Carver Owners Forum

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Random Orbital Polishing Machine? There are a plethora for sale.
Shurehold features a unit ( mfg#3500) that seems pretty interesting, however I would appreciate your first hand experience and feedback.
Thanks.

I have tried several random orbits. They work ok for very light duty. For a boat, more than a couple years old, I would buy a Makita 9227 electronic polisher or something equivalent. You can put some muscle behind it and it wont slow or stall.
It will cut your time in half.

Ya the Makita is the only way to go IMO. It's pricey but it'll likely be the only one you'll ever have to buy. I have buddies that have tried a variety of cheaper units and eventually ended up throwing them away after a while. They don't seem to last long under continuous duty especially if you apply a little pressure. The Makita is what most professionals use on a daily basis so that's gotta tell ya something. Under commercial use, the most I've had to replace is the trigger, motor brushes, and rewire the cord after several years of constant polishing and sanding.

Makita is the longevity king but you really need to know how to use one as you will eat through the gel coat rather quickly as it is a buffer or glorified grinder if you prefer.

The best type to use IMHO for us once a year buffer experts is a forgiving random orbital buffer such as the highly recommended Griots Garage which I do happen to own. This is available everywhere all over the web and has been so for many years. Do your own research on this brand and come to your own conclusions.

https://www.amazon.ca/Griots-Garage-10813STDCRD-Orbital-Polisher/dp/B009UKUUWE

I have the shurhold unit thinking it would be for the boat but quickly found it not to be. It's awesome for my cars though. I was also afraid to ruin my gel coat and I didn't by the makita but a cheaper competitor and it does a great job on the boat . Don't be afraid of this type of polisher I learned quickly to keep it moving and how to not sling polish etc over everything . You'll be amazed at what your boat can look like in no time. A little use and you'll be an expert.

I have used & tested Shurehold products for years. All products have performed better than expected. BUT, for buffing and polishing, I use machines I can purchase at local auto stores. Never spent more than $60, always use 2 units. A 6" and a 10". I like the idea that the machine will not burn the gelcoat due to power available, and have no issue with buying new ones every few years. If my hull gets to the point where it needs a high speed buffer, I hire a pro to do that. I rely more on good polishing products and clean bonnets. I use the throw away bonnets to maintain clean. I know this does not sound like long term strategy, but it works for me. The commercial machines are heavy. Over the years I have found the more times I go over the FG, the shinier it gets. My arms, back, and shoulders appreciate the lighter machines. Wish I could figure out how to post pics so I could show you my shine! er

The Shurhold gets great reviews from my friends that have those. The company is also great with support for their units.

I have a cheaper unit that I've used for many, many years. There's a few times where I've been leaning on the motor a bit too much and it got hot, but that just "forced" me to take a beverage break and do something else for a few minutes. I'm not as hard on machines as some are, but I do give them a good workout and use them frequently.

I also take care of them though, so maybe that's why they last a lot longer.

I just purchased the Dewalt DWP849X, with soft start feature. It compares with the Makita. The soft start is very important feature when it is being used for compounding.

During the initial stage of compounding it is crucial to go slow and then increase revs as the product starts to work off. The soft start feature allows you to work at minimal revs and maintain the power required to work through the product. Some of the cheaper machines have a tendency to bog down or stop and they over heat.

I would only use a random orbiting machine to polish. The are not made or are they recommended for compounding.

I only use the machine to compound and I put wax on and off by hand. I just find I get a better result.

Greg

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your feedback.

What do you guys typically use for product? I have a bit of chalk that needs some attention.

I used Meguiars 50 on the Bayliner, but it was a buff and polish for the blue and the white was already in decent condition

Thanks,