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I started with a PC 7424XP. They don't make the less powerful 7424 anymore, but if you hunt on Amazon for a deal, they are still there. Get the XP. I also have a RUPES bigfoot and a rotary. I've only been really into detailing the last 7 years or so, but it has been a ton of fun and there is lot's to learn.
The Griots is a good machine, my buddy has one and it has lasted several years without any issue. I wouldn't hesitate to have either. Meguiar's makes some great, easy to use product that can be had almost anywhere. Look into OTC stuff like Meg's Ultimate Compound and polish, you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish with them.
Good luck!
I'm fairly new to the waxing and making my truck pretty thing, I've found a sealant I really like and get good result with.
I've seen a lot of people recommend the harbor freight, but Griot's Garage is in my town and they have either a 3" orbital or the new 5.5" boss setup.
I don't know which would be more forgiving for a beginner, yet I normally like to buy good stuff right off the bat, but $400 is a decent little chunk and I don't have a garage to detail in.
With that being said, should I just stick to hand applying or step up?
For a newbie to polishing (especially with Griot's in your town) I would suggest the GG 6" Polisher.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm a big fan of a 5" backing plate on a DA polisher (for many reasons).
I'd pick up a the Griot's 5" Orbital Conversion Kit and a 5.5" Microfiber FAST Finishing Pad.
or (singles) a Griot's 5" Vented Orbital Backing Plate and a 5.5" orange, black and red to start.
I'm sure there are knowledgeable folks at Griot's (they were just at Detail Fest) that can help you.
There are more expensive machines, but for a newbie IMHO, the best bang for your buck is the GG 6"
Side Note: I have a PC xp and a GG 6"...the GG 6" is more powerful and has a lifetime warranty.
That said...I also have a Megs 3" backing plate that fits and works perfectly on my GG 6" polisher.
I started with a PC. I now have a small collection of polishing machines.
They range from PC, Flex, Rotary etc. to Rupes Bigfoot 21mm throw.
Still my favorite backing plate size is 5" and pads from 5" to 5 1/2".
I now have a cabinets full of compounds, polishes, pads & discs.
Sadly, there's no one-size-fits-all polishing product.
All paints correct and behave differently.
This is why I always do a test spot.
You can not do by hand what you can accomplish with a machine.
If I've learned anything over the years...it's that I'm still learning.
Very impressive Merlin, I have a griots gg6 with a 5" backing plate and it's wonderful .. I use lake country pads and McKees compounds and polishes .. I usually just use meguiars ultimate wax as a lsp .. Here's some pics of my work .. My first two vehicles I've done
Very impressive Merlin, I have a griots gg6 with a 5" backing plate and it's wonderful ..
I use lake country pads and McKees compounds and polishes ..
I usually just use meguiars ultimate wax as a lsp ..
Thank you.
Nice work! Looks Awesome. The GG 6" is a great little machine.
Have you tried the Megs mf discs or the thin flat foam pads from Megs or LC?
I really like Megs 5" mf discs with Carpro Essence as a finishing polish.
Megs UW is good...there are a few other LSP's I prefer on dark colors.
I'm using lake country's new thinpro foam pads, seem to work really good! .. Essense is on my list of products to try, I'll pick up a couple Carpro gloss pads to go with it .. What is some of your favorite lsp for black ?
Not black, but blue jean metallic. I've used Griots paint sealant topped with DP Max wax (discontinued) and been very happy with the results. It gave the paint a nice, deep gloss and really made the metal flake pop. The sealant was applied in November and the last waxing was on a nice day in late February but I still have good beading. I wash with Megs ultimate wash and wax and use Griots spray wax as a drying aid.
I have some McKee's 360 AIO and a newly purchased PC polisher. Also have a can of XMT 180, which seems to be the Trademark Carnuba in the rebranded McKee's 37 line.
