Help deciding on polisher

[Rsurfer]

I love my GG6. Its the older style not the long throw.

The long throw are GG15 and GG21.

[rlmccarty2000]

Even though I have moved past the Porter Cable machine and have bought the Rupes 21 and mini, I think the Porter Cable is a great first choice due to it being the industry standard for so many years. Manufacturers of polishes and pads still support the PC and there are tons of online videos on how to use the PC properly. It has stood the test of time and I think most Autopians would agree that with the correct compounds, polishes, and pads you can achieve a showroom shine with the PC. And when you out grow the PC it does a fantastic job as a wax spreader and under normal use will last many, many years.

[Ccrew]

Will any 5" backing plate work (such as the lake country ones) eShine Canada: Lake Country 5" DA Flexible Backing Plate ? Or is there special ones for the GG6?

No, the GG 6 uses a standard threaded backing plate so that will definitely fit.

[Ccrew]

It has stood the test of time and I think most Autopians would agree that with the correct compounds, polishes, and pads you can achieve a showroom shine with the PC. And when you out grow the PC it does a fantastic job as a wax spreader and under normal use will last many, many years.

Actually one of the common complaints of the Porter Cable is that the new ones don`t hold up. And while there are videos out there to show how to use the PC properly all certainly apply to the GG6. It`s not like there`s inherent magic built into the PC. So at the end of the day, the cost between the PC and the GG are negligible ($20 here but if you shop the GG can be found cheaper), and the GG has a lifetime warranty. I really personally fail to see given those anyone can recommend the PC over the GG.

[RaysWay]

... So at the end of the day, the cost between the PC and the GG are negligible ($20 here but if you shop the GG can be found cheaper), and the GG has a lifetime warranty. I really personally fail to see given those anyone can recommend the PC over the GG.

I think this is a good opportunity to mention our "Price Match Guarantee". If you find anything we carry on a competitor`s website for less, give us a call and in most cases we will actually beat their price.

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, if we`re talking "industry standard for many years", IMO the Cyclo fits the bill with decades to spare Most durable RO polisher ever, my older one from the early `80s is just getting broken in and it was (ab)used for years in a commercial setting.

No, the GG 6 uses a standard threaded backing plate so that will definitely fit.

As will numerous other plates in varying sizes.

[Merlin]

I`d suggest your first machine purchase is the Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher with a Meguiars Soft Buff DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate It`s a GREAT machine to start with.

You can use the Megs 5" microfiber pads and D300, The Carpro 3"-5" Flash Pad with M101 or the variety of Lake Country 5.5 inch Flat Foam Pads or Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads.
I`d even suggest a Meguiars Soft Buff DBP3 DA Polisher 3 Inch Backing Plate with the Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, 3 inches and some small Lake Country 3-4 inch Flat Foam Pads

[Craig_K]

So I have decided on the Griots Garage as per the many recommendations. Before I order I just want to make sure that one of these backing plates will work correctly : Astro Pneumatic 4607 5" PU Velcro Backing Pad, Accessory Light Kits - Amazon Canada Chemical Guys 5" Replacement backer for porter cable: Amazon.ca: Automotive .

[Swanicyouth]

So I have decided on the Griots Garage as per the many recommendations. Before I order I just want to make sure that one of these backing plates will work correctly : Astro Pneumatic 4607 5" PU Velcro Backing Pad, Accessory Light Kits - Amazon Canada Chemical Guys 5" Replacement backer for porter cable: Amazon.ca: Automotive .

That BP wouldn`t be my first choice - but it will work fine. I know, Canada and all that....

I would get a B n S or LC BP.

[skibik]

I have the GG6 and have only used it for my own personal car and I really like it. If you are on a budget there is nothing wrong with the 6" backing plate on it. Also, I am not sure what the advantage even is by dropping to a 5" plate with 5.5" pads. I think it is a waste of money. JMO.

[MaestroDetailer]

I have the rupes, porter cable, and the griots. I love the rupes and think that its a lot better then the other two! However, both porter cable and griot machine is great for polishing and waxing. It is also good for compound use but will take a lot more time. Personally, I would choose the griot since it offers more power. Hope this helps.

[Craig_K]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I just ordered the Griots. I hope it works well for me!

[KBsToy]

Another vote for the GG DA. With a 5" backing plate, 5.5" pads and the right products there isn`t anything it can`t handle. The lifetime warranty is extra icing on the cake. Later if you want to move up to something else you can equip the GG with a 3" or 3.5" backing plate for tight areas on the car like bumpers etc.

Make sure you get enough pads--trying to do the whole car with one or two pads is a recipe for failure. Here`s an article by Mike Phillips -- How many pads do I need to buff out my car? - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

With this info you made a good choice you won`t be sorry ...

[Ccrew]

I have the GG6 and have only used it for my own personal car and I really like it. If you are on a budget there is nothing wrong with the 6" backing plate on it. Also, I am not sure what the advantage even is by dropping to a 5" plate with 5.5" pads. I think it is a waste of money. JMO.

If you compare the cost of pads over time it`ll easily pay for itself. And you can use a 5" pad or a 5.5" with the 5" BP. If you`re the kind of user that buys one of any pad then buffs a whole car with it then yeah, probably won`t see the point. Or the best job for that matter.

[Merlin]

Meguiars Soft Buff DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate I have a big stack of 6.5" pads and since I switched to 5.5"(years ago) I`ve never looked back. BTW - Megs new DA pads are thin not fat like the 6.5".

Lake Country 5.5 inch Flat Foam Pads or Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads. IMHO All the 6" DA`s work best with a 5" backing plate and 5" pads. They are thinner, work better and handle better.

I`d start with a 6 pack of Lake Country 5.5 Inch Flat Pads 2) Orange 2) White 1) Blue and 1) Grey with some M101 and M205. You won`t regret going 5". I use 5" for all my pads. rotary, Rupes, Flex etc.

Come to think of it...I can`t remember when the last time was I used a 6"-6.6" pad. Well maybe once I used a 6" wool on the rotary for an "extreme makeover". Thinner pads are the way to go with a DA. They do not twist.