Q: Suggestions for a "Mid-Priced" 6" Random Orbital Request...

[Zim Hosein]

As the thread title asks, I'm looking to purchase a "mid-priced" 6" Random Orbital. I've looked around and noticed that a lot of people recommend Flex brand units, but $300.00+ is way too much for me to spend on a tool I'll only use twice or so a year. I found this 6" R/O and was wondering what everyone here thought about it:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/griots+garage+random+orbital.d o

It appears like a well made unit from a reputable company that should last a lifetime, correct? Any and/or all input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance! :beer:

[fastblackmerc]

As the thread title asks, I'm looking to purchase a "mid-priced" 6" Random Orbital. I've looked around and noticed that a lot of people recommend Flex brand units, but $300.00+ is way too much for me to spend on a tool I'll only use twice or so a year. I found this 6" R/O and was wondering what everyone here thought about it:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/griots+garage+random+orbital.d o

It appears like a well made unit from a reputable company that should last a lifetime, correct? Any and/or all input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance! :beer:

I have a Porter Cable that's really really good.

[lji372]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Shurhold-Dual-action-polisher/_/N-25nl?itemIdentifier=256823_0_0 _

Had a 20% off coupon in the mail and put it to good use. Nice long cord and carrying bag to boot.

[whitey]

I got the griots garage one and havent had a chance to use it yet. Reason for purchase? Because i remember someone on here who was a detailer or something, he owned the pc and the griots garage, and recommended the griots. I have to say though, i think its more of a personal preference with handle style(side handle vs looped adjustable top handle) and such. Both are fantastic tools from what ive researched.

[whitey]

Also, check out autogeek.net, i got a kit with meguires polishes for i think $160 on black friday sale. Im sure theyll throw another sale shortly...maybe Valentine's day or something, and dont forget to get a free trial size product of your choice.

[boatmangc]

Autogeek, Get the Porter Cable. the Flex is not for the timid, it can easily be too aggressive, great machine though.
Keep an eye on Autogeek, sign up for their VIP club and watch for sale emails.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

^^^^^ Listen to the Boatman.

[whitey]

Autogeek, Get the Porter Cable. the Flex is not for the timid, it can easily be too aggressive, great machine though.
Keep an eye on Autogeek, sign up for their VIP club and watch for sale emails.

Any reason on the porter cable opposed to the griots garage? You are the boss with this stuff, :)

[boatmangc]

Porter Cable makes theirs
Griots buys someone else's
And re-lables
I do like Griot's 3" one though great for tight spaces like the inner curves on the top of our front bumper cover


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[J-MAN]

If you decide on the PC or GG machine get a 5" backing plate and appropriate sized pads. This will bring out the best in either machine. I've got both and prefer the GG. Another (cheaper) consideration would be the one sold by Harbor Freight, check the warranty though.

[Vortech347]

I love my Porter Cable!!!

[whitey]

Ive read reviews on the harbor freight one and was seeing that the spindle has snapped off....mmm a rough metal rod on the paint...

[Accumulator]

I gather the Flex under discussion is their 3401 forced-rotation model. IME it works well for significant correction on typical Ford clear but it won't finish out *quite* as well for me as some other machines (not that normal people could see a diff, especially under regular lighting).

I can't imagine it being too agressive in the sense of doing damage, but it does have a "signature recoil"-feel that a lot of people don't like.

But for that kind of money I'd go with a Rupes instead.

Whitey- Interesting about the HF spindle, hadn't heard about that. The same problem does plague the (newer, "XP" model) PCs; pal of mine had his break and he was lucky to avoid doing some serious damage.

I consider the Griot's the best "moderately priced" one, zero issues with mine despite years of hard use and some hard drops onto concrete, and they do have a lifetime guarantee.

While I'm generally all about using smaller plates/pads, with the right products I can correct *hard* clear (much harder than Ford uses) with a 6-6.5" pad on the Griot's. No, I didn't expect that and I would've bet money against it.

On the GG 3", I like the pneumatic version a *LOT* better than the electric. I use the pnuematic 3" for 99.9% of my spot-correction.

[johnnyrauder]

i got a pc love it

[NavySeabee]

I love my Porter Cable!!!


^^^^^+1^^^^^

[Zim Hosein]

I have a Porter Cable that's really really good.

Any specific model I should look for fastblackmerc?

Thanks in advance! :beer:

[Zim Hosein]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Shurhold-Dual-action-polisher/_/N-25nl?itemIdentifier=256823_0_0 _

Had a 20% off coupon in the mail and put it to good use. Nice long cord and carrying bag to boot.

W/o a coupon, that's $150.00 for a brand I've never heard of. :confused:

[Zim Hosein]

Porter Cable makes theirs
Griots buys someone else's
And re-lables
I do like Griot's 3" one though great for tight spaces like the inner curves on the top of our front bumper cover

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's something important to know, thanks boatmangc! :beer:

[lji372]

W/o a coupon, that's $150.00 for a brand I've never heard of. :confused:

And until 1 1/2 years ago I had never heard of a marauder :dunno:

Opinions are just that. To me $300 for a guy like me who doesn't use it that often :shake:

Google was my friend, good luck in your search:beer:

[whitey]

Porter cable 7424, is the model, they have been out longer than the gg and have a strong following, however IMHO the side handle is inferior to the top handle just for the fact that if you put pressure on the side of the pad, opposed to the top, you might not end up with the results youre looking to acheive. It took me a while to choose which one i wanted, i really think its a personal preferance thing, both are great tools.

[Zim Hosein]

Porter cable 7424, is the model, they have been out longer than the gg and have a strong following, however IMHO the side handle is inferior to the top handle just for the fact that if you put pressure on the side of the pad, opposed to the top, you might not end up with the results youre looking to acheive. It took me a while to choose which one i wanted, i really think its a personal preferance thing, both are great tools.

Thanks for the model number whitey :beer:, I was going crazy comparing different P/C models! :mad2:

Looks like the Porter Cable 7424 (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html) is the way to go, and at a reasonable price to boot! :)

Any additional input would be appreciated, once again, thanks in advance everyone! :beer:

[boatmangc]

http://www.autogeek.net/members-only.html

Join the VIP on ther forum, here is a decent deal. I am inexperienced with Blackfire polishes but their LSPs are nice.

My first choice for Polish is Menzerna followed by Sonus.

http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-porter-cable-intensive-shine-kit.html