is a great buy also for $100.

+1 on the Hercules Forced Rotation polisher. Goes on sale for 89.00 quite often , plus a 25% coupon from Harbor freight.

[Junkman2008]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

huge fan of the PC when you mod it, but these days the HERCULES 8 Amp 6 in. Forced Rotation Dual-Action Polisher is a great buy also for $100.

You can't compare the PC to the HERCULES because they are,completely different machines. The HERCULES is comparable to the Flex XC 3401VRG. Both are dual-action polishers with forced rotation. As a matter of fact, the backplate on the Flex will fit the HERCULES. The HERCULES is basically a poor man's Flex.

I have a Flex so I don't need another forced rotation machine but it does appear to be a nice machine, especially given the price. The only downside is that it is sold at the Chinese Cheesecake Factory. But if I was on a budget or wasn't planning on putting a lot of miles on a polisher, AND I was skilled enough to use a forced rotation machine, I would definitely look at the HERCULES. I'd like to hear from someone who has put a lot of miles on one but as far as quality is concerned, the Flex is a better quality machine.

[cbpip]

Review of the Hercules vs Flex . Flex 3x cost of the Hercules. Pay for what you receive as the saying goes. However, the Hercules will be quite sufficient for a DIYer for basically the same machine in terms of capabilities. Buy once, cry once maybe. I went with Hercules from a DIY stand point and saved some coin.

[Junkman2008]

The Flex also has a very nice warranty. I had my fixed for free a few years ago. You get what you pay for.

[cbpip]

For the DIYer the Hercules is a no brainer for the cost difference. Watch and read the reviews for over a year of individuals with positive results. Unbiased and unsolicited.

[Junkman2008]

I would feel better about that polisher if it was sold at Walmart instead of the Chinese Cheesecake Factory. I am by no means and in any way one who is knowledgeable about that polisher because I have never used one but I KNOW what they sell, and the quality of most of the stuff they sell at that place. With all that said, it looks so much like a Flex that I would probably shoot my shot with it and keep my fingers crossed.

The most important thing about that polisher is that a NOVICE needs to understand how dangerous that polisher can be, compared to a ORBITAL polisher, which is the ONLY polisher that I would recommend a novice pick up. A DUAL-ACTION polisher is NOT something a beginner should be using on their paint. Anyone who thinks that is a good idea should be willing to allow a novice to try that polisher out on THEIR car, NOT the novices car. I bet you won't find any takers on that.

[cbpip]

A DIYer isn't necessarily a novice in taking care of their own equipment and vehicles. I agree with you that getting in to deep using something you're unfamiliar with could be problematic as with most anything. You asked for reviews from long time users and were provided some aside from from myself. Not a novice, BTW been doing muti-stage paint correction for years. Everyone starts at the bottom willing to learn and make mistakes. Progression is what your comfort level allows.

[Junkman2008]

There's a BIG difference between someone who knows what they are doing and stepping up their game, compared to someone who doesn't have A CLUE trying to step up their game. I asked for reviews in the area of DURABILITY from people who have that polisher, NOT how well it performs. I can tell it's a decent polisher simply by the design of it being based on the Flex. Durability is a completely different animal and given the country of origin, they really don't have the best track record in the arena of quality and durability.

[TboneS54]

Chinese made power tools are pretty good nowadays. I bought a Griot's G9 ($160) and I do like it, but I don't actually like it THAT much more than my $45 ebay china made d/a orbital. G9 is quiter and vibrates less, so that's the best part. It stalls a lot, even after moving to 5" plate (which I always use anyway). My cheap tool won't stall as much, and let's me keep working in certain areas. As far as danger goes, you gotta really lose your mind to burn through BMW paint if not using forced rotation. Best tip I can give is to touch the paint with the back of your hand to gauge heat as heat level will tell you how much sanding you're doing.

[Junkman2008]

I will believe that when I experience that firsthand. I'm not saying that you are wrong, just that my personal experiences, along with the few manufacturers that I personally have worked with, go to China for ONE reason. CHEAP cost, which is tied into all that cheap labor and corner cutting.