Does anyone have any experience of using a machine polisher and is it worth buying one?
If so, any suggestions of what to go for?
Machine polishers
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Re: Machine polishers
Hi Candy Monster,
When it comes to machine polishers, it really depends on what you want to achieve with the machine and how much effort you want to put in (and of course, your budget!).
There are two machines that we rate highly, either the Kestral SIM180 or the Chicago Pneumatic. Both Jim and I use the Chicago Pneumatics but both of these machines are good ones - they're good for you to learn with but they'll also last you once you get a bit more skillfull with the machine.
Alternatively you could go for something like the Meguiars G220, which is a Dual-Action machine so is a good machine to learn with, but you'll more than likely end up out-growing the machine and having to replace it in time with a Rotary (which is what both of the above are). You can get the same results with the G220 as you would with a rotary, but it will take a lot longer and a lot more effort to get there with a DA.
Rather than spending money on another machine and having to get used to a rotary after you've already learnt with a DA, we recommend just getting straight into with a rotary. Out of the two, the Pneumatic is probably the easier one to use, mainly because it's a slightly smaller machine and it's slightly lighter than the Kestral.
Hope this helps
Taryn and Jim
When it comes to machine polishers, it really depends on what you want to achieve with the machine and how much effort you want to put in (and of course, your budget!).
There are two machines that we rate highly, either the Kestral SIM180 or the Chicago Pneumatic. Both Jim and I use the Chicago Pneumatics but both of these machines are good ones - they're good for you to learn with but they'll also last you once you get a bit more skillfull with the machine.
Alternatively you could go for something like the Meguiars G220, which is a Dual-Action machine so is a good machine to learn with, but you'll more than likely end up out-growing the machine and having to replace it in time with a Rotary (which is what both of the above are). You can get the same results with the G220 as you would with a rotary, but it will take a lot longer and a lot more effort to get there with a DA.
Rather than spending money on another machine and having to get used to a rotary after you've already learnt with a DA, we recommend just getting straight into with a rotary. Out of the two, the Pneumatic is probably the easier one to use, mainly because it's a slightly smaller machine and it's slightly lighter than the Kestral.
Hope this helps
Taryn and Jim

- RW1
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Re: Machine polishers
Bought one of the Halford ones a while back. The bigger sort of the two they sell under their own brand label.
Too big to handle in smaller areas. Gone back to doing things by hand. Much easier.
C.
Too big to handle in smaller areas. Gone back to doing things by hand. Much easier.

C.
Week 43 Build has happened on time! 22 Oct'09 Scirocco is at Check Point 5 in the factory
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23 Oct'09 Now Complete on the dockside, 24 Oct'09 Sailed from Portugal, 27 Oct'09 In the UK,
29 Oct'09 at dealers Driving 4th Nov. Sorted!
- alanstead
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Re: Machine polishers
I had one of them too, but didnt get on with it. Think you need to know what your doing with them personally or you could do a fair bit of damage quickly!!
Re: Machine polishers
i use a G220 which is a DA and its a joy to use. Rotary are very good and you can results very quickly. But if you dont know what your doing you can cause a lot of damage to the paint.
i would say unless you have a good understanding of polishing a Dual Action polisher would be more than sufficient.......
i would say unless you have a good understanding of polishing a Dual Action polisher would be more than sufficient.......