Compoud ---> Polish steps

**Accumulator** · 02-20-2018, 10:45 AM

Whereas I found the GG6 to be superior to the PC, better suited to Final Polishing than the Flex 3401, but not the be-all/end-all answer. If buying today, I`d be looking at long-throw units (like that Flex).

**Mike lambert** · 02-20-2018, 03:00 PM

The Griot’s 15 and 21 is what I was referring to as far as long throw machines.

**xciii110** · 02-20-2018, 09:01 PM

Looks like I`m going to have to do some studying on different types of machines too because I have no idea what a long throw machine is...haha. I thought it was just dual action or rotary...

**pwaug** · 02-20-2018, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by xciii110

Looks like I`m going to have to do some studying on different types of machines too because I have no idea what a long throw machine is...haha. I thought it was just dual action or rotary...

A long throw machine is just a DA with a larger orbit. While a standard DA has a 8mm orbit the long throws have a 15 or 21 mm orbit.

**b5visser** · 02-20-2018, 10:45 PM

I`ve been happy with the XFE-7-150. Its a nice tool that fits well in your hands, is quiet and is very smooth.

**LashingStanley** · 02-21-2018, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by b5visser

I`ve been happy with the XFE-7-150. Its a nice tool that fits well in your hands, is quiet and is very smooth.

no issue with it being underpowered compared to Rupes or Boss polishers? I`ve heard some negative feedback which is why I ask

**Accumulator** · 02-21-2018, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by xciii110

Looks like I`m going to have to do some studying ..

Good decision.

Oh, and just generally...I`d advise you to *NOT* think "I don`t need that much power because I`m not a Pro" or stuff to that effect. Many people seem shocked by how their polisher of choice doesn`t perform the way they`d expected. It`s just a "fast hand that doesn`t get fatigued or careless". And/but, when researching Long-Throw polishers, note that *too long* of a throw can make it tricky to do certain areas/panel contours/tight spots.

IMO that kinda makes for recommending the Griot`s BOSS15 these days, but I`d rather you do plenty of research rather than just listening to us/me.

**b5visser** · 02-21-2018, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by LashingStanley

no issue with it being underpowered compared to Rupes or Boss polishers? I`ve heard some negative feedback which is why I ask

I have not used the other 15mm offerings, so nothing to compare to there, however, I have used the Rupes 21 mk2 and it is significantly more powerful (although not really an apples/apples comparison).

I had a "defective" unit with a faulty backing plate and after a 2 minute conversation with an incredibly helpful representative from Flex North America, she had a BRAND NEW xfe7 shipped next day. Customer service is top notch! I noticed that the "new" xfe7 does not use the "auto balancing" system the original had. I feel no more vibration than that original unit, so maybe flex deemed it to be unnecessary.

If I need the "grunt," I go with 3401 or PE14. XFE7 and Uro-fiber pads are nice!!

**Coleroad** · 02-23-2018, 08:37 AM

xciii110, I too am going to be doing my first paint correction. I`ve since bought the griot`s polisher and 5" backing plate. Hexlogic pads, and enough of them to work clean. I bought a C grade hood from a local scrap yard to practice on. I`m glad I am practicing on this hood first. It is going to make doing the car go a lot faster. One thing I`m finding I have to work through is how this single digit humidity shortens working time. I`m probably having to modify things a little more than most have too, but a practice panel I think would help anyone.

**Accumulator** · 02-23-2018, 01:29 PM

Coleroad- I`ll spare you my opinion of the Hexlogic pads...and/but just say to make sure you don`t get..stuff...(dried product, cut-off clear) built up in the hexagonal recesses.

**Coleroad** · 02-23-2018, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Coleroad- I`ll spare you my opinion of the Hexlogic pads...and/but just say to make sure you don`t get..stuff...(dried product, cut-off clear) built up in the hexagonal recesses.

I`ve got 10 of each color pad I plan on using, and no roof to do on the camaro. Plus half the hood is vinyl decal. So I should be able to work clean without any issues.

**Accumulator** · 02-23-2018, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Coleroad

I`ve got 10 of each color pad I plan on using, and.. should be able to work clean without any issues.

OK, that sounds good, and I`m glad you have sufficient pads on hand.

**xciii110** · 02-23-2018, 09:37 PM

I think I`m going to go with the microfiber cutting pad and the Lake Country yellow and green foam pads for cutting. I might get some Lake Country black foam pads as well.

**Accumulator** · 02-24-2018, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by xciii110

I think I`m going to go with the microfiber cutting pad and the Lake Country yellow and green foam pads for cutting. I might get some Lake Country black foam pads as well.

Just FWIW, I utterly *DESPISE* the LC Yellow Foam Cutting Pads!!! Zero way to overstate that, it`s one pad I`ll never use again in this lifetime. Heh heh, did I get my point of view across?

Feel almost as strongly against the LC Black, just never worked out for me with any product in any size on any machine. Too easily compressed for my taste.

For significant correction I`d lean towards MF as the first-line choice, with foams being reserved for special cases.

Then I`d finish up with foam, but not those really soft ones (e.g., LC Black).

I bet that once you do some (significant) correction with the MFs you`ll agree, but hey...maybe not!