Hello folks, can anyone help recommend a beginners orbital or polisher for someone whos just starting out? I am not looking to become a professional detailer but on occasion when i do wax and shit it would be nice to cut down on the time and physical labor

From what i read the go to polisher for everyone old and new is the PC7424xp but i was wondering if there was something cheaper but still decent

I cannot recommend a cheaper more effective polisher than the 7424XP. However, I think the best alternative to a rotary polisher is the Flex XC3401VRG. It has forced rotation and has all the power you will ever need. If you want to be a professional detailer I think your tool of trade should be top quality.

I have the PC7424XP.

its very easy to use, and most importantly won't burn paint.

PC7424XP is it my friend. I would not recommend a Flex to someone without experience as it is my understanding you can indeed burn your paint with the Flex. Not to mention is costs a lot more then the PC7424XP.

PC7424.

If you are looking to save some cash and the 7346 works for you (slighter lighter weight machine, link below), give this a shot:

Go to post office.
Grab a "new mover" coupon pack at the front counter
Retrieve 20% off Lowe's coupon from said "new mover" coupon pack
Purchase PC at Lowe's.


Comparison page from Porter Cable:

http://www.portercable.com/Products/...4272.4288.4296

Link to 7346 @ Lowe's:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_137715-70-73...tal&facetInfo=

One thing I would recommend AGAINST is purchasing a "starter kit". They generally make you pay for a bunch of stuff you don't really need/use.

All you really need is the machine, a backing plate, some pads (diff colors depending on what you want to do to the paint) and some polish.

^^^ Exactly

that 7346 looks mighty attractive stogie, the only thing that looks dif is the weight. and thanks for the lowes protip

Trick is finding the item in the store. For the coupon to work, it has to be in-store purchase I think.

Also, 4amp vs. 4.5 amp. I have no idea what an amp is, maybe some mythical car detailing creature. Does an extra .5 make a big difference?

Both of those are pretty well the same machine .. one is called a sander the other a polisher ... both use 6" pads where the 5.5" is prefered. I don't know why the weight difference. Both are 4.5 Amp.

The higher the amp rating draw usually the higher the power.

www.coastaltool.com has them for $125 shipped and they come with the 5" backing plate and the proper counter weight.

Thats where I bought both mine.

yeah I feel like a big dog now since I realized I had a decent rotary just chillin in the garage that I found 6 months ago 11 amps of HOLY SHIT IT MIGHT BURN THE PAINT power.

???? lost me.

Nah was just saying the rotary I have has a ton of power.

Agreed

For someone with no polishing experience a cheap rotary isn't a good tool to be playing with . The OP is just a Noob.

PC all day!

i am most certainly a noob and doing a lot of thinking and reading.

pay for professional detail or do a mediocre first time job and buy polisher... hmm...

Buy a PC...Best thing you will purchase...

This is the best route .. we mostly all started this way ... for the cost of a good detail you can buy all the supplies ... and you learn from your first ... mediocre = way better the second time....

Then the neighbor wants his done ... charge him a small ammount .. and go from there .. a couple of weekend neighbor details pays for 1/2.

That's so true!
I still remember my first time, took forever and was just meh, lol.

you guys are awful, awful people. I will add the 7424xp to my list of upcoming expenses =/

I will buy an orbital in a few weeks i guess :'(

You're gonna wait???
There are sales going on right now!

Link to sales please! Now I'm thinking about buying a orbital buffer...damn it! So many expenses...

autogeek is having a 10% off sale.
detailersdomain is having a 15% off sale as well.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links.

Vote me in for PC also. I LOVE menzurna polish, too.

http://www.coastaltool.com/a/port/7424xp_5polisher.htm has then for $125.00 includes the 5" backing plate & proper counter balance and FREE shipping.

Fuck. too much expenses right now. Ill be waiting for future sales.

book mark the above page .. they usually have it on at that price all the time.