Griot's Garage Polisher

[Porsche_monkey]

Anyone have one of these?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1004&SKU=10925

Seems like a decent tool, probably better not to use Harbor Freight polisher on your car.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623

Or am I wrong? (Again).

[deanp]

I have a Porter-Cable random orbital polisher which is similar and can be found for less money. I do use their foam pads and they work well for distributing the waxes and polishes.

[Porsche_monkey]

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/7424_car_buffer.htm?E+coastest

This one?

[911s55]

Check out the Porter Cable random orbitor, it's what they used to sell before this model, not sure who makes it for them. All accessories, pads etc should fit.

[Rich Lambert]

Yes, I have one and I love it.

[deanp]

The one in your link looks like it. I am not sure of the exact model #. Key is random orbital which REALLY helps reduce/eliminate swirl marks.

[BlueSideUp]

I have one and I think it's great. You can probably get the polisher for a cheaper price (Porter Cable at Lowe's) but the pads are nice. I have whatever Machine Polish comes in the kit (I think it's 2 or 3) and plan on getting Machine Polish 1 because my 911 needs some more serious love than the lighter stuff can give.

[GeorgeM]

I think I got my Porter Cable from Coastal as well. I use Griot's products almost exclusively (the orange pads are great, I have 1 or 2 for each level of polish) and have all 4 machine polishes. If your paint needs it, start with the clay bar, then 1-3 (and 4 if your car is dark), and a couple of coats of Best Of Show Wax and you'll be ready for the car show.

If you have some rock chips, recommend Dr. Color Chip.

In between polishes or when all you need to do is dust off the car with a California Car Duster, Speed Shine works great. Also, their Spray on Wax for every time you dry the car keeps the silky smooth finish between waxes. I buy both by the gallon.

[scottb]

The HF model does not appear to be random orbital. Be careful with a standard (non-random) machine as you have a higher risk of burning the paint than you do with a random orbital unit.

+1 for the Porter Cable. It's great.

[the]

The Porter Cable is great, you can get it at Lowe's for around $120. The Griots, being a rebadged Porter Cable, is equally great.

Don't waste your time and money on anything less, esp. the HF junk. Some of the stuff HF sells is ok, but their polishers are one of the things to avoid (BTDT). They are crap, they burn out, they vibrate unpleasantly, etc.

Get the Porter Cable/Griot, it's not outrageously expensive (even the Griot's version kit with all the pads, polishes and stuff is less than $200 these days), it's a quality tool that has a nice feel, and you'll have it for life, it'll do the best job, and you won't hurt your paint.

[Porsche_monkey]

More sage advice from Pelicans. Thank-you.

[RWebb]

The Porter Cable random orbit sander does just as good a job (unless you are a pro going to do this day in & day out), and costs MUCH less. I checked with Porter Cable about using the sander, BTW.

There is no reason to pay a lot extra for the Griots colorized P/C polisher.

[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by RWebb

The Porter Cable random orbit sander does just as good a job (unless you are a pro going to do this day in & day out), and costs MUCH less. I checked with Porter Cable about using the sander, BTW.

There is no reason to pay a lot extra for the Griots colorized P/C polisher.

I have the porter cable - bought of amazon -

I will say that the pads that Griots has a pretty remarkable - and I have yet to be able to find the densities that they have - get the red ones - they will polish up your car like no bodies business.

The orange are great with a machine polish to remove light scratches/swirl marks.

[RWebb]

I will confess to using Griot's pads -- I think a pro autobody shop will have ones as good or better.

Griots makes nothing - they just find and rebrand things. You can save hugely if you hunt down the original seller. They do stand behind their generous warranties however....

[Rich Lambert]

I don't mind spending a little more for the Griot's brand. They do P-Club tech sessions and support local vintage racing. Plus, their stuff works.

[Whtnkls911]

I have the Griot's brand buffer, expensive yes, well worth the money, I love it. Griot's products are fantastic to. They are headquartered in WA and I have been to a couple of their detail classes. They are great car guys who honestly care about the products they sell, everything is tested exclusively before it makes the catalog. With the Griot's buffer and products you can not burn your paint, this is a definite plus if your new to this.

[JeremyD]

after trying pads from three different sources - two from pro autobody places - I have resigned myself to buying the griots ones - if anybody has another source let me know...

The pro ones I have found - even in their softest mode are still much harder that the red griot pads. Great for the boat but too harsh for my beloved p-car....

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by Rich Lambert

I don't mind spending a little more for the Griot's brand. They do P-Club tech sessions and support local vintage racing. Plus, their stuff works.

Like Pelican.

[vesnyder]

I've used the McGuiars pads and they've worked good as well!

[rexav8r]

Good thread !!

I was just going to post a question about this !

Thanks guys !