RubyRedMCA_Beast

Just looking for something basic, does anyone have any recommendations for a weekend detailer?

mcate

I used a Porter Cable 7336 for about 8 or 9 years. It finally started acting up, so I just replaced it with a 7424. There are others such as the Flex that are gaining popularity, but I couldn't see dumping $300 on one.

Stevedotmil

I have been using a PC DA for about the same amount of time and have never had any issues and it's super easy to figure out.

MarcHarris

Griot's Professional Random Orbital. It's a DA but labeled wrong to appeal to DIYers. More powerful than the PC7424XP and Meguiar's G110v2, and comes with a lifetime warranty. All three machines listed are made in China crap that absolutely will break, so the warranty alone is worth it let alone the extra power.

CCTking

Good call on the Griots. Ive had the chance to use one that was my uncles and you can definitely burn a hole through the hood if you wanted to haha
But i made a 13 year old paint job look soarkling new after about 30 minutes, 10 minutes of which was masking off some areas. Just found out that my local advance auto parts store carres Griots products (only place in town) so ill be broke this next coming check lol

RubyRedMCA_Beast

Thanks for the info guys! I think I'll pick up the Griot's model, I like the idea of the warranty.

Do you all have any preference on pads?

MarcHarris

I'd recommend going with a well known and widely available manufacturer like Lake Country or Meguiar's.

Lake Country has about all the foam pads you'd potentially need while Meg's has some of the top regarded microfiber pads (like used in their DA microfiber polishing kits).

DetailedImage.com

As Marc said, I too would highly recommend Lake Country foam pads. I personally like to use the 5.5" pads as they provide me much better control and polishing ability compared to larger pads as they don't put as much stress on the weak orbital machines, such as the Porter Cable or Griots. You'll need to purchase the right size backing plate if you decide to go with the 5.5" pads and my favorite has been the Meguiar's W67DA 5" backing plate.

Hope that gets you started, but if you have any more questions (polishes, etc.) I'd be more than happy to help!

Ivan @ DI

2011 Kona Blue

I just ordered this the other day.

DetailedImage.com

Great. You should get some great practice out of that and see how you like the machine and pads. As you learn how it works with your car(s), you can look into different types (flat) and sizes of pads as you see fit. Happy detailing!

Ivan @ DI

2011 Kona Blue

Thank you sir. I have no clue on how too use this device. Lol. I have never detailed my car such as compound, polish and then wax. I also purchased this Maguires Ultra Compound , Ultra Polish and Ultra Wax. I'm a virgin at this but I was told this type of Porter Cable DA is idiot proof and one cannot burn the paint off. I need idiot proof. Lol

MarcHarris

It's not true that you can't ruin your paint using a DA like a PC7424XP, but it is certainly safer than jumping into something more powerful.