Polisher recomendation (newbie here)

What polisher do you own? Why did you choose it and would you recommend it?

  • Porter Cable 7336 or 7424 (please specify)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • UDM

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Meguiars G110

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Griots

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • DeWalt DW443

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Flex

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Rotary

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other (please specify)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
E

eyecandy

New member
I am looking to purchase a polisher and I see there are a number of different models out there. I am a newbie when it comes to auto-detailing so any help would be appreciated. I am sure everyone is aware of all the models available out there:



-PC models 7336 and 7424 whats the difference? I see the 7336 has .3 more amps which is better? I assume all/most parts are interchangeable? Which model is newer? I thought I read somewhere the 7336 has a 6" counterweight and pad, while the 7424 is a 5", but I cannot find were I read it. Product Category Overview

-UDM looks the same as the PC but a little more amps, quieter and less vibrations than the PC and different color, I have heard mixed reviews on the UDM. Plus comes with a carrying bag. ultimatedetailingmachine.com

-Meguiars G110 Again looks the same as the PC, comes with a nice case (still have the lifetime warranty?) Meguiar's® Dual Action Polisher G110 Product Information

-Griots I have not seen much in the way of reviews, just one again saying it has less vibration than the PC Griot's Garage Random Orbital - Detailing Tools - Tools - Griot's Garage

-Dewalt DW443 I have not heard anything about this one, can it be used? http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=125 I know the DW849 is a top notch poilsher.

-Flex never heard of it until I logged on here (any product links?)

-Rotary never heard of it until logged on here (any product links?)



They are all pretty much priced the same and price is of no concern, as I am looking for the best polisher for the job.



I think I pretty much covered all of them. What do you guys like or recommend? And why? I think I may have narrowed it down to the PC and UDM. I like the UDM alittle better because of some of the features of more power and less noise/vibration, but there are some mixed reviews and it being new scares me abit. The PC from what I see is a well built machine, I have not heard of a complaint (other than comparisons)





Since I have pretty much no knowledge in the field are there any packages you recommend?
 
D/A- PC 7424 (bought it because of the reputation and time tested durability)

Rotary- PC 7428 (Made in Germany by FLEX, got a great deal on it from an Autopian)



Just Ordered a Cyclo, too (After reading up on it, I'm sure it will speed up some 1-2 step jobs)



If you are only gonna have one, I'd probably get a Cyclo of Flex 3403- JMO
 
I bought a Griot's based upon what I had read elsewhere and because I had the chance to actually see and use one. We have a Complete Garage retail store in my area and they carry Griot's and do clinics once a year. Once I saw it and tried it, I bought it. I had just purchased a 10" random orbital from Advance Auto Parts - it's still in the box waiting for our next garage sale.



Not that the others on the market are not all good units. They are. I just like the Griot's for the balance (the handle is placed good for me) the variable speeds, and ease of use. No doubt my comments will elicit several negative responses about Griot's...but that really says more about the person posting than the product! ;)



That said, I am just a car nut, not a professional detailer. You will find many many postings about how the higher speed rotary polishers are the way to go. Just read as much as you can and make your best choice based on your own needs.
 
I own the 7424 and will be adding a Flex ASAP. PC is nice, but noisey, vibrates you to death, and can be very slow to break some polishes down.



That said, it is difficult to damage a finish with one. Also compared to hand polishing, the PC is heaven. Also the EDGE 2000 kit makes changing pads as easy as can be.



THe 7424 and the 7336 are identical short of the attachement kits. The amperage difference is due to differences in measurements taken when the individual models were released.
 
I vote G110. Generally I believe that a newbie should start with a random orbit polisher. G110 is one of them. Why G110 and not the udm or pc? G110 has more power than pc and is more reliable than udm. So it is a "better" machine. Why I left out flex? just because it costs a little more you cannot fit smaller pads and you cant apply lsp with a flex (i think). So i consider Flex should be the second polisher you should buy (after the g110)
 
KnuckleBuckett said:
I own the 7424 and will be adding a Flex ASAP. PC is nice, but noisey, vibrates you to death, and can be very slow to break some polishes down.



That said, it is difficult to damage a finish with one. Also compared to hand polishing, the PC is heaven. Also the EDGE 2000 kit makes changing pads as easy as can be.



THe 7424 and the 7336 are identical short of the attachement kits. The amperage difference is due to differences in measurements taken when the individual models were released.
Click to expand...



