Best Random Orbit Buffer
03-24-2009, 03:16 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Best Random Orbit Buffer
i want to buy a random orbit buffer, but i want something really good and easy to use. i dont want to worry about burning my paint. i know the porter cable is good. any suggestions?
03-24-2009, 04:04 PM
#2
Former Sponsor
The PC/UDM, 7424, 7336 is one of the most economical machines you could purchase. It has very good correction abilities for most users needs, when combined with proper pads and polishes.
Ive seen them stripped for about $120.00, but you still need a backing plate which runs around $15.00-$20.00. The one I distribute comes eqipped with one polishing pad and the backing plate.
Next step up would be the Megs G110. Buy through Megs for a lifetime warranty (which you ultimately pay for), has .3 amps+ more then the above referenced.
Griots also makes one, slightly higher then the Megs polisher (I believe), and lastly the Flex Orbital, which has balls more power but runs around $240.00 +/-.
Ive seen them stripped for about $120.00, but you still need a backing plate which runs around $15.00-$20.00. The one I distribute comes eqipped with one polishing pad and the backing plate.
Next step up would be the Megs G110. Buy through Megs for a lifetime warranty (which you ultimately pay for), has .3 amps+ more then the above referenced.
Griots also makes one, slightly higher then the Megs polisher (I believe), and lastly the Flex Orbital, which has balls more power but runs around $240.00 +/-.
03-24-2009, 05:56 PM
#3
The PC/UDM, 7424, 7336 is one of the most economical machines you could purchase. It has very good correction abilities for most users needs, when combined with proper pads and polishes.
Ive seen them stripped for about $120.00, but you still need a backing plate which runs around $15.00-$20.00. The one I distribute comes eqipped with one polishing pad and the backing plate.
Next step up would be the Megs G110. Buy through Megs for a lifetime warranty (which you ultimately pay for), has .3 amps+ more then the above referenced.
Griots also makes one, slightly higher then the Megs polisher (I believe), and lastly the Flex Orbital, which has balls more power but runs around $240.00 +/-.
Ive seen them stripped for about $120.00, but you still need a backing plate which runs around $15.00-$20.00. The one I distribute comes eqipped with one polishing pad and the backing plate.
Next step up would be the Megs G110. Buy through Megs for a lifetime warranty (which you ultimately pay for), has .3 amps+ more then the above referenced.
Griots also makes one, slightly higher then the Megs polisher (I believe), and lastly the Flex Orbital, which has balls more power but runs around $240.00 +/-.
Hope that made sense?
03-24-2009, 08:57 PM
#7
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Do I have the following right?......
The PC & G110 are Dual Action. Rotary AND Orbital
The Griots is: Orbital. Doesn't do any Rotary at all (?)
I saw the vids of the Griots on youtube and find it odd that I often can't see the pad moving at all as he moves it across the car.
I saw some vids of the Meguiar's and it seems noisy in a bad way. Squeelish. I read a comment about that on a forum. That would drive me nuts.
Tdottsx - If you have any epiphanies, please post an update. This is a complete nightmare.
The PC & G110 are Dual Action. Rotary AND Orbital
The Griots is: Orbital. Doesn't do any Rotary at all (?)
I saw the vids of the Griots on youtube and find it odd that I often can't see the pad moving at all as he moves it across the car.
I saw some vids of the Meguiar's and it seems noisy in a bad way. Squeelish. I read a comment about that on a forum. That would drive me nuts.
Tdottsx - If you have any epiphanies, please post an update. This is a complete nightmare.
Trending Topics
03-24-2009, 09:09 PM
#8
Former Sponsor
All four, PC 7336, PC 7424, PC/UDM, Flex, Griots, and Megs 110 are Random Orbital. None are rotary. Metabo is a Random Orbital/Rotary (Around $300.00) The 1st three mentioned are all made by the same company. Want to solve this real quick? Conduct a poll for user popularity.....
03-24-2009, 10:21 PM
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It seems the Griots doesn't move as much as the G110 or PC. Doesn't have that wobble effect it seems. I've no clue why or if that's good or bad.
I'm gleaning it might be quieter with less vibration to the hands (maybe due to less movement?).
I also like the concept of the velcro as an easy way to add/remove pads.
But seriously, I can't post links in this Wash/Wax forum for some reason, but if you search on Youtube for Griot's orbital and watch that pad with writing on the side moving - I don't get it. Seems for brief instances, the pad doesn't move at all as he pulls it along the car. This really threw me.
I'm gleaning it might be quieter with less vibration to the hands (maybe due to less movement?).
I also like the concept of the velcro as an easy way to add/remove pads.
