Dual Action or Random Orbital?

[Lucky161]

I went to Lowe's to see if they had any of the PC DA still in stock. They didn't and I couldn't find any DA of any brand, but lots of RO including a PC. I asked and the guy said they didn't carry it anymore. I asked him what the difference was and I can't quote his answer, but it was apparent that he's into home stuff not cars.
So are they the same thing with different names?
If not is one always better than the other or does one do some things better than the other and vice versa?

[ZoranC]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

Which model of Porter Cable RO they had in stock?

[gb387]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

Here is this info:

Meguiars G100A Polisher - Lifetime warranty, 5 ounce counter weight, one backing plate and one pad is included - Meguiars G-100A

Porter Cable 7336(considered a sander) - one year warranty, 6 ounce counter weight and you will have to buy the Meguiars DA Velcro Buffing System(contains: one backing plate, two soft buff polishing pads and one soft buff finishing pad)

Porter Cable 7424(considered a polisher) - one year warranty, 5 ounce counter weight and you will have to buy the Meguiars DA Velcro Buffing System(contains: one backing plate, two soft buff polishing pads and one soft buff finishing pad)

All three machines(the power unit itself)are basically the same. You need to get Meguiars brand pads if you go with either Porter-Cable (7424/7336) version, do not use the included white pad.

The two different counter weights won't make a difference, here is a test "Jimmy Buffit" did: The Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy'

A PC(all of the above) looks like this:


and a link: Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer

[Lucky161]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

I was afraid someone might ask that.
I don't remember. I was only in the shopping mode not a buying one so I didn't make any notes.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

Read this one that gb387 posted

Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer

What it comes down to is speed and power, enough speed and power to remove small particles of paint which is how you remove defects.

No speed no power, no swirls and scratch removal.

[gb387]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

One more thing.... if you are willing to wait and order one the Meguiars G100A Polisher is the best 'value' it comes ready to go out of the box and has the good warranty.

[Lucky161]

Re: Dual Action or Random Orbital?

Read this one that gb387 posted

Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer

What it comes down to is speed and power, enough speed and power to remove small particles of paint which is how you remove defects.

No speed no power, no swirls and scratch removal.

Ok, if I read this correctly, an Oribital will work, especially if it's a smaller sized one with sufficient speed?

Several of the ones I saw were small and had speeds up to 12,000.

It kind of boils down to I can get one of those sooner than the DA, but I may just do things by hand for the experience and get the DA when I can more afford it. I'm not expecting much if any income from this to start with.

Thanks to all who commented.