Does anyone have a dual action machine polisher they would be willing to rent/lend to me for a week? I would be happy to pay in cash or beer. I want to try it out on my car before taking the leap and buying one. I am looking at the porter cable 7424 and the Meguiars dual action.
You might want to check out the polisher from Griot's garage also. From what I read it has more power than the PC, and I think it has a lifetime warranty.
I don't have the Porter Cable, but I do have a machine polisher, 6". It's nice. YOu are welcome to borrow it if you wish. I've done a few cars with it and it works like a charm, and I also polished a guitar I built and painted and it turned out stellar. You will need to provide your own pads, but those can be had at OReilly for a couple bucks.
I haven't tried the Megs, but it specs out well and reviews are mostly all positive. I don't think you can go wrong with that one, a PC, or a Flex. My PC has given me 8 years of reliable, maintenance-free performance. It still runs the same as the day I got it. I use it at least once a week. Sometimes 4-5 times a week. I'm also impressed by the Flex DA as well as any Makita Rotary. I don't like the griots garage handle, but I'm sure some do.
I've used it. On some panels (vertical and tall roofs) I prefer using a handle. In those cases, a 90 degree handle works well. I'd rather use my hand on the head than the handle supplied with that unit.
I have a Porter Cable. Not sure I understand the 'more power' comment regarding the Griots tool. Inherently, DA Polishers don't have the cutting power that a Orbital Polisher will. They are best used for lighter duty (and noobies). Send me a PM if you want to borrow. ...just beer, unless it comes back in degraded condition...