My 7424 was hard to handle at 6 till I started using smaller pads, now smoooooooth. I know it takes a little longer, but man I'm not near as tired.
 
I have the PC7424 because of it's popularity and it does well on light polish jobs ans applying and removing LSP's. I also own a Hitachi rotary and love it and use it more than the PC. I am about to get the Flex RO from DD, since I hear it is a good inbetween of the PC and a rotary.
 
I just bought the Metabo and I intend on keeping my PC7424. These two machines can be the most aggressive and least aggressive tools, respectively.
 
FYI Meguiars, Griots, I believe is made by Porter Cable, one more for you Black & Decker owns Porter Cable, Dewalt, and Flex. I love my makita rotary and FESTOOL FEQ150. The festool is a lot quieter than most and a lot less vibration. But good luck finding one under $440.00 .
 
'Thanks for the responses thus far!\r\n\r\nWOW! All the choices!!! My head is just spinning right now, LOL\r\n\r\nOn the PC 7424 and 7336 is it just the attachments that are different? I assume the 7424 is ready to go out of the box while the 7336 needs an attachment? Anyone know which is newer?\r\n\r\nA few guys mentioned the Cylco, I forgot to mention this one, maybe because of the old school looks, lol. Plus the Metabo, I figured this was not a popular choice, I know they make the best angle grinders. Any chance this maybe similar to the Flex (both made in Germany)\r\n\r\n
deathlok said:
I vote G110. Generally I believe that a newbie should start with a random orbit polisher. G110 is one of them. Why G110 and not the udm or pc? G110 has more power than pc and is more reliable than udm. So it is a \"better\" machine. Why I left out flex? just because it costs a little more you cannot fit smaller pads and you cant apply lsp with a flex (i think). So i consider Flex should be the second polisher you should buy (after the g110)
Click to expand...
\r\n\r\nLike I said price is not of much concern since they are all about the same, although further looking there Flex is more expsenive and probably alittle more than what I had in mind, but may still consider it. What is LSP and what is the smallest pad that can be used?\r\n\r\n
Strokin04 said:
I have the PC7424 because of it\'s popularity and it does well on light polish jobs ans applying and removing LSP\'s. I also own a Hitachi rotary and love it and use it more than the PC. I am about to get the Flex RO from DD, since I hear it is a good inbetween of the PC and a rotary.
Click to expand...
\r\n\r\nWhat is the Flex RO? Got a link? Is it the LK603VVB?\r\n\r\nI was looking at the Flex 3403 it seems as though a lot of people are happy with it, what makes it better? Is it the power or speed, I ask because the speed settings are lower than all the other Orbital polishers. Plus it looks like it can be run as a Rotary and an Orbital, is that correct? Where can these be purchased?\r\n\r\nI have a few questions. \r\n\r\n-What is the serivce and/or parts availabilty like on the UDM? Where can it be serviced or parts found? Is anything interchangeable with the PC\'s (I guess this same question can be asked of Meguiars and Griots) Did they add a longer power cord yet? What is the length?\r\n-Is the vibration and noise found on the PC (versus say the UDM or others) because of the pad choice? Anyone test the same pad side by side?\r\n-Are pad type and sizes interchangeable with each? Or do they all have a specific kind?'
 
BigAl3 said:
can't go wrong with the PC/UDM, you'll find uses with them...
Click to expand...

Agree! Weather you prefer a rotary or Flex, you can never go wrong with owning a PC or a UDM. Very versatile and useful.
 
UDM and Vector Rotary with Edge system. I started with the rotary and practiced alot. I am starting to get really comfortable with it now. So I guess this is the part where I get cocky and burn some paint haha.
 
Hitachi rotary here. Chose it for the weight, price, warranty.



I still own a PC and use it for some product applications and with 4" pads for polishing tight areas.
 
7336. I purchased it 12 years ago next month. There were virtually no other choices 12 years ago. That said, I am very happy with the tool. Never a bit of trouble. I have it serviced every winter by a friend who manages an ACE hardware store. He takes care of power cords, brush replacement and lubrication. This PC has seen about 3,000 cars over the 12 years and has never failed me. I bought this unit from Meguiar's so it has a lifetime guarantee but it looks like I'll never need to use it. I also have a 7228 rotary but seldom need to use it. Most if the cars I polish are newer and have little marring.



Today, I'd probably go with a Flex or G110.
 
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