Goss on gloss - Tools of the trade
Matthew Gibb of Dream Machines Re-finishing reviews electric polishers to help your shop achieve the perfect finish.
There are many brands and models of machine polishers on the market. I’ve used or tested many of them, and I figured I’d give you, those who need to use them on a daily basis, my reviews of a few polishers.
The reviews shown here are of electric power tools, since I’ve only dabbled in sanders – not pneumatic polishers.
MAKITA 9227 VARIABLE SPEED ROTARY
This model is between $380 and $420 RRP, is has always been a rock-solid brute of a rotary that has almost become the industry standard machine for detailers.
Its 0-3000rpm speed range, with the first speed being 600rpm and featuring excellent build quality, tonnes of torque, reliability and rock-solid, day-in, day-out performance, makes it a great choice for any detailer at a crash or restoration shop.
Brushes are easily replaceable in a few seconds. Best of all, you can treat it like you stole it, give it an absolute beating – and it will take all you throw at it and keep working.
While it’s more of a mongrel than a precision machine, it will do the job for you and last many years without servicing.
The only flaw with it is that using it at 600rpm for very long periods of time, as some detailers and crash repair owners do, has caused a few to overheat and burn out the motors.
I’ve never had a problem, but I recommend varying speeds between 600 and 1200rpm for most polishing needs, and slowing the machine down again.
Rating: 9 ½ /10
FESTOOL SHINEX VARIABLE SPEED ROTARY
This is another precision engineered machine by Festool, which I have owned and used for over a year.
This machine, whilst brilliantly made and much lighter and more ergonomic than the Makita, has a few things about it that I dislike.
First off, if you're using eight-inch wool and foam pads each work day to polish out sanding marks and other defects, then you're better off buying the bigger, heavier, more durable model.
The Shinex is meant for anything from 50mm/two inch all the way up to 150mm/six inch pads.
If you use anything more than a six, or max a seven inch pad regularly, you may destroy the brushes or wear out some working parts. I’ve had this happen with mine, and replacing the brushes at fifty dollars or more per set doesn’t make it a cheap exercise.
The other problem is price – $650 to $750 per unit – and many of my detailer friends say that had a few fail on them with normal use.
Besides that, this is a brilliant machine for any crash or restoration shop who wants to spot-polish certain areas of a car, or for general polishing use or training a new person to polish.
Rating: 8 ½ /10
FLEX XC3401 DUAL ACTION POLISHER
This German company has taken the detailing industry by storm in recent years.
Its variable-speed, dual-action polisher has an 8mm orbit throw which gives it superb cutting power and a swirl-free finish every time.
900 watts of power and 3200 to 9600opm give it the ability to work like a rotary polisher without the risk of holograms or other issues.
Originally only available with 150mm backing plate, there are now 4 3/8ths and 5.5 inch plates available, so you can use all sorts of pad sizes.
The positive drive of the Flex XC3401 VRG ensures continuous motion, even under load. Its 8mm stroke length delivers plenty of cutting power, but is still safe in the hands of beginners.
The random orbital rotation prevents heat being generated on the surface, which is ideally suited to temperature-sensitive finishes. The accelerator trigger switch and speed selection allow for a controlled acceleration to desired speed.
Rating: 9/10
DE WALT 849XE / DWP849
These two heavy duty rotaries with their powerful 8 amp (849 original model) and 12 amp (DWP849) ball bearing motors will guarantee a superb result every time, with extreme durability.
The original 849 has been the trusted machine for American detailers for many decades.
Made with heat-treated precision, cut-steel gears, both machines run smoothly under load and mean less fatigue for the user as less pressure is needed to be applied during polishing.
Whilst the original model 849 has a starting speed of 1000 and extends up to 3000rpm, the recently released DWP 849 has a 600rpm starting speed just like the Makita and will provide many years of faithful service to your shop.
The new model, DWP849X (pictured) will be available in Australia soon.
Pricing is very reasonable considering the build quality and long life expectancy of the tool.
Rating: 9/10
Other honourable mentions
HITACHI SP18VA
An excellent 1250watt tool made in Japan with 600 to 3400rpm, which costs around $400.
METABO PE12-175
This little beauty is one of the best ever seen from Germany, and is lightweight at just 2.2kg. Its ergonomic design makes using it a breeze, and the 700rpm starting speed is perfect when beginning to polish a panel and then near the end of polishing each section of the panel.
Less brutish that the De Walt but with today’s superior water-based polishing technology containing non-diminishing abrasives or a combo of both (diminishing and non-diminishing), the Metabo should perform well within your shop. Price is RRP $426.
RUPES BIGFOOT POLISHING SYSTEM
A newcomer on the market, with an asking price of $700. The massive 21mm orbit throw of this random orbital unit, combined with Rupes foam pads, supposedly give rotary and DA-like results. There is a smaller 15mm version as well. I've not tried it yet but it's worth adding to the list.
DYNABRADE 61375 AND 61385 POWER HEADS
The three power heads available will fit on any M14 threaded rotary polisher and give it the ability to be used as a powerful Dual Action Polisher, meaning your shop can achieve superior cut and finish and save up to a thousand dollars by not having to buy a separate DA Machine. I am in the process of getting these, and for just over $100 dollars each, they are a real game changer and money saver.