As the topic says I'm getting ready to spring for a Griot's random orbit polisher. That being said, what else do I need? I have no idea on backing plates, pads, etc. I figure the 105/205 combo is a good place to start, and I am also going to get a fine grade nano skin foam pad. I hear that polymer based sealants are now better than waxes. Any suggestions? What other stuff am I missing? I have looked at all the sites online and it's very overwhelming. Thanks for the help guys.
Getting ready to order a Griot's polisher. Suggestions on what else to get.
- Thread starter alex3610
- Start date
Just wondering. What makes you want to get a Griot's polisher over the other brands?
The reason I ask is because I bought a Porter Cable (same price range) and I love it, but it does not deliver the kind of power/throw that I wish I had. Now I'm wanting to buy a better more powerful polisher because something of that caliber isn't enough.
The reason I ask is because I bought a Porter Cable (same price range) and I love it, but it does not deliver the kind of power/throw that I wish I had. Now I'm wanting to buy a better more powerful polisher because something of that caliber isn't enough.
Just based on lots of online reviews and stuff from the forums really. I don't know if there is a huge difference honestly between the GG and the PC. I think you have to go up into the $300+ range to get the true pro level stuff from what I can tell.
there is a huge difference between the gg & pc in my opinion. ^
the pc is simply lacking power compared to the gg. This does not mean the PC cannot get things done, it's like a GT vs a Cobra. Both are awesome but the Cobra is more powerful and should get you from a to b quicker.
You will also be impartial to what you learn on, I've always used a GG so it just "feels right". I actually reach for my GG over my rupes more often than you'd think. . but keep that between us!
just my 2c fwiw
the pc is simply lacking power compared to the gg. This does not mean the PC cannot get things done, it's like a GT vs a Cobra. Both are awesome but the Cobra is more powerful and should get you from a to b quicker.
You will also be impartial to what you learn on, I've always used a GG so it just "feels right". I actually reach for my GG over my rupes more often than you'd think. . but keep that between us!
just my 2c fwiw
OK well I feel better about going with the GG then now lol. So SON1C what backing plates, pads, and products do you use?
any backing plate that will work, works 5" always, I have the generic yellow one stocked by man sites including cg I believe, and autoality / DC
What do you mean by products, that's a very broad spectrum!
for compounds I use hd cut v32 m101 wolfgang uber
polishes m205 is king for me, then v36
aio hd speed is my favorite
quick wax prep with abrasives would be lime prime
buff and shine pads are the best bang for buck, plus they make all of the pads (unsure on lake country, I believe they manufacture their own)
but B&S relabel for cg (hex) and adams + many more for reference
sooooooo
I would order my flat 5" pads, well I do order my 5" flat pads from T @ autoality through the detailers club program
What do you mean by products, that's a very broad spectrum!
for compounds I use hd cut v32 m101 wolfgang uber
polishes m205 is king for me, then v36
aio hd speed is my favorite
quick wax prep with abrasives would be lime prime
buff and shine pads are the best bang for buck, plus they make all of the pads (unsure on lake country, I believe they manufacture their own)
but B&S relabel for cg (hex) and adams + many more for reference
sooooooo
I would order my flat 5" pads, well I do order my 5" flat pads from T @ autoality through the detailers club program
That's along the lines of what I was looking for. I am basically starting from scratch, so I do need a broad spectrum of stuff! It's kind of tough to sort through all of it out there. A lot of times I think I have found good info, but usually people are pushing a product at the same time so I am a little hesitant. On top of that as you pointed out there are a lot that are just relabeled from brand XYZ, and I try and figure out who the original source is.
Griot's is most likely a Meguair's that's been relabeled. If you are worried about power levels, go with a Flex or Rupes. I used a PC for years and it was easily enough for a normal consumer. For a pro detailier or someone that does a ton of cars, the Flex/Rupes is the better choice.
matt, griots actually relabels a chinese manufactured polisher, it can be found around the world under various labels. It has no affiliation with meguiars, megs polisher is tweaked PC in my opinion.
I respectfully disagree with you on starting out with a rupes or flex, it's like starting out with a cobra as opposed to a v6 or gt
I respectfully disagree with you on starting out with a rupes or flex, it's like starting out with a cobra as opposed to a v6 or gt
IMHO Each machine does its job similar in a but different way.
So for a DA The GG 6", the PC7424 and Harbor Freight 6" DA.
Again, IMHO each of these machines has their pros & cons.
It comes down to usage...Paint correction and clarity finishing.
What do you feel you will be doing most with your machine?
If you feel that most of the time you are going to do correction...
Pick the GG6" lifetime warranty & more power than the others.
If you feel that once the paint correction is done you want finish.
Then IMHO the PC is a better choice. Power is not always best.
Again IMHO I feel that a PC creates a better finish than the GG6.
If you're rarely going to use the machine then maybe HF is good.
I like the HF variable speed between 5-6 better on HF than a PC.
So there ya' go...three different machines for cut, finish & price.
The most power is not always best. the GG6" is a great machine.
Each of these Dual Action polishers has a different user "feel".
Don't get me wrong I have done plenty of correction using a PC.
I have been able to achieve a great finish with a GG6" machine.
One machine may do a particular function a just little bit better.
>I have no idea on backing plates, pads, etc.
Backing Plate
I prefer the Meguiar's W67DA 5" Dual Action Backing Plate
This one runs the coolest and heat plays a factor is polishing.
Coming Soon:
DA backing plates that are slotted...Can you say brake rotor?