But seriously, I can't post links in this Wash/Wax forum for some reason, but if you search on Youtube for Griot's orbital and watch that pad with writing on the side moving - I don't get it. Seems for brief instances, the pad doesn't move at all as he pulls it along the car. This really threw me.
03-25-2009, 08:35 AM
#13
i have two udm's one still in box brand new, couldnt be happier....
the griots machine is 120 bucks, it looks just as good as the others, i imagine there isnt much difference in the 3 major machines....if i was buying again, i would just get the udm/pc....or pony up for the more expensive flex orbital....but truth be told, since i only do my car and i only use the machine about every 3 months, the one i have is perfect...
plus since they sent me a replacement udm without my original breaking is such a nice bonus....
the griots machine is 120 bucks, it looks just as good as the others, i imagine there isnt much difference in the 3 major machines....if i was buying again, i would just get the udm/pc....or pony up for the more expensive flex orbital....but truth be told, since i only do my car and i only use the machine about every 3 months, the one i have is perfect...
plus since they sent me a replacement udm without my original breaking is such a nice bonus....
03-25-2009, 12:00 PM
#16
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The Flex is definitely a big step up from the PC, you'd certainly be happy with the upgrade. I'm typically able to correct twice as many imperfections in nearly half the time. To me this is what makes the unit worth the difference in price.
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
03-25-2009, 12:29 PM
#17
The Detailer
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The Flex is definitely a big step up from the PC, you'd certainly be happy with the upgrade. I'm typically able to correct twice as many imperfections in nearly half the time. To me this is what makes the unit worth the difference in price.
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
03-25-2009, 02:29 PM
#18
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What's the price of the Flex?
2009 Kansas City Acura Meet-May 17th
https://acurazine.com/forums/midwest-312/kansas-city-2009-spring-all-acura-meet-may-17th-12pm-%40-jay-wolfe-acura-714994/
2009 Kansas City Acura Meet-May 17th
https://acurazine.com/forums/midwest-312/kansas-city-2009-spring-all-acura-meet-may-17th-12pm-%40-jay-wolfe-acura-714994/
03-25-2009, 02:53 PM
#19
Suzuka Master
03-25-2009, 03:50 PM
#20
Racer
Thread Starter
i have never polished my car. so i need to buy everything asap, including a polisher. what is everything i need to get started? Excel Detail, if you can put down a list of products that i will need i will purchase them from you. thanks a lot
p.s. i got a ton of swirl marks all over my car
p.s. i got a ton of swirl marks all over my car
03-25-2009, 04:23 PM
#22
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i have never polished my car. so i need to buy everything asap, including a polisher. what is everything i need to get started? Excel Detail, if you can put down a list of products that i will need i will purchase them from you. thanks a lot
p.s. i got a ton of swirl marks all over my car
p.s. i got a ton of swirl marks all over my car
03-25-2009, 05:03 PM
#23
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Exceldetail, Do you have any package deal that includes, Porter cable 7424 and lake country pads (might just needs yellow or orange, white, and softer one for sealant)
Also great swirl remover + polish and finish? I was debating between Menzerna and Pinnacle.
Thanks in advance.
Also great swirl remover + polish and finish? I was debating between Menzerna and Pinnacle.
Thanks in advance.
03-25-2009, 06:48 PM
#24
Former Sponsor
Exceldetail, Do you have any package deal that includes, Porter cable 7424 and lake country pads (might just needs yellow or orange, white, and softer one for sealant)
Also great swirl remover + polish and finish? I was debating between Menzerna and Pinnacle.
Thanks in advance.
Also great swirl remover + polish and finish? I was debating between Menzerna and Pinnacle.
Thanks in advance.
I do not carry the Menzerna or Pinnacle lines........ My go to's are either Optimum,1Z or Four Star....
03-25-2009, 09:49 PM
#25
He who laughs, last didnt
imo i would get the udm/pc if you never work with any polisher or any kind of power tools..
then upgrade to a flex or rotary, and then use the udm/pc for small tight places with 4inch pads..
btw there's new pc coming out soon its stronger and looks sexier
then upgrade to a flex or rotary, and then use the udm/pc for small tight places with 4inch pads..
btw there's new pc coming out soon its stronger and looks sexier
03-25-2009, 10:00 PM
#27
2016 E350 Sport
I would rank DA's as follows:
I own #1, #2 and #4. All of these have their place in my arsenal.
- Flex XC3401VRG
- Ultimate Detailing Machine (UDM) - old version since new version has been detuned.
- Meguiars G110
- Porter Cable 7424
I own #1, #2 and #4. All of these have their place in my arsenal.
03-25-2009, 10:01 PM
#28
2016 E350 Sport
The Flex is definitely a big step up from the PC, you'd certainly be happy with the upgrade. I'm typically able to correct twice as many imperfections in nearly half the time. To me this is what makes the unit worth the difference in price.
