Car Polishing Machines and the Difference Between Rotary, Dual Action & Orbital

When looking to buy a polishing machine we often get asked if Rotary car polishing machines are suitable for first-time users and what the main differences are between Rotary, Dual Action and Orbital car polishers.

Rotary Polishers

The motor on these machines directly drives the polishing head that fixes directly to the backing plate onto which you fix your cutting, polishing or finishing pad.

This means all the power, and there can be a vast amount of it, is directly driving the rotation of the machine down onto and across your paintwork – too much pressure and you can quickly burn through your paintwork.

However the upside is that if you are seeking to do paint correction the Rotary is more suited to this type of work as it will allow you to take the paint layers down further and quicker than either a Dual Action or Orbital.

Many professional detailers use a rotary car polishing machines for both speed and where required for full paint correction details. However many will be the first to admit they started out with a Dual Action such as the original Porter Cables before moving onto the Rotary car polishing machines.

Dual Action Polishers

Image showing difference in motion of dual action and rotorary car polishing machinesThis unique action prevents the creation of holograms (symmetrical buffing marks), paint burns and other forms of paint damage often associated with rotary polishers.

The Dual Action polishing machine is ideally suited to light scratch and swirl removal and deep shine buffing – it would not be the ideal choice for the removal of deeper scratches where your finger nail “jarrs” when passed over the scratch (the finger nail test).

Orbital Buffers

These tend to have larger heads and dual handles that allow the machine to be pressed onto the paintwork. The also tend to work at lower speeds and have a single “jiggle” movement rather than spin.

They are ideal for applying product deep into the paintwork over a larger area and removing same (using different bonnets). They are however not as versatile as the Dual Action car polishing machines, which will allow the use of different size plates and pads and work at higher speeds, whilst being more user friendly than a Rotary.

The Dual Action as by its name combines two actions, one the rotating of the plate holding your pad and the other is the oscillation of the spindle. An easier way to understand this is comparing it to the action of the earth – which itself spins, whist at the same time orbits, or oscillates around the sun.

The motor on these machines directly drives the polishing head that fixes directly to the backing plate onto which you fix your cutting, polishing or finishing pad.

This means all the power, and there can be a vast amount of it, is directly driving the rotation of the machine down onto and across your paintwork – too much pressure and you can quickly burn through your paintwork.

Which Car Polishing Machine Should I Choose?

Your choice of machine really depends on what you want to achieve and your level of confidence (experience). The beauty of some of the latest car polishing machines is both the introduction of digital speed control and the lighter weight. The speed on some machines can be set in increments from 500 rpm to 3000 rpm, making them more user-friendly than traditional rotary machines. It does however still need to be treated with respect.

The Dual Action Car Polisher (DA) machines whilst not being equal to a rotary when it comes to paint rectification work, will produce excellent, professional-looking results with the added benefit that it is much harder to do any serious damage to your paintwork than it is with a rotary.

And lastly if you are seeking simply to save time and cover large areas the traditional dual handled orbital buffer may be the ideal choice.

