Advice on Orbital Polishers/Buffers?

[jdemerson]

I am interested in getting a polisher/buffer/waxer. There seems to be a consensus out there that a dual action (DA) orbital buffer is the way to go. I'm not interested in heavy duty work, but have an interest in removing light scratches, swirl marks, and then polishing and waxing. I've used Meguires products for years. Ease of use and effectiveness for polishing and waxing a few cars a year would be the priority.

I've tentatively narrowed the search to one of the following:
PORTER-CABLE 7346SP 6-Inch Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad
Griot's Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher HD model

I'm not asking for critiques, but does anyone have an especially positive experience with either of these? And is there something better in the $120 to $160 price range?

Thank you.
John Emerson

[76eldo]

John

There are tons of informative videos at autogeek.net

Brian

[Bmoreindy]

I have a Porter Cable and love it.

[charlie mckenna]

The porter cable is a great machine for the money. There are buffers made by rupes,flex,Mikita, and Milwaukee.those are more for the pro detailer with heavy paint correction problems . I have been detailing cars for 50 years and have found that the pads and the chemical choices are the most important.the foam pads made now can make your work easy. I get a lot of my supplies from detail king out of Pittsburg. My advice after light scratch removal and polishing,wax with a quality carnival wax by hand. Good luck

[D.Yaros]

I can only add to the chorus of Porter-Cable praise.  I have on, love it and consider it both easy to use and money well spent.

Not sure which Griot device was referenced, but seem to recall that when I bought my Porter-Cable Griot was offering the same tool with its name on it at a higher price?

[Bill Podany #19567]

I add to the chorus of users of the Griot's product.  I have used mine for years.  I own the one that uses compressed air.  Light and easy to use.  Use the designated pads for your usage.  Perfect for claying the car finish.  My cars have a mirror finish all the time, and I haven't polished them in years.  I learned to use the orbiter correctly, and haven't hand buffed a car since. 

[gary griffin]

Saturday I went to Griots for a car non Cadillac car club meeting. After the meeting there was a long demonstration with good explanations. They are recommending a random orbital with a 17 mm throw. It did a fantastic job but the user was quite experienced.   I am in the mode of deciding to purchase more detailing stuff and trying to decide. The discs and mitts, and products used are as important or probably more important than the specific buffer. Griots is continually coming out with new equipment and products.