Random orbital polishers

[glenspeed]

What is a good decent orbital polisher for not too much money? I am not a car wax freak and probably wax the car 4-5x a year, but am just getting tired of using my hands to do all the polishing! I don't want to spend big $$$ on this one.

How is the Simoniz 10" random orbital polisher from Crappy Tire? It's only $49 so for the price it looks to be ok.

[christyles]

What is a good decent orbital polisher for not too much money? I am not a car wax freak and probably wax the car 4-5x a year, but am just getting tired of using my hands to do all the polishing! I don't want to spend big $$$ on this one.

How is the Simoniz 10" random orbital polisher from Crappy Tire? It's only $49 so for the price it looks to be ok.
It's fine. I have it, rarely use it, but it's fine. Have some nice terrry cloth bonnets to go along with it.

[christyles]

If you wanted to go a little more high end for better quality and durability, go Porter Cable.

[glenspeed]

thanks Chrissy! yah I looked at the Porter's but for 4x the cost of the Simoniz it's not worth it to me.

can I get the terry cloth bonnets through you for a good price?

what about these new microfibre bonnets? I use white cotton t-shirts to polish right now, so what do I know??

[christyles]

thanks Chrissy! yah I looked at the Porter's but for 4x the cost of the Simoniz it's not worth it to me.

can I get the terry cloth bonnets through you for a good price?

what about these new microfibre bonnets? I use white cotton t-shirts to polish right now, so what do I know??
you can get the terry cloth bonnets at CT. There ok to use.
I've never tried MF (micorfibre) bonnets.
If I'm lazy to use the high speed polisher on my car, I usually apply the wax, then wipe off with cotton terry cloth towels (soft plushy ones), then do another final wipe with microfibre towels. I sell the microfibre towels at $11. p/towel, or 3pak for $22.

CT also sells the Meguiars microfibre towel which is doable, i use it, but don't really like it. The fibres are shorter, thus less grabbing effect on dust or wax residue.

Cotton white t-shirts are ok to use but I would never use on black. I would use it on silver.

[glenspeed]

so are the mf towels better than regular towels? btw, where do you wash all your used towels? I assume you don't put them in your home washing machine because of all the wax and grease...

[Chopper]

I also have/use the Simonz random orbital polisher. Not bad. Not the easiest to use on the sides, angles. It'll probably be better to have a hand unit as well for the smaller areas.

Whenever a bonnet accidentally touches the ground (dropped, etc.) I just throw it away no matter what. DOnt wanna pick up any dirt, rocks on it, even if I was gonna wash it later.

[glenspeed]

good to know...it's the sides that are the most difficult by hand anyways!!!

but doesn't the larger size 10" make it easier since the pad can bend and flex more for the sides/bottom? Or should I be looking at the 8"?

[Chopper]

good to know...it's the sides that are the most difficult by hand anyways!!!

but doesn't the larger size 10" make it easier since the pad can bend and flex more for the sides/bottom? Or should I be looking at the 8"?

Hmmm..not sure there is too much operational difference between the 8" and 10" Simonz models. I guess Chris can shed some light on that issue.

Try to get a chair with rollers on it so you wont have to bend over so much when doing the sides. The unit is a little bulky which makes it ackward to use on the sides.

[glenspeed]

Chris has the 10" one he says...the random orbital polisher that is... :eek: and says it's pretty decent.

Wondering now if the 8" is better?

[christyles]

I have 10" ;)

No seriously. Typically, if your car has lots of lines, angels, smaller panels, the smaller diameter might help, but the bigger diameter covers more surface area. I'd go larger surface area, and you parts that can't be reached with the 10", can always be done by hand.

Rule of Chris' detailing thumb, wipe off wax or polish or detail spray with a cotton terry cloth, and do a final wipe with microfibre towels.

Get that rolling stool Team Mechanix stool, it's like $19.99 right now at CT, proabbly just as handy as mechanics torque wrench. :Idunno: Saves your knees and lower back.

