Griots Orbital

G

Guy

New member
Has anybody used or know how good the Griots machine is?

I'm looking to upgrade my craftsman 10" random orbital and have read reviews on most of the machines except the Griots, any input would be appreciated! :help:
 
I don't think we've really gotten a good review. The review we got on here was from someone who hadn't used any other polishers, IIRC, and there is a review on another site which has a competing product, so I would consider the source before I put too much stock in that one.



The big problem I see with the Griot's polisher is not being able to use different sized backing plates for different sized pads.
 
I too think the lack of different size backing plates is a negative with the current Griot's unit. And note that the PC has widespread parts/service support.



I'd consider the Cyclo, the PC, and the..uhm, oh jeeze I forget whose it is...there's another brand that IIRC Bence uses that's a bit more powerful than the PC and is still a major brand. Maybe Dewalt but I'm not sure.



Griot's guarantee is nice, but it won't get you a quick part/repair, and the lack of small backing plates would be a deal-breaker for me.



Sorta interesting (well, at least to me :o ) how Griot's has gone from selling a Metabo, to the PC, to this current one...
 
ill pass as this machine is not as versatile as pc da not as powerful, if you want something more defect correct without going rotary then step up to cyclo....just imho..good luck if im not mistaken griots offers a 30 day money back guarantee...



also i heard not sure if this is true or not but take it for what its worth griots copied this machine from another manufacture so they can make more profit....dewalt443 maybe i dont know...



if you really wanna try something simular to this maybe the dewalt 443 or festool has a tool like this more costly but very high quality tool.....

again if your starting out id recommend PC DA.....good luck
 
The Porter Cable orbital buffer also can be purchased as cheaply as $100 online (w/o backing plates, etc.) online if you look around . . . . I've had mine six years, and it's a tough little cookie.
 
Wow, thanks for all the responces! Another question I have is, how long on average do the foam pads last? I don't want to order the PC and not have enough pads! Thanks.
 
I typically keep one pad for each product that will be applied. I only break out the PC 2-3 times a year during a "full" detail, and have had to replace only one pad after five years. The velcro stuff on the back started to separate from the pad. And this was only when I was using an old pad to clean our fire pit . . . :)
 
Guy said:
Wow, thanks for all the responces! Another question I have is, how long on average do the foam pads last? I don't want to order the PC and not have enough pads! Thanks.
Click to expand...



Pads can last a long time, though some cutting pads become less aggressive with use. Finishing pads used with glazes/LSPs can last indefinitely, I have some that are maybe ten years old!



The problem is when something happens, and it always does, usually at the worst possible moment...velcro failure is not unheard of, you might hit something sharp and tear the pad, etc.



I'd *always* have at least one spare pad of each type, if only for a backup.
 
I have the griot's polisher and like it. Not sure what kind of review you guys are looking for, but I have no complaints thus far. I had a PC before this which broke after 5-6 uses, and like the handle configuration of the griot's polisher better. I will admit I wasn't aware that it is unable to change to different size pads, however the 6.5" pad seems to be the standard. It does seem more vibration free than my PC was.
 
Yup - however just because mine was defective and broke after a few uses, the PC is a very popular RO buffer, and I wouldn't avoid one because of the failure I experienced...I would highly doubt this to be a common issue, most report years of service out of them.
 
It started vibrating really badly to the point it was shaking so much it was hard to hang onto, let alone use it on paint. Something was coming loose internally, not sure.



Actually I returned it to Griot's, and even though the PC was a gift I had received 3-4 years beforehand, they honored the lifetime warranty. Because they no longer carry the PC, they sent me their polisher. I was pretty pumped to get a brand new replacement unit for free. Then about a week later I got a check for $50 from Griot's. I called to tell them they sent it to me by mistake...and then they said it was no mistake, their polisher was cheaper than the previous PC, so they were sending me a check for the difference. Serious customer service!
 
I have the new Griot orbital and think it is great. Light and easy to use. This is first time I ever used an orbital, and after some practice on a older Volvo had enough confidence to use on my garage queen 911. It came out great.



I also found Griot's customer service to be excellent and had some ongoing questions about supplies required.
 
My only issue with the griot's or pc is the inability to get out heavy swirls/scratches. I am currently just about ready to step up to a rotary, and am doing some serious searching/reading. Leaning toward the makita at this point..
 
I called Griots and asked what their warrenty was on their orbital and the lady said " everything we sell has a lifetime warrenty against defects"

So now my big decision, the PC or thr Griots???
 
Guy- I sincerely doubt that you'll find any huge difference between the two...I just can't get away from the idea that being able to use 4" pads really is a big deal when it comes to doing aggressive work.



I can't remember if anybody's checked to see if the two machines can use the same backing plates :nixweiss
 
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