{"id":18181,"date":"2016-04-26T08:00:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T12:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=18181"},"modified":"2016-04-22T14:04:00","modified_gmt":"2016-04-22T18:04:00","slug":"having-the-right-tool-for-the-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/having-the-right-tool-for-the-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Having The Right Tool For The Job"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"KMG<\/p>\n

With the various shapes, curves and sizes of vehicles these days, it is almost impossible\u00a0to properly finish a vehicle using a single\u00a0tool. \u00a0Certain types of machines are better\u00a0suited for different areas or situations. \u00a0There are lots of options for polishers on the market today ranging from random orbital\u00a0polisher to a rotary buffer, or even a combination of these two type in a forced rotation random orbital such as the Flex XC 3401 VRG<\/a>. \u00a0These types of machines all have good points to them along with some negative points.<\/p>\n

Random Orbital (Dual-action) Polishers<\/h2>\n

Random orbital polishers, also known as dual-action polisher are typically the safest machines for\u00a0use in the hands of a novice. \u00a0There are many options available when it comes to orbital diameter, also referred to as throw with 8mm being the most standard. \u00a0A very popular option in this class is a\u00a0large throw machine such as the Rupes,\u00a0Griots “The Boss” or various other makes available. \u00a0Large throw machines typically\u00a0range from a 12mm throw all the way up to a 21mm. \u00a0These\u00a0machines typically are more expensive, however most will find it difficult to go back to using a standard throw machine after working with a\u00a0large throw. \u00a0Using a standard throw machine all day can take quite the toll on you if you’re not used to it. \u00a0These machines require downward pressure while\u00a0running them, roughly 15 lbs. of pressure is recommended in order to achieve proper correction from the tool. \u00a0Large throw machines however require very little downward pressure, as the large throw provides most of the correction making it far less physically demanding to use.<\/p>\n

The definition as provided in the Auto Detailing Guide – Detailing Dictionary on Detailed Image.<\/p>\n

Random Orbital Buffer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A power tool which attaches to a backing plate and buffing pad that uses random oscillation to spread a product onto a surface and\/or utilize an abrasive to remove surface defects from a surface.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Rotary Polishers<\/h2>\n

    Rotary polishers have been around for a very long time and are still widely used by many places. \u00a0In the hands of someone with a good amount of experience you can perform corrections much quicker than when using a dual-action polisher. \u00a0However, in the wrong hand these machines can cause a lot of damage to the finish on your vehicle, most common are burnt edges or holograms. \u00a0This damage occurs from running the machine at too high of an RPM or cutting into edges on the body and burning through the paint. \u00a0I very rarely ever get my rotary out to use on any of the cars I work on.<\/p>\n

    The definition as provided in the Auto Detailing Guide – Detailing Dictionary on Detailed Image.<\/p>\n

    Rotary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. A buffer that has no secondary action to its rotation. “ZOFRO Polishing Machine (Zero Offset Forced Rotation Orbital)”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Forced Rotation Orbital<\/h2>\n

      In this area you get a hybrid of a rotary and a dual-action machine. \u00a0The Flex is the only tool that is made that performs like this. \u00a0I really have very little experience using a Flex, however they do have a large following. \u00a0Use of the Flex will still require a good bit of downward pressure like all other 8mm throw dual-action polishers, however it will not stall out in complex areas like other dual-action polishers.<\/p>\n

      This\u00a0is a great comparison chart showing the different types of polishers\/buffers available through Detailed Image including\u00a0the specs for each.<\/p>\n

      Buffer Comparison Chart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Buffer<\/td>\nType<\/td>\nSpeed Dial<\/td>\nComes With<\/td>\nSpecifications<\/td>\nCompatible Backing Plates & Pads<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \n
      \"Porter<\/a><\/div>\n

      Porter Cable 7424XP<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      1. 2,500 OPM<\/li>\n
      2. 3,400 OPM<\/li>\n
      3. 4,200 OPM<\/li>\n
      4. 5,000 OPM<\/li>\n
      5. 5,900 OPM<\/li>\n
      6. 6,800 OPM<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 6″ Pad w\/permanent backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n
      • Side handle<\/li>\n
      • Built in 6″ counterweight<\/li>\n
      • Wrench for backing plate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 4.5 Amps<\/li>\n
      • 2,500 – 6,800 OPM<\/li>\n
      • 5.75 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Spindle Thread 5\/16-24<\/li>\n
      • Speed Dial (1 – 6)<\/li>\n
      • 90 day guarantee, 1yr mfg & 3yr parts warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Rupes<\/a><\/div>\n