I do all my washing at home, anything that falls on the ground, at any point in time doesnt get reused until its rewashed in the machine. Kind of like, if you drop your soap, leave it there. I'll rinse out all my wash mitts etc before dumping it in the washer. And after drying, I inspect everything to ensure no particles have got caught in the strands or weaves. Yes... I do this all the time. Do not dry MF towels in the dryer. Let it airdry. Do not use fabric softner. Only a little detergent. Don't use Bounty, or fleece sheets either. Nothing fragrant like.

[glenspeed]

cool thanks for the advice Chrissy. I'll go for the 10" :eek:

[oyster]

cool thanks for the advice Chrissy. I'll go for the 10" :eek:

Sears has a special, it's $59.99 with $20 off
go check it out, it was in a nice box

[glenspeed]

Sears has a special, it's $59.99 with $20 off
go check it out, it was in a nice box

do you know which one? I know they have a 10" Crapsman for $139.99 that is very similar to the Simoniz one for $49.99....

[christyles]

Sears has a special, it's $59.99 with $20 off
go check it out, it was in a nice box
The Simoniz one comes in a nice box too. But I've never really been a huge fan of Simoniz. And if it's cheaper, sure why not. Hopefully the quality is somewhat equal to if not better than Simoniz for $39.99. You only get what you pay for... :Idunno:

[oyster]

do you know which one? I know they have a 10" Crapsman for $139.99 that is very similar to the Simoniz one for $49.99....
can't find it on sears.ca web site. it's this week special

[glenspeed]

can't find it on sears.ca web site. it's this week special

ok, I'll go to Fairview Mall tomorrow and see if it is at Sears there...

[oyster]

ok, I'll go to Fairview Mall tomorrow and see if it is at Sears there...
it's there alright...I was there this WE to buy my first food processor. Kitchen Aid is on sale $150 off of $350.

[glenspeed]

it's there alright...I was there this WE to buy my first food processor. Kitchen Aid is on sale $150 off of $350.

do you know if the polisher was same as the CT 10" one? or was it completely different? (i.e. higher end)

[alexm520]

so are the mf towels better than regular towels? btw, where do you wash all your used towels? I assume you don't put them in your home washing machine because of all the wax and grease...

Glen,

Check out this excellent article about microfiber. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=44

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these good quality ones, especially the waffle weave drying towel.

[glenspeed]

Glen,

Check out this excellent article about microfiber. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=44

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these good quality ones, especially the waffle weave drying towel.

GB!!!

[christyles]

GB!!!
I'll set one up throught my supplier of detailing supplies.

[glenspeed]

count me in for the waffle weave towel/s

[christyles]

count me in for the waffle weave towel/s
okehh

[Whiplash-GT]

in case no one knows, the 4" cordless is on sale for $40 at CT (regular $90)

[glenspeed]

in case no one knows, the 4" cordless is on sale for $40 at CT (regular $90)

thanks, but somehow I don't think the small cordless will do the job as well...

[Regin8r]

count me in for the waffle weave towel/s

They are worth it. Especially in the cold. They don't freeze up like the Absorber.

[glenspeed]

good to know, but somehow if it gets cold enough to freeze the chamois, I'm really not in the mood to wash my car!!!!

[christyles]

in case no one knows, the 4" cordless is on sale for $40 at CT (regular $90)
Have that one too. the cordless Simoniz. It sucks balls. :thumbsdow

[christyles]

good to know, but somehow if it gets cold enough to freeze the chamois, I'm really not in the mood to wash my car!!!!
Cut down drying time... water blade the friggin car then towel or chamois it off. less chance of freezing.

[Whiplash-GT]

Have that one too. the cordless Simoniz. It sucks balls. :thumbsdow

thanx, will use it as a Christmas gift :D

[M007]

so are the mf towels better than regular towels? ..I like the MF towels better then regular. It's much softer.