10 Inch Random Orbit Polisher

[Zitosonic]

you're right, but this lists are only guide lines...you can switch to more aggresive pad or put more pressure to get a polishing or cleaning effect.
I think the orbitals are designed for very light work (pure polish or waxing)

[George G.]

Not to throw this off topic, but can someone illustrate the movement of the DA polisher? I understand the rotary and the orbital but not the dual action.

edit: I found this on the promo description. Does this mean the pad doesn't rotate?

....supplier to most professional body shops, this variable-speed, dual-action polisher operates with alternating back-and forth motions that mimic the sensation of hand polishing.

[Zitosonic]

as long as i know its the same movement... please someone correct me if i'm wrong

DA = orbital

[00Monte]

I think the orbitals are designed for very light work (pure polish or waxing

That's what I have been really trying to get at on this topic. If the Craftsman is really just for apply wax and very light polishing, for the most part, then I definitely need to get the PC. My original question was directed more toward what can I use this thing for - products and methods. I guess to get right down to it, I was trying to avoid the cost of the PC if this RO would do a lot of the same stuff. But the longer we go, the more it appears the PC is the way to go to get the results I desire. Mark McGuire said earlier, he got decent results with DC polish and terry bonnets on the RO so I may try that and see what it does. I may try ScratchX too even though I have read it gets a little sticky. I'm going to get the PC regardless - eventually - but wanted to find out what I can accomplish with this first before just trying it and ruining my paint by using the wrong product on the wrong bonnet.

I certainly appreciate the comments and opinions. This is what learning is all about!!

[00Monte]

George G.

It is my understanding that a DA moves both in a circular motion and with a random motion thrown in like a RO. However, the DA is usually if not always variable speed. You guys please jump in and tell me if I am wrong on that. I may have it totally wrong. If so, I need to get it right.

[Mark McGuire]

00Monte,
If you really want to keep your car in great shape, you can't go wrong with the PC. It's a great deal and a life time warranty. When I got mine, it cost 119 dollars, then I had to buy the backing plate, that brought it to 149 and no lifetime warranty. So if you are serious DO NOT MISS THIS DEAL, add another 50 dollars to your order and get free shipping. In my mind this is a really great deal. Jump with both feet!

[00Monte]

Mark,

I agree. I am low on some product anyway. Might jump in with more than both feet - then get killed by my wife.....maybe I better think this through.....

[Zitosonic]

00Monte, maybe thats why Porter Cable and Meguiar's gets high success with the DA... i think its a powerful and safe machine, its the perfect link between using a rotaty and using your arm.

i think the RO are the kind of machines like "instead of your arm use this"... but it moves faster than you arms... how many OPM's can you get with your arms ?... and remember it also spins free... so its better than using your arms for time and effort.

what i dislike is the size of the pads, cars have a lot of forms that are very difficult to reach with a 10" pad... another plus for the DA