      Rupes LHR 21ES MarkII<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n2,500 RPM – 4,700 RPM<\/td>\nBuilt in 6″ backing plate<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • 500 Watt output<\/li>\n
      • Orbit Size: 21 mm<\/li>\n
      • Machine weight: 5.73 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Spindle Mounting hole: 8 mm x 1.25 mm female thread<\/li>\n
      • Speed control soft start to prevent product sling<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed<\/li>\n
      • New ergonomic front handle<\/li>\n
      • 1 year warranty<\/li>\n
      • Made in Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Rupes<\/a><\/div>\n

      Rupes LHR 15ES MarkII<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n2,500 RPM – 5,300 RPM<\/td>\nBuilt in 5″ backing plate<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • 500 Watt output<\/li>\n
      • Orbit Size: 15 mm<\/li>\n
      • Machine Weight: 5.73 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Spindle mounting hole: 8 mm x 1.25 mm female thread<\/li>\n
      • Speed control soft start to prevent product sling<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed<\/li>\n
      • New ergonomic front handle<\/li>\n
      • 1 year warranty<\/li>\n
      • Made in Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Rupes<\/a><\/div>\n

      Rupes LHR 12E Duetto<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n4,000 RPM – 5,500 RPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Built in 5″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Rupes Yellow Polishing Foam Pad – 5″<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 400 Watt output<\/li>\n
      • Orbit Size: 12 mm<\/li>\n
      • Machine Weight: 5.73 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Speed control soft start to prevent product sling<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed<\/li>\n
      • New ergonomic front handle<\/li>\n
      • 1 year warranty<\/li>\n
      • Made in Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Rupes<\/a><\/div>\n

      Rupes LHR 75E Mini<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n4,000 RPM – 5,500 RPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Built in 3″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Rupes Yellow Polishing Foam Pad – 4″<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 400 Watt output<\/li>\n
      • Orbit Size: 12 mm<\/li>\n
      • Machine Weight: 5.07 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Speed control soft start to prevent product sling<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed<\/li>\n
      • New ergonomic front handle<\/li>\n
      • 1 year warranty<\/li>\n
      • Made in Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Rupes<\/a><\/div>\n

      Rupes Big Foot iBrid Nano<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Rotary & Random orbital<\/td>\n2,000 RPM – 5,000 RPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • 1 BigFoot Premium Tool Case<\/li>\n
      • 1 AC-DC adapter<\/li>\n
      • 2 Rechargeable power pack<\/li>\n
      • 1 Charger<\/li>\n
      • 6 Buffing foam pads Coarse 1-1\/4″<\/li>\n
      • 6 Buffing foam pads Fine 1-1\/4″<\/li>\n
      • 4 Buffing foam pads Coarse 2″<\/li>\n
      • 4 Buffing foam pads Fine 2″<\/li>\n
      • 1 Zephir polishing compound 150 ml Coarse<\/li>\n
      • 1 Keramik polishing compound 150 ml Fine<\/li>\n
      • 1 Rotary connector<\/li>\n
      • 1 3 mm orbit connector<\/li>\n
      • 1 12 mm orbit connector<\/li>\n
      • 1 Backing plate 1-1\/4″<\/li>\n
      • 1 Backing plate 2″<\/li>\n
      • 1 Cloth wipe<\/li>\n
      • 1 Cylinder brush<\/li>\n
      • 1 Wrench<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • Comes in two sizes, long and short neck.<\/li>\n
      • Can be used with a cord or with the rechargeable battery packs (both included)<\/li>\n
      • 1 year warranty<\/li>\n
      • Made in Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \n
      \"Griot's<\/a><\/div>\n

      Griot’s Garage THE BOSS G21 21MM<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n0 – 5,000 OPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Factory installed 6″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 21mm orbit size<\/li>\n
      • 900W<\/li>\n
      • 7.5A<\/li>\n
      • 13′ Cord<\/li>\n
      • 15 5\/8″ tool length<\/li>\n
      • 5.15 Lbs. tool weight<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control<\/li>\n
      • Variable speed trigger<\/li>\n
      • 3x Griot’s Manufacturer Warranties (Lifetime Guarantee, Six Month Satisfaction, Two Year Comprehensive)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Griot's<\/a><\/div>\n

      Griot’s Garage THE BOSS G15 15MM<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n0 – 5,000 OPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Factory installed 5″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 15mm orbit size<\/li>\n
      • 900W<\/li>\n
      • 7.5A<\/li>\n
      • 13′ Cord<\/li>\n
      • 15 5\/8″ tool length<\/li>\n
      • 5.14 Lbs. tool weight<\/li>\n
      • Electronic speed control<\/li>\n
      • Variable speed trigger<\/li>\n
      • 3x Griot’s Manufacturer Warranties (Lifetime Guarantee, Six Month Satisfaction, Two Year Comprehensive)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Chemical<\/a><\/div>\n

