Redesigned G21 and G15 Polishers

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, all these newfangled polishers with killer specs are possibly gonna kill lots of paintjobs through over-thinned clear. I see *so* much of that in my area already, clear as day...you can often tell exactly how the (over)polishing was done.

Not that I mind having the extra power to speed things along, but I hope everybody remembers to know when to accept "enough better" instead of always aiming for Autopian Perfection.

 

[William_Wallace]

It’s good someone’s got to compete with flex and rupes. The lifetime warranty is a nice tickle

 

[Lonnie]

Heh heh, all these newfangled polishers with killer specs are possibly gonna kill lots of paintjobs through over-thinned clear. I see *so* much of that in my area already, clear as day...you can often tell exactly how the (over)polishing was done.

Not that I mind having the extra power to speed things along, but I hope everybody remembers to know when to accept "enough better" instead of always aiming for Autopian Perfection.

Now I have to add a Paint Thickness Gauge (PTG) to my detailing tools! I do think, though, your point is well taken, especially on newer vehicles and recent paint/clear coat techniques being used in the manufacturing process.
It is also the reason Mike Lambert suggests using the new Griot`s Garage G9 polisher with its not-to-aggressive 9mm throw on thinned clears of multi-polished older vehicles OR the fore-mentioned newer vehicles. The "problem" being unless you measure the paint/clear coat on a vehicle, how do know. And if you do not, your run that risk of burn-through or least reducing the life-expectancy of an exterior surface. It is a scary scenario, especially in the used-vehicle market. MAYBE the Car-Fax needs to include paint thickness readings... just sayin`!

 

[Accumulator]

Lonnie- It`s been forever since I bought a vehicle (what a change!), but, for the last however many, when I did I always took my ETG [INSERT usual rant about how I hate mine HERE]. Even if sections were repainted/other complications, it gave me some idea about what I was (really) buying.

Thinned paint was the primary reason I passed on at least a half-dozen (!) ex-LE Crown Vics; resellers always overdid trying to undo all the in-service damage...

And yeah, I never use any of my more aggressive polishers/pads/products on our thin-paint vehicles. On the `93 Audi I did *one* last correction when I got it back in `08...doing more damage ...which got it good enough as long as nobody touches the thing except for my washes.

Way back when I had that (new) POS `01 Mazda MPV I was shocked at the upon-delivery/untouched paint ETG readings; one Autopian C&B-level correction would`ve destroyed it long-term-wise. I had maybe three microns to spare over its service life.

Not to pick on *you*, but I for one wish we`d all quit mentioning "burn through" since the paintjob will be compromised *WAY* before taking off that much. Yeah, I`m doing OK with that `93, but I don`t leave it parked in the sun for hours either.

 

[JustJesus]

I was going to send in my GG3 for repairs, but that was about the time the G8 came out, and I believed they would just do the "upgrade" instead of repairing my tool. No thanks. I think I would prefer the smaller footprint of the GG3.

I gather you find your version of the 3" satisfactory...or even better than that. It *is* a lot more compact than the G8.

Oh for sure! I do wonder why so many complain about it. Then again, I never used the v1 model myself.

G15/G21 WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

There is a proverbial dance that occurs between an orbital polisher`s counterbalance and the combined weight of a backing plate, buffing pad, and the liquid on the pad. Balancing this combined weight translates into less vibration and a smoother running machine. For instance, microfiber pads generally weigh nearly twice as much as a foam pad so fine tuning is beneficial. Our innovative Weight Optimization System consists of three uniquely engineered bolts, each weight-matched to a Griot’s Garage pad type to ensure you’ll enjoy best in class performance from these machines.

So a way to fine-tune the balancing of the pad on the spot which is going to work great for working with a variety of different pad types. Very cool stuff coming out at Griot`s this year, can`t wait to hear some feedback from the testers.

That is interesting. I wonder how effective it is. Now I`m curious to see how it would "feel" during polishing.

 

[JustJesus]

Thanks for this info, Loach!

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[RZJZA80]

Thanks for this info, Loach!

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This is the first I`m seeing this info. I`m assuming GG sells these additional bolts?

 

[JustJesus]

I haven`t looked, but I`m guessing they will sell them, or more than likely, include them with the polisher units. Much like how they include a washer for the "washer mod" with the BOSS G15 and G21.

 

[Lonnie]

So I am assuming that the user changes out the screws based on the pad to be used from the table, much like changing weights in a Porter-Cable Dual Action (PC-DA) for balancing of backing plates and pads of a diameter than the standard from-the-factory 6" plate.
Are those screws slotted countersunk flat heads, slotted pan heads, or Phillips head screws, hex-keyed countersunk screws? Yes, the drive tool used to remove and tighten the screw head makes a BIG difference, especially if you need to do this often enough. Anyone here KNOWS what happens to slotted screws that are repeatedly removed and tightened; the slot strips out. Does not say if they include a tool to do so, like a hex key, or if it is a special drive, like a Torx (Those special star-shaped recessed holes in screws that GM uses; my preference for constant removal/tightening. Captain Obvious, the engineer!)

