10" Orbital Polisher

[ShinyChevy]

Does anyone use these?

I have one I've been using for several years for wax on/wax off. Not for cutting and polishing, I use my rotary and DA for that. Sort of a crude tool, one speed, noisy and kind of wild at times, but for big projects like full size trucks, SUVs, and boats it saves a lot of time.

Thoughts and comments?

[Poki]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

I have used the Sears 6" orbitals for several years. I went through 3 of them over the time due to the pads coming apart. I always thought they were pretty good, better than by hand until....I purchased the G110 this summer. There is no comparison in my opinion. The DA is easier to use and much more effective. I can be on the ladder waxing the side of my RV and handle the DA with one hand while holding onto the ladder with the other.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

You nailed it with the comment about using it just for wax on/off on larger vehicles - for that they are perfectly fine and, as you already know, effective.

We get a ton of phone calls from customers who use these things (you'd be amazed how popular and common they are) but they usually want to know if they can be used to remove fine swirls, cobwebs, etc. The majority of these folks will never drop $150 on a really good machine (AKA G110) but they don't want to work by hand. We always tell them to give it a shot - certainly won't hurt anything and you never know what one will do until you give it a go. We also manage expectations with these customers, but rarely are they hard core enthusiasts so often their expectations aren't as high as our forum members. Nothing wrong with that at all - these folks are still doing much for their car than a lot of people.

[BigLouie]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

Does anyone use these?

I have one I've been using for several years for wax on/wax off. Not for cutting and polishing, I use my rotary and DA for that. Sort of a crude tool, one speed, noisy and kind of wild at times, but for big projects like full size trucks, SUVs, and boats it saves a lot of time.

Thoughts and comments?

I use a 10" orbital, but I am preparing to get the G110. It helps with the even application of waxes and polishes, but that's where expectations should end.

[tguil]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

I used a 10 inch orbital for years and managed to remove some pretty nasty stuff. Anything that can be done by hand can be done with one of the "old" orbitals. It just takes a lot of time.

Tom

[ShinyChevy]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

You nailed it with the comment about using it just for wax on/off on larger vehicles - for that they are perfectly fine and, as you already know, effective.

Right. Never meant to suggest using one of these things instead of a rotary or DA for application of compounds or polishes, just waxes and maybe(?) pure polishes. You always get better results using the right tool for the job!

[PhotoRecon]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

ShinyChevy:

I've been using an orbital for wax on and off and in one case applying #7. I bought my first orbital in 1988.

I'll be upgrading to the G110.

[new2detailing]

Re: 10" Orbital Polisher

I have a Cyclo for heavy duty swirl removal and application of polishes. I have a Sears "10 orbital (12v) for simple wax on and off and a WEN 4" cordless for wax application on smaller areas. The orbitals work fine for their intended purpose, not for heavy paint correction. (however, the WEN can accept the Cyclo pads for minor correction, and added benefit)