UPDATE!! Current Dual Action Polisher Comparison - Garry Dean - Tampa, FL

[Garry Dean]

You know, I was thinking about this last night after getting mine in. In kit form they`re selling for $149.99, which includes three pads and a 16oz. bottle of SPEED. Right off the bat, that`s $43.96 (retail) of products. If we call the carrying case (being very generous) ~$20 retail, that leaves us with just over $85 retail for the polisher itself -- significantly cheaper than any other DA of this type on the market.



From a value proposition standpoint, perhaps we`re expecting too much of these machines? They were clearly built with the idea of being a knock-off of the Porter Cable, which could ultimately prove to be good or bad.











Can you tell where the overheating is coming from? Is it in the head/spindle assembly? Or is the electric motor overheating?



I definitely think I`m going to be tearing mine down to grease the gear drive and bearing/spindle assembly, in hopes that it will prevent those sort of issues and also smooth out the operation a bit.

I agree that the HD polisher is significantly cheaper per the kit and I really enjoy using mine.



The overheating is definitely coming from the head/spindle assembly.

[Superior Shine]

Yes, Joe, that has already been discussed, and you`re right, using as much pressure as I was demonstrating is, in fact improper use. I shot this video to demonstrate power under load and that only. The HD machine definitely had the most. Whether that`s important to you or not is up to you. I am sure you`ve heard the saying, "if it ain`t spinning, you ain`t cutting." Well, that`s what this video is for. I must have gotten 10 calls when I received the polisher asking me what the power was like.



I am now experiencing some major overheating with the machine, I am not sure what is going on with these things, but it`s not good. Mine still runs fine, but gets really hot really fast.

Thanks for the reply. I defiantly appropriate your passion for the industry!

[David Fermani]

You know, I was thinking about this last night after getting mine in. In kit form they`re selling for $149.99, which includes three pads and a 16oz. bottle of SPEED. Right off the bat, that`s $43.96 (retail) of products. If we call the carrying case (being very generous) ~$20 retail, that leaves us with just over $85 retail for the polisher itself -- significantly cheaper than any other DA of this type on the market.

Don`t forget about the backing plate & microfiber towels included in the kit. Oh, and the 1 year full warranty and 3 year parts warranty. Makes it even more affordable.....

[C. Charles Hahn]

Don`t forget about the backing plate & microfiber towels included in the kit. Oh, and the 1 year full warranty and 3 year parts warranty. Makes it even more affordable.....

Good call, I didn`t even count the backing plate/towels. Taking those into account is another ~$15 (retail) worth of accessories, per what 3D sells them for separately. So make that a $70 polisher.



1 yr. full, 3 yr. parts.... that`s the official/final word now? Last I`d seen Ben said that was still being discussed or hadn`t been confirmed yet.

[David Fermani]

And that`s why it was voted the #1 DA polisher by Detailing Crack Heads all over the US :usa & Canada :canada:.



Opps. Let`s just say you can consider my warranty specs as instigational and premature, but yes. <unofficially>

[911fanatic]

Are these available anywhere in Canada? I`m interested in how long this $70 polisher is going to last under daily use.

[David Fermani]

Are these available anywhere in Canada? I`m interested in how long this $70 polisher is going to last under daily use.

3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store



I would speak with the home office in Santa Clarita and give you an exact quote on shipping.

[Leadfootluke]

Good call, I didn`t even count the backing plate/towels. Taking those into account is another ~$15 (retail) worth of accessories, per what 3D sells them for separately. So make that a $70 polisher.



1 yr. full, 3 yr. parts.... that`s the official/final word now? Last I`d seen Ben said that was still being discussed or hadn`t been confirmed yet.

If it is as potentially as strong as a lot of the units going out [with some being beasts and some being failures], even a 1 yr warranty is great. With daily use, $70 is a steal. As long as frequent replacements don`t become an issue this could be a nice machine, especially to have 2 of at the bargain price they are [if only they would sell the polisher separate].

[C. Charles Hahn]

If it is as potentially as strong as a lot of the units going out [with some being beasts and some being failures], even a 1 yr warranty is great. With daily use, $70 is a steal. As long as frequent replacements don`t become an issue this could be a nice machine, especially to have 2 of at the bargain price they are [if only they would sell the polisher separate].

I honestly feel based on the short amount of use I`ve given the HD Polisher so far that it does have a lot of potential; but there`s no mistaking that it has its foibles, largely due to the low price point (with electric power tools, you often get what you pay for -- so prepare to calibrate your expectations accordingly here). My level of confidence will increase substantially if I am able to rectify some of the more glaring issues that threaten the tool`s functional life expectancy and detract from the user experience.



Definitely agree, though, it would be nice to see this machine offered as a stand-alone without all the other "stuff" packaged in with it. $70 borders on throw-away territory and if it comes to that, I`d rather be able to replace it without being forced to also buy all the ancillaries I don`t really need.

