Finishing Quality Of Long Throw Machines

[bswombaugh]

I think we all agree that there is no doubt of the superior correction ability of the new Long Throw Polishers with the 21mm throw vs the std. 8mm type machines. My question is however related to the statement made by Jason Rose that the Long Throw machines such as the Rupes 21 also finishes down better than than the 8mm polishers. Can any of you guys verify that you have personally found that to be true?

[felixthecat]

That`s not taken the 3401 into account, as far as correction ability?

[Mike lambert]

You can get a wax ready finish with a compound and a microfiber pad, do it all the time.

[Oldfordisbetter]

Thats a great question. I wondered about that when Jason said it. Where is Todd Helme to explain in his genius type of way?

[Detailology Oz]

The 21 will certainly keep the abraded paint residue and polish away from the centre of the pad which is a problem with 3mm throw machines of old
however I`m not sure if that means that a 21 will finish better than an 8. I`m buying a new 1000 watt 8mm machine soon so I`ll test it

I know one thing though,the Rotary is still the best at finishing with new ultra low speed rotary machines like the now discontinued fein which I own

Mf and da will leave a great finish but isn`t the pinnacle however

[Oldfordisbetter]

Also, I occasionally hear guys complaining about micro marring when finishing with a long throw. I dont know, I just know I dont like how a 3401 finishes. I usually just use a 8mm throw DA, but Jasons comment makes me think.

[bswombaugh]

Also, I occasionally hear guys complaining about micro marring when finishing with a long throw. I dont know, I just know I dont like how a 3401 finishes. I usually just use a 8mm throw DA, but Jasons comment makes me think.

I own a 3401 and pretty much feel the same as you. I use it for the major correcting but most always use my HF DA for finishing.

[JSFM35X]

Mike would this also be true for a coating ready finish? I find waxes can hide some minor micro marring where a coating just makes it pop out.

Just curious. I always need to do a finishing step before a coating and I realize my polishing skills are very basic at this point.

You can get a wax ready finish with a compound and a microfiber pad, do it all the time.

[Accumulator]

Can`t help but think of how the Cyclo is considered a "long throw" polisher...it`s my fave for finishing/burnishing.

And yeah, I can`t get quite the finish I want out of the Flex 3401 either.

[Mike lambert]

I always follow a compound with a polish,however using a SWA with the compound you can get a finish that has no micro marring. I guess it depends on the paint but I guess if you are happy with the finish you can certainly coat it. The super micro abrasives and a little water can do wonders!

[SonOfOC]

Every compound and polish that works with a DA will work with a rotary, but not every compound made for a rotary will work with a DA. So my guess is that large stroke has the ability to quickly break down the new technology polishes whereas smaller stroke machines are not as efficient. Many, including myself, believe a rotary or large stroke machine can finish better than a traditional 8mm DA.

[ride92]

I own a 3401 and pretty much feel the same as you. I use it for the major correcting but most always use my HF DA for finishing.

Do you happen to know what the throw is for the Harbor Freight DA?

[RaskyR1]

IME the long throw polishers finish down better then the 8mm tools.

[parttimer]

Do you happen to know what the throw is for the Harbor Freight DA?

Standard 8mm I believe..

[4u2nvinmtl]

I didn`t notice any difference when polishing with a 21mm vs 8mm on my car`s paint specifically.

Both came out looking perfect IMHO.

I used completely different pads, polish, and speeds, but the same number of passes.