Is there an economical version of Griot’s random orbital?
 

My POS Craftsman orbital fell apart. The foam pad disintegrated. It was way too huge and cumbersome anyways. I didn’t love it.

Nevertheless, It was a good run. Prob 30 years. I just HAND-WAXED a subie forester and my Tacoma. (After washing them) I don’t want to do that ever again. I pulled an “arm - hammy”

The Griots unit is big money! I don’t wax enough to justify it. Is there a cheaper alternative?

Porter cable and chemical guys for pads

Porter Cable Product Details for 6 in. Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher - Model # 7424XP

I have the porter cable 7424. It's basically the same machine and cheaper.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-62862.html

I've had this one for a few years and I like it. Had a 25% off coupon when I got it. The HF pads are not great, but I have used them.

I have a TORX from chemical guys. Much nicer - I compared to a buddy’s Griots unit.
You will use it more than you think.

A buddy uses the harbor Freight with Chemical Guys pads - he is very happy with it.

I too use the Harbor Freight with Chemical Guys pads and Meguiar's products. No need to spend hundreds if you are only going to do a dozen cars a year.

I bought the griots but burned through the brushes in one use. Hence why they provide more in the box and send you them free unlimited. So annoying. I returned it and am waiting to buy a porter cable.

i'm buying something.

my arms are whupped!! i'm way too old for this..or..should have had kids.

There are two versions of the Harbor Freight one, get the 69924.... Many suggest to change the grease for quieter operation.

In my specific case, claying the cars had the most dramatic effect on the final outcome as once I was done with claying the cars (very easy to do!), the finish on the cars was nearly perfect and required very little compounding.

I used Meguiars clay bar kit, followed by Meguiars Ultimate Compound using a Hex orange pad from Chemical Guys, then finished it off with Meguiars Ultimate Polish using a Hex blac pad from Chemical Guys.

For the record, I've been detailing my cars for years, to the point of using 3M Hand Glaze (by hand!) and then One Grand Blitz wax (also by hand). Can't really tell the difference in finish between the two methods.

Some people will argue this and say it has to be ceramic coating, or "only organic waxes", etc. too many choices out there, but for me, price into consideration, nothing beats what I'm doing above.

impressive!! i've never clay bar'd anything in my life. that aint me..i havent washed my truck since last deer season..and that was last September. i am always off-road with the thing. almost weekly; just not worth it.

i could use some clay barring for sure, but not gonna happen. my wife paid some guy to do her car.

what i did yesteday was probably like spitting on a fire to put it out..but it improved things somewhat. hehe..

Thanks for that helpful tidbit, Gus! SmileWavy

I just found an informative video showing how to do this, in case it's of any interest:

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DZvW9A280Fc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I have the Porter Cable 7424 (have had it for years), and use Chemical Guys pads. But don't think this is the "inexpensive" option you are looking for.

I had never clayed a car before as my previous cars were kept up much better than the current stable. There is no way to screw it up as long as you spray enough lubricant (part of the kit), don't drop the bar on the ground, and fold it unto itself continuously (depending on how much grime it picks up). Trust me, it is as simple as cleaning glass, with the exception of folding over and over the clay bar.

Based on your usage of your truck, you may be better off with one of those finishes that will repel water/mud like nothing else, that way, all you have to do is spray some clean water and it will come out looking like new.

ughh..you are probably totally correct.

damn it..let me re-read your post above. good info there.

Watch the first 3 minutes 30 seconds in this video regarding how to properly clay a vehicle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhNxVDjlfh0 . It "aint no rocket science"!

I've been using Griot's clay and wax products for awhile.
Hate claying the truck it's a two day job.
Last year I tried Griots fine surface prep mitt vs claying it was easier and faster.
However, I too feel I am getin too old for this stuff.
I am going look in that Portcable unit...
Griot's unit is more cash than I want spend as well.

A kid at the body shop once told me "I'd rather spray a car than wax it".
Nearing fifty years old I'm starting to agree.

I've washed/waxed/detailed cars down to perfection for hours before..but then a single week with rain under the oak trees and it is back to permanent staining crisis mode the redux.

I replaced my crappy orbital polisher with the Griot's polishers and wax. I've had good luck with it so far.