[911fanatic]

Definitely agree, though, it would be nice to see this machine offered as a stand-alone without all the other "stuff" packaged in with it. $70 borders on throw-away territory and if it comes to that, I`d rather be able to replace it without being forced to also buy all the ancillaries I don`t really need.

I think this is where the issue lies. Why not just pay a good dollar for a quality machine instead of buying made in China crap? I paid $225 for my PC ( a long time ago! LOL ) and used it hard in my shop for a few years before it died. Then the Griots comes out at $129 and we all know how that has worked out. Lots of power but sketchy reliability. My on/off switch went rendering the machine useless. Now we have a $70 machine. Who cares if the warranty is for 10 years. I want the machine to work. Period. Charge me what you need to in order to sell me a quality machine. We have done this to ourselves by insisting on the lowest possible price and refusing to pay for quality.

[RaskyR1]

I think this is where the issue lies. Why not just pay a good dollar for a quality machine instead of buying made in China crap? I paid $225 for my PC ( a long time ago! LOL ) and used it hard in my shop for a few years before it died. Then the Griots comes out at $129 and we all know how that has worked out. Lots of power but sketchy reliability. My on/off switch went rendering the machine useless. Now we have a $70 machine. Who cares if the warranty is for 10 years. I want the machine to work. Period. Charge me what you need to in order to sell me a quality machine. We have done this to ourselves by insisting on the lowest possible price and refusing to pay for quality.

I agree 100%. I have no issues paying good money for a quality too! Anyone listening?

[imported_RZJZA80]

That`s an interesting point. I also would be more than willing to pay more for a quality unit that I don`t have to worry about, that`s well engineered, and combines all the good things from the other polishers out there into one unit.



Concerning the 3D polisher, I also would like to see it available by itself and not be forced to only buy the complete package.

[David Fermani]

I don’t think it’s fair to discredit a product just because something is Chinese made and if that aspect bothers you then by all means then be my guest and avoid this tool. I think many people have lost sight of the target audience that 3D is focusing their machine towards and that’s primarily the clients they hands on service at their storefront and on location (detail shops/dealerships). 3D’s internet sales account for less than 1% of their overall global reach. Out of the several 100’s that have already been sold in their main venue, I’ve been told that only 2 have been returned due to issues. I’d say that’s quite low, especially considering most of these sectors(dealers/high volume shops) tend to be quite rough on their equipment in general. And 3D is also working on bringing this kit to large retail merchandisers and the price point they are (or will be) at is one of value and performance which I feel confident in saying this machine is not lacking in. Otherwise they would certainly be providing an ala carte machine offering.

[Garry Dean]

I don’t think it’s fair to discredit a product just because something is Chinese made and if that aspect bothers you then by all means then be my guest and avoid this tool. I think many people have lost sight of the target audience that 3D is focusing their machine towards and that’s primarily the clients they hands on service at their storefront and on location (detail shops/dealerships). 3D’s internet sales account for less than 1% of their overall global reach. Out of the several 100’s that have already been sold in their main venue, I’ve been told that only 2 have been returned due to issues. I’d say that’s quite low, especially considering most of these sectors(dealers/high volume shops) tend to be quite rough on their equipment in general. And 3D is also working on bringing this kit to large retail merchandisers and the price point they are (or will be) at is one of value and performance which I feel confident in saying this machine is not lacking in. Otherwise they would certainly be providing an ala carte machine offering.

Well said, Sir.

[RaskyR1]

I don’t think it’s fair to discredit a product just because something is Chinese made and if that aspect bothers you then by all means then be my guest and avoid this tool. I think many people have lost sight of the target audience that 3D is focusing their machine towards and that’s primarily the clients they hands on service at their storefront and on location (detail shops/dealerships). 3D’s internet sales account for less than 1% of their overall global reach. Out of the several 100’s that have already been sold in their main venue, I’ve been told that only 2 have been returned due to issues. I’d say that’s quite low, especially considering most of these sectors(dealers/high volume shops) tend to be quite rough on their equipment in general. And 3D is also working on bringing this kit to large retail merchandisers and the price point they are (or will be) at is one of value and performance which I feel confident in saying this machine is not lacking in. Otherwise they would certainly be providing an ala carte machine offering.

Hopefully you don`t think I was trying to discredit the HD polisher in any way. I was simply stating that I long for a powerful, high quality DA built like my Makita, Dewalt, or better yet, my Flex PE14 rotary. I don`t care where its made, I just want a solid, durable machine that doesn`t have to be sent in for repairs every few months like the Girots DA`s I have, and I`d be willing to pay for such a tool. This is something I have voiced my opinion on for a while now.



I`ve not used the HD polisher and will make no opinion on it until I have.



Rasky