HF Long Throw Worth It?

B

brownbob06

Member
Howdy ya'll. Basically I'm wondering if it's worth it for me to pick up a new polisher. I've been out of the game for several years now and currently have a Griot's Garage 6" polisher with a 5" backing plate. I bought it back in 2013, so I'm not talking about he new GG polishers that are long throw or anything like that, just the RO GG 6" polisher.

I'm wondering if I'll see a noticeable difference getting the Bauer 20mm long-throw polisher from Harbor Freight. I'd be doing the grease mod I've seen all over to make it more comfortable. For $80 it seems like it might be worth it. I've had mostly good luck with Harbor Freight tools myself, so I'm not too worried about that. Hell, my rotary polisher is still the 'Warrior' rotary polisher I got from HF even before I got the GG in 2013!

Most of what I've seen online is comparing the HF polisher to other long throw polishers and newer polishers, not the old GG 6" I have, so I'm just wondering if it's worth it I suppose. It would just be for personal use, not professional btw.
 
brownbob06:
If you want some expert info on a getting a new polishing machine for a beginner, see this thread:
L

Thread 'Are You Still Looking for "The Best Buffing Machine for a Beginner"?'

OK, spoiler alert: This is NOT my Captain Obvious thread. The information and suggestion belong to Mike Phillips of Dr. Beasely's
He has done an EXTENSIVE test and write-up on his website , but forum rules prevent me from copying -and-pasting its link.

His findings and recommendation? The Harbor Freight's Hurcule's HC109B Forced Rotation Orbital Buffer .
I say this because it was quite a surprise that Mr. Phillips, who has probably used more buffing machines and done more detailing that anyone, to give this recommendation.
Again, here is the spoiler alert "Cliff Notes" as to why: NO...
  • Like
 
Much as I appreciate the capabilities of my Flex 3401, IMO anybody considering a forced-rotation polisher might oughta try one first. They have a very different feel in operation, with a type of "recoil" that some people don't like. Also, I can't quite get the final finish I want without following up with a conventional RO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top