Polishing revisited: What's your experience?

[Gunter]

It's not about what kind of wax to use. I am considering buying a polisher but, what size and RPM? There are anywhere from 4inch to 10inch dia with various RPM's. I am concerned about burning/damaging paint with high RPMs. I looked at a 6inch with 6200 RPM. What size, and RPMs can anyone recommend? Thanks.

[fuelie600]

If you are talking about the type of polisher you would use to polish paint after wetsanding, or for removing minor scratches, I would recommend the Makita 9227C. It has electronic speed control that maintains the preset speed under load. It has variable speed from 0-3000 RPMs. I don't think I've polished above 1800-2000 yet. I got mine from autobodystore.com in a promo pack. Comes with lots of goodies.

I also recommend the Sure-Finish poducts on the same page. (the orange pad and polish is awesome.)

[911S Targa]

You wont burn the paint unless you leave the polisher in one spot. Just as long as you keep constant movement, you shouldnt have any problems.

ALSO.

If you have never used a high speed polisher before, I would suggest you practice on something other then your Porsche.Just you you get the understanding how it works, when to apply presure, when not to, ect.

[scottb]

Go with a Porter Cable 7424. They're a random orbit polisher, so it's virtually impossible to ruin your paint. Random orbit polishers are much safer to use than conventional polishers, especially for a DIY amateur. I have one, and it works extremely well.

[mike f]

Porter Cable 7424. It won't harm your paint and is easy to use. You'd be surprised how easy it is to destroy your paint with a rotary. Check out autopia.com for some great info about it.

[Gunter]

Thanks. Random orbit sounds good. Where can you buy this Porter cable in the States? What store?

[scottb]

As always, check with Pelican first to see if they have it. If not, try Coastal Tools. They usually have good prices on the 7424.

[Trash Smasher]

I first saw my Porter 7424 in Griot's Garage catalog for around $200 I think? A quick search online and I found it for $125 I believe. But I do use all of Griot's polishing pads and polishes that he guarantees will not harm your paint as long as you use the orbital sander, his pads and his polishes. I don't work for Griot's although one might think so since I just recommended his product on another thread as well!

I've had good results with them, anyway.

[scottb]

Griot's is really pricey, though they do sell some nice stuff. Coastal Tools will be much cheaper, and you can always buy pads, backing plates, etc. from Griot's if you feel the need. Classic Motoring has great polishing accessories, too, and they sell products for the 7424. The people there are VERY friendly.

[Randy Webb]

Just use a random orbit sander if you have one and want to save money -- or buy the PC one for about $50.

Meguairs Body Scrub or the 3M stuff that is similar will never burn your paint. griot's will be glad to take your $$, and take and take...