 

[JustJesus]

That is what I take: match the bolt to the pad. But just a bolt/washer, not so much a big chunk of counterweight

Not sure about the drive method for the bolts for the WOS (weight optimization system). When I took apart my PC recently, i did find a mix of Phillips and Torx, and one hex bolt where I needed a socket.

 

[Accumulator]

I`ll be interested to hear whether/not people find that balancing of any significance. FWIW, swapping the counterweights on my PCs had such a minimal effect that I quit bothering to do it and never noticed which one was set up which way.

Never bothered upgrading the Cyclos when they came out with their Balancing System, which is kinda similar to the GG approach...

 

[JustJesus]

I`d be interested as well.

From what I had read about the PC and the counterweights, it didn`t make much difference, so I never bothered with it. Though, when I went from "regular" flat pads to the thin ones, it did feel better. Smoother overall.

 

[RZJZA80]

With longer throws it should make a difference. Occasionally I`ve noticed certain pads caused vibrations and wobbly rotation, which went away when changing pads, so even from pad to pad it can make a difference.

 

[Accumulator]

Occasionally I`ve noticed certain pads caused vibrations and wobbly rotation, which went away when changing pads, so even from pad to pad it can make a difference.

Yes it can (even though it might sound like I minimize the issue ). Especially with machines that were originally designed to handle a single sheet of dry sandpaper, which is very different from a foam pad loaded with product.

 

[felixthecat]

I`ll be interested to hear whether/not people find that balancing of any significance. FWIW, swapping the counterweights on my PCs had such a minimal effect that I quit bothering to do it and never noticed which one was set up which way.

Never bothered upgrading the Cyclos when they came out with their Balancing System, which is kinda similar to the GG approach...

I just stick w/ the Boss 5.5 pads for the G15...I find the m/f pad to work awesome.

 

[Accumulator]

I just stick w/ the Boss 5.5 pads for the G15...I find the m/f pad to work awesome.

That`s probably what I`ll do, and I appreciate your comments on the GG MF.

I`ll just keep the BOSS15 v1.0 (or however we`re describing the early one), but it did kinda bug me that I never even plugged it in before they came out with the newer one. Reminded me too much of how it went with my GG 3" electric.

 

[Coatings=crack]

That`s probably what I`ll do, and I appreciate your comments on the GG MF.

I`ll just keep the BOSS15 v1.0 (or however we`re describing the early one), but it did kinda bug me that I never even plugged it in before they came out with the newer one. Reminded me too much of how it went with my GG 3" electric.

With the new one being a hundred less of retail i’d be suprise if the new 15 is significantly or at all better


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[dwaleke]

With the new one being a hundred less of retail i’d be suprise if the new 15 is significantly or at all better


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They can`t get away charging the previous prices now that competition exists.

Before they only had Rupes with their highly priced units. Not anymore.

I would expect these new units are every bit as good as the previous models. We`ll see once they get out and people tear them down.

 

[rlmccarty2000]

I love reading about new polishers and I think about buying a new one until I remember how much I like my Rupes polishers I also like that some Rupes are made in the US and they have a repair facility in Colorado. More power is nice, but honing you’re technique will save you from having to buy a new more powerful machine.

I still grab my old Porter Cable for some things and it is considered to be low powered tools. I am still waiting for Lake Country to release their 5 in 1 polisher. I’m not sure where it will be manufactured (of if it will be manufactured), but I’m guessing China, although I think many companies are starting to look to other more stable, less confrontational, countries to manufacture their products. I know I will not be buying any stock in any companies based in China, too volatile. The tensions between the two superpowers is just too great at this time. If we get new leadership in Washington through the next election hopefully tensions will ease, but who knows, it always could get worse.

 

[Coatings=crack]

They can`t get away charging the previous prices now that competition exists.

Before they only had Rupes with their highly priced units. Not anymore.

I would expect these new units are every bit as good as the previous models. We`ll see once they get out and people tear them down.

? So in that thinking rupes’s and flex’s will be a couple of hundred of dollars cheaper this year? That be awesome!

I can guarantee you griots is not just selling the polisher for less and making less money. The changed vendors to get lower prices which may mean lower quality parts.

Their machines were selling well and you almost never say a bad review... why change? Usually to make more money. Either by increasing your margins or driving up unit sales by lowering price/quality. Usually a combo of both.

I love griots and their products but if you don’t think this was don with profits and margins in mind..... your not realizing they are running a business.


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