      Chemical Guys TORQ 10FX Random Orbital Polisher<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n1,500 – 4,200 OPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Two 6″ backing plates. One flexible and one stiff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 8 mm Throw<\/li>\n
      • 700 Watt Motor<\/li>\n
      • 1,500 – 4,200 OPM<\/li>\n
      • Variable Speed Control<\/li>\n
      • Digital Display<\/li>\n
      • Smooth Start Up<\/li>\n
      • Reduced Vibration Control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Meguiar's<\/a><\/div>\n

      Meguiar’s MT300 Dual Action Polisher<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n3,000 – 7,000 OPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n
      • Wrench<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 8 mm Throw<\/li>\n
      • 3,000 – 7,000 OPM<\/li>\n
      • Variable Speed Control<\/li>\n
      • Smooth Start Up<\/li>\n
      • Reduced Vibration Control<\/li>\n
      • Billet Counterweight<\/li>\n
      • Digital Torque Management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Griot's<\/a><\/div>\n

      Griot’s Garage 6″ 3rd Gen.<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      1. 2,500 OPM<\/li>\n
      2. 3,360 OPM<\/li>\n
      3. 4,220 OPM<\/li>\n
      4. 5,080 OPM<\/li>\n
      5. 5,940 OPM<\/li>\n
      6. 6,800 OPM<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n
      		6″ DA backing plate included<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Powerful 7-Amp, 850-Watt Motor<\/li>\n
      • 2,500 – 6,800 OPM<\/li>\n
      • Variable Speed, Wider RPM Range<\/li>\n
      • Wider 5\/16″ orbit pattern for faster and better results<\/li>\n
      • Ergonomic Adjustable Handle<\/li>\n
      • Available with 10′ or 25′ cord<\/li>\n
      • Lifetime Warranty from Griot’s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Griot's<\/a><\/div>\n

      Griot’s Garage 3″<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Random orbital<\/td>\n3,500 to 10,000 OPM<\/td>\n3″ DA backing plate included<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • 240 Watt motor<\/li>\n
      • 3,500 – 10,000 OPM<\/li>\n
      • Soft start, constant speed feature<\/li>\n
      • An ergonomic built-in grip at the head of the unit<\/li>\n
      • Heavy duty cord<\/li>\n
      • Steel bevel gear drive for smoother operation<\/li>\n
      • A standard style backing plate with a 5\/16″ shaft<\/li>\n
      • Lifetime Warranty from Griot’s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Flex<\/a><\/div>\n

      Flex XC 3401 VRG<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Forced random orbital<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      1. 3,200\/160 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n
      2. 4,500\/200 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n
      3. 5,800\/270 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n
      4. 7,000\/330 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n
      5. 8,300\/400 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n
      6. 9,600\/480 OPM\/RPM<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n
      • 5.5″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Handle<\/li>\n
      • Alan wrench<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 7.5 Amps<\/li>\n
      • 3,200 – 9,600 OPM<\/li>\n
      • 160 – 480 RPM<\/li>\n
      • 5.75 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Variable speed trigger<\/li>\n
      • Lock-on button locks the trigger<\/li>\n
      • 1 year mfg warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Flex<\/a><\/div>\n

      Flex PE 14-2 150<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Rotary<\/td>\n600 – 2,100 RPM<\/td>\nSide handle included<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • 10 Amps<\/li>\n
      • 880 Watt<\/li>\n
      • Tool Fixture: 5\/8″<\/li>\n
      • 5.6 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Speed without load: 600 – 2100 RPM<\/li>\n
      • Overload protection<\/li>\n
      • 1 year mfg warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Makita<\/a><\/div>\n

      Makita 9237C-X3<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Rotary<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      1. 600 RPM<\/li>\n
      2. 900 RPM<\/li>\n
      3. 1,500 RPM<\/li>\n
      4. 2,100 RPM<\/li>\n
      5. 2,700 RPM<\/li>\n
      6. 3,000 RPM<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • Makita 9237C<\/li>\n
      • Wool and blended pad<\/li>\n
      • 6″ backing plate<\/li>\n
      • Makita nylon tool bag<\/li>\n
      • Bail and side handle<\/li>\n
      • Hex wrench & centering post<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 10 Amps<\/li>\n
      • 600 – 3,000 RPM<\/li>\n
      • Spindle thread 5\/8″ – 11 UNC<\/li>\n
      • 6.6 lbs<\/li>\n
      • Variable speed trigger w\/lock on button<\/li>\n
      • 1 year mfg warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
      \n
      \"Flex<\/a><\/div>\n

      Flex PE 8 Kompakt<\/a><\/td>\n

      		Rotary<\/td>\n1,300 – 3,900 RPM<\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Instructions manual<\/li>\n
      • Side handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n
        \n
      • 7.6 Amp motor<\/li>\n
      • Compact design (12″ long & 4 lbs)<\/li>\n
      • Easy access to tight, hard to reach areas<\/li>\n
      • Soft start and smooth feel<\/li>\n
      • Quiet<\/li>\n
      • 1 year manufacturer warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\n