Pads
A good starter set is a 5.5" Lake Country flat pads "Six-Pack"
2] Orange 2] White 1] Black 1] Blue & the Kevin Brown Method
Polishes:
I'm not a big fan of M105. I've used it for years. It cuts great.
M101 is a better choice for cut and almost LSP ready finish.
M205 Very little cut, removes haze, increases clarity & gloss.
My favorite is Carpro Reflect to "Kick it up a notch" after M205
This is my polish of choice for clarity, gloss & awesome shine
My go-to pad/polish combo for correction is less aggressive:
Meguiars 5 inch DA Microfiber Cutting Discs
Meguiars D300 Microfiber Correction Compound
Rather than clay, the Sponge is a good way to get you started.
I have the Nanoskin FINE grade, towel, DA pad and sponge
You will need a "clay lube" to use with your Nanoskin FINE.
You can use Megs (Red) Quick Detailer available locally.
>Any suggestions? What other stuff am I missing?
Washing: Two Bucket Method, Merino Wash mitt, two Grit Guards
Quality Drying towel: I personally like the Dry Me Crazy (25" x 17").
Quality Microfiber towels:
General Use - BOA Super Soft Plush Microfiber Towel - (16" x 24") Start with 5
Quick Detail - Microfiber Madness: Crazy Pile (16" x 16") This one's awesome!
Polish/wax/sealant Removal - Microfiber Madness: Yellow Fellow (16" x 24")
Last Step Products (LSP):
There are TONS of LSP products and more added every day.
What do you want from an LSP? What color is the vehicle?
Wax
Primary - Most quality Carnauba waxes have a distinct "look" to them.
Secondary - Longevity. Come on folks...its a wax but it looks good.
Sealant
Primary - Protection & durability. Synthetic Polymer products offer longevity.
Secondary - "Looks" - Many looked like "Saran Wrap" but that has changed.
Coating
Primary - Protection with the best product longevity. 1 year+ to permanent.
Secondary - "Looks" - Quick Detail (QD) type family products to spray on top.
As a Rule: Waxes offer warmth and depth. Sealants offer shine and longevity.
Hope this helps...
So for a DA The GG 6", the PC7424 and Harbor Freight 6" DA.
Again, IMHO each of these machines has their pros & cons.
It comes down to usage...Paint correction and clarity finishing.
What do you feel you will be doing most with your machine?
If you feel that most of the time you are going to do correction...
Pick the GG6" lifetime warranty & more power than the others.
If you feel that once the paint correction is done you want finish.
Then IMHO the PC is a better choice. Power is not always best.
Again IMHO I feel that a PC creates a better finish than the GG6.
If you're rarely going to use the machine then maybe HF is good.
I like the HF variable speed between 5-6 better on HF than a PC.
So there ya' go...three different machines for cut, finish & price.
The most power is not always best. the GG6" is a great machine.
Each of these Dual Action polishers has a different user "feel".
Don't get me wrong I have done plenty of correction using a PC.
I have been able to achieve a great finish with a GG6" machine.
One machine may do a particular function a just little bit better.
>I have no idea on backing plates, pads, etc.
Backing Plate
I prefer the Meguiar's W67DA 5" Dual Action Backing Plate
This one runs the coolest and heat plays a factor is polishing.
Coming Soon:
DA backing plates that are slotted...Can you say brake rotor?
Pads
A good starter set is a 5.5" Lake Country flat pads "Six-Pack"
2] Orange 2] White 1] Black 1] Blue & the Kevin Brown Method
Polishes:
I'm not a big fan of M105. I've used it for years. It cuts great.
M101 is a better choice for cut and almost LSP ready finish.
M205 Very little cut, removes haze, increases clarity & gloss.
My favorite is Carpro Reflect to "Kick it up a notch" after M205
This is my polish of choice for clarity, gloss & awesome shine
My go-to pad/polish combo for correction is less aggressive:
Meguiars 5 inch DA Microfiber Cutting Discs
Meguiars D300 Microfiber Correction Compound
Rather than clay, the Sponge is a good way to get you started.
I have the Nanoskin FINE grade, towel, DA pad and sponge
You will need a "clay lube" to use with your Nanoskin FINE.
You can use Megs (Red) Quick Detailer available locally.
>Any suggestions? What other stuff am I missing?
Washing: Two Bucket Method, Merino Wash mitt, two Grit Guards
Quality Drying towel: I personally like the Dry Me Crazy (25" x 17").
Quality Microfiber towels:
General Use - BOA Super Soft Plush Microfiber Towel - (16" x 24") Start with 5
Quick Detail - Microfiber Madness: Crazy Pile (16" x 16") This one's awesome!
Polish/wax/sealant Removal - Microfiber Madness: Yellow Fellow (16" x 24")
Last Step Products (LSP):
There are TONS of LSP products and more added every day.
What do you want from an LSP? What color is the vehicle?
Wax
Primary - Most quality Carnauba waxes have a distinct "look" to them.
Secondary - Longevity. Come on folks...its a wax but it looks good.
Sealant
Primary - Protection & durability. Synthetic Polymer products offer longevity.
Secondary - "Looks" - Many looked like "Saran Wrap" but that has changed.
Coating
Primary - Protection with the best product longevity. 1 year+ to permanent.
Secondary - "Looks" - Quick Detail (QD) type family products to spray on top.
As a Rule: Waxes offer warmth and depth. Sealants offer shine and longevity.
Hope this helps...
Yes it does! Thanks!
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