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
Interesting, my Flex came with a 5.5" backing plate so I am able to use 5.5" polishing pads.
Last edited by SweetJazz; 03-25-2009 at 10:05 PM.
03-26-2009, 05:15 PM
#29
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I've only used the 6.5" pads so far with outstanding results, I can only image the 5.5" pads offers more cut and better efficiency breaking down the polishes.
Cheers,
George
03-26-2009, 06:19 PM
#30
Suzuka Master
03-26-2009, 06:22 PM
#31
Former Sponsor
03-28-2009, 04:13 AM
#32
Summer is Coming
The car polishers in the ~$120 price range are all just re-purposed random orbit sanders. The Griot's machine claims to have a fan that keeps the pad cool, but it really is the dust collector in the sander version. There are some differences but in my opionin for the average home detailer none of the differences are that big to worry about. I think people that come on forums like this (including myself) tend to over analyze things. I ended up getting the best overall deal I could find and got the G110. The reason.. price, it came with a case, it has a bail handle, and a nice rubberized coating. It comes with a backing plate and at the time I got a few pads thrown in. I think it works well enough for my purposes. It seems well built and has more than enough power and settings. Is is louder than the PC?? I don't know, but does it matter? Neither is so loud you need hearing protection so unoless you are polishing all day I don't think this is a worry.
The Flex I think has forced rotation which is one of the reasons it is so expensive.
Hint.. You might be able to find a random orbit sander at a pawn shop cheap. Just get a backing plate and some pads.
The Flex I think has forced rotation which is one of the reasons it is so expensive.
Hint.. You might be able to find a random orbit sander at a pawn shop cheap. Just get a backing plate and some pads.
03-28-2009, 11:55 AM
#33
2016 E350 Sport
03-28-2009, 12:00 PM
#35
2016 E350 Sport
AND
Dale and Patrick,
Unfortunately the Flex uses a proprietary backing plate that is not compatible with standard PC backing plates. A little extra safety is preferred but this is not an issue since I'm extra careful. Since the backing plate comes out to the edge of the pad I am able to ensure complete pad contact on the paint surface.
Unfortunately the Flex uses a proprietary backing plate that is not compatible with standard PC backing plates. A little extra safety is preferred but this is not an issue since I'm extra careful. Since the backing plate comes out to the edge of the pad I am able to ensure complete pad contact on the paint surface.
Last edited by SweetJazz; 03-28-2009 at 12:05 PM.
03-29-2009, 10:53 PM
#36
I use 5.5 pads on my Flex too. I've always preferred the 5.5 size for polishing.
It was a kind of a gamble when I first bought it, all my air polishing stuff is already based on 5.5 pads, so changing pad sizes wasn't an option. As long as the pad is centered and your careful, it really works good. 5" BP would be ideal, but it does operate fine as is.
Flex XC
It was a kind of a gamble when I first bought it, all my air polishing stuff is already based on 5.5 pads, so changing pad sizes wasn't an option. As long as the pad is centered and your careful, it really works good. 5" BP would be ideal, but it does operate fine as is.
Flex XC
04-05-2009, 02:59 PM
#37
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The Flex is definitely a big step up from the PC, you'd certainly be happy with the upgrade. I'm typically able to correct twice as many imperfections in nearly half the time. To me this is what makes the unit worth the difference in price.
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
One feature of the Flex that differentiates itself over most buffers is that it is a true dual action machine, meaning that it oscillates and utilizes forced rotation of up to 480RPM. The huge motor allows you to generate 9600 OPM vs the PC's 6000 OPM and gives you the ability to apply a lot of pressure without the machine bogging down.
The ergonomics on the Flex are more user friendly IMO than the PC. The hand positioning is over the pad and the variable speed trigger is a feature that is tough to live without once you get the hang of it. This allows you to control your speed on the fly, which is nice for spreading product on the surface before working it in. Then you can jump right to your desired speed without the need to stop look at your dial and set it.
One of the downsides of the Flex is the lack of backing plate options, which leaves you limited to 6 or 6.5" pads. One of the nice features of the PC or some of the others buffers mentioned in this thread is the ability to use smaller pads, which allows you to get in smaller areas, more control when moving the buffer and it generates more energy in a smaller area giving more bite to the buffer. The Flex has more than enough power to compensate for the lack of being able to use smaller pads, but figured I'd point that out.
If you have any other questions on the Flex let me know.
George
04-05-2009, 03:06 PM
#38
Former Sponsor
The Flex does have drawbacks....Price, and backing plate selection. Nice machine however. I could probably get used to the backing plate issue, if I had the $ hanging around in my pocket for a purchase......
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