SaleBestseller No. 1
SILVEL Buffer Polisher, 1600W 7 Inch/6 Inch Polisher for Car Detailing, Wax Machine, 7 Variable Speed, with 6 Foam Pads, 3 Wool Pads, Packaging Bag, for Boat Polishing and Waxing, Red
435 Reviews
SILVEL Buffer Polisher, 1600W 7 Inch/6 Inch Polisher for Car Detailing, Wax Machine, 7 Variable Speed, with 6 Foam Pads, 3 Wool Pads, Packaging Bag, for Boat Polishing and Waxing, Red
  • 【Powerful Motor】With 1600W powerful motor, this polisher is perfect for polishing and removing swirls, scratches, and defects from all painted vehicles, reappearing the shine of your car. You can also use it to sand wood or metal. Light body, easy replacement of carbon brushes. Heat resistant copper wire motor allows long working time without burning the machine. Constant power and constant speed function, more stable.
  • 【 7 VARIABLE SPEED】: 7-speed variable speed control dial allows you to adjust the car polisher speed according to different applications; Easily adjust your speed without stopping from 500-3300 RPM. Ideal for cars, boats, motorcycles, marble, and floors. The high-performance electric car polisher helps to increase your efficiency.
  • 【HIGH-PERFORMANCE ROTARY POLISHER】: Pure copper wire with high quality motor, durable and strong power. Built-in carbon brush structure safety, long service life, will not encounter the orbital buffer or polishing machine doesn't work half the work. Perfect for polishing and removing swirls, scratches, and defects from all painted vehicles, make your car look brand new everyday.
  • 【COMPACT SIZE &Ergonomic Design】: The body size is 15.7"X3.5"X3.1" and weighs only 4.57 pounds, Polisher comes with two detachable handles (D-handle and side handle), With switch lock design, you can maintain a speed by lock down the button, greatly reducing fatigue. Comfortable front grip, curved body sense handle is not easy to fatigue, more accurate operation.polishing efficiency is high and the power is strong.
  • 【WHAT YOU GET】:1 * SILVEL Buffer Polisher; 2* Hook and Loop Base Pad; 6* 6-inch Foam disc; 3* 7-inch Wool Pads; 10* 1000 mesh emery paper; 1*D-Handle;1* Side Handle;1* Hex Wrench; 2* Carbon Brush; 1* Packing Bag;1* User Manual
SaleBestseller No. 2
LDHTHOPI Buffer Polisher, 1600W 7 Inch/6 Inch Rotary Buffer Polisher Waxer, 7 Variable Speed 1000-3500 RPM, Detachable Handle for Car, Boat Sanding, Polishing, Waxing
1,373 Reviews
LDHTHOPI Buffer Polisher, 1600W 7 Inch/6 Inch Rotary Buffer Polisher Waxer, 7 Variable Speed 1000-3500 RPM, Detachable Handle for Car, Boat Sanding, Polishing, Waxing
  • 【Powerful Motor】With 1600W powerful motor and pure copper wire, this rotary polisher for car detailing has durable and strong power. Built-in carbon brush structure safety, long service life, will not encounter the orbital polishing machine stop working. Light body, easy replacement of carbon brushes. Heat resistant copper wire motor allows long working time without burning the machine. Constant power and constant speed function, more stable.
  • 【Variable Speed Control】7 variable speed control dial allows you to change the car polisher speed according to different applications and materials. Easily adjust your speed without stopping from 500-3300 RPM. You can use a higher setting on harder materials and lower setting on softer materials. Low speed (1-2) for waxing and buffing; Medium speed(3-4) for polishing and cleaning while high speed (5-7)for removing paint defects and oxidation.
  • 【Wide Application】LDHTHOPI buffer polisher comes with sandpapers, foam pads for waxing, wool polishing pads You can use soft or hard foam pads to finish different application. This rotary polisher is ideal for polishing, sanding, waxing, sealing glaze, removing swirls, shallow scratches, excess wax oil and defects from vehicles. You can also use it on furniture, ceramic, wood, aluminum, steel, tiles, plastic and more.
  • 【Compact & Ergonomic Design】LDHTHOPI polisher body size is 15.7"X3.5"X3.1" and weighs only 4.57lbs, the buffer polisher comes with detachable D-handle and side handle. With switch lock design, you can keep the speed by lock down the button, greatly reducing fatigue. Comfortable front grip, curved body sense handle is not easy to fatigue, more accurate operation.
  • 【7PCS Polishing Pads】Car polisher comes with 7pcs polishing pads. Coarse pads(wool>orange>black) are used for grinding; medium pads(yellow>red) are used for polishing and removing moderate swirls; fine pads(green>blue) are used for restoring the surface. You can contact us anytime if you have any problems and we’re willing to solve it in 24 hours.
SaleBestseller No. 3
WEN 6010 6-Inch Waxer/Polisher
6,299 Reviews
WEN 6010 6-Inch Waxer/Polisher
  • High performance 120 V, 0.5 amp permanent magnet motor
  • 3500 rpm
  • Ergonomically contoured palm and body-grip design for comfortable 1 or 2 hand use
  • Lockable ON/OFF Switch
  • Includes a 6-inch applicator bonnet and a 6-inch terry cloth bonnet
Bestseller No. 4
OPAVIOC Jewelry Polisher - Adjustable Variable Speed Bench Grinder Polishing & Buffing Machine, Dental Buffer & Lathe - Includes 6 Cloth Wheels, 2 Abrasive Fiber Wheels, Safety Glass, Polish Compound
246 Reviews
OPAVIOC Jewelry Polisher - Adjustable Variable Speed Bench Grinder Polishing & Buffing Machine, Dental Buffer & Lathe - Includes 6 Cloth Wheels, 2 Abrasive Fiber Wheels, Safety Glass, Polish Compound
  • ✅Lightweight Table Grinder Polisher - Whether you're a professional in a busy workshop or a hobbyist making DIY projects, this polisher buffer can be used anywhere without taking up too much space.
  • ✅More Than A Jewelry Polishing Machine - By adjusting the speeds, you can polish anything from chains and jewelry to gems and machine components. This buffer polisher can even be a dental lathe!
  • ✅Compact, Portable, Powerful - Don't be fooled by the size of this bench polisher grinder machine. Despite its size, it boasts a low-noise 320W motor that churns out speeds of 1750RPM up to 8500RPM.
  • ✅With Buffing Wheel Polisher & More - This bench buffer comes bundled with six 4" cotton wheels for post-polishing jewelry, two fiber wheels for rust removal, and one polishing compound.
  • ✅Adjustable Speed: The grinder wheel polisher features different speeds, making it ideal for any type or level jewelry worker looking at buffing their pieces! The variable speed bench buffer and polishing machine for jewelry can perform different degrees of polishing by adjusting the speed. Variable speed bench buffer speeds ranging from 1750 to 8500 RPM, you can go from steady-going up through high-speed fine grinding with perfect finishes on rings or other jewelry!
Bestseller No. 5
GEVEELIFE Buffer Polisher, 1600W, 7 Variable Speed 1000-3300 RPM Car Buffer Polisher Waxer with Grip, Detachable Handle for Car Polishing, Waxing
130 Reviews
GEVEELIFE Buffer Polisher, 1600W, 7 Variable Speed 1000-3300 RPM Car Buffer Polisher Waxer with Grip, Detachable Handle for Car Polishing, Waxing
  • ⚡【Powerful Motor】 With a rotary 1600W motor and pure copper wire, the GEVEELIFE Car Polisher delivers exceptional durability and power. Its built-in carbon brush structure ensures safety and provides a long service life, eliminating the risk of sudden stoppages. Built-in cooling system motor enables extended working hours without the fear of overheating. Experience constant power and speed for a more stable polishing process.
  • ⚡【Variable 7 Speed Control】 Take control of your polishing tasks with the 7 variable speed control dial. Adjust the speed of the car polisher effortlessly, ranging from 1000 to 3300 RPM. Choose lower speeds (1-2) for waxing and buffing, medium speeds (3-4) for polishing and cleaning, and higher speeds (5-7) for effectively removing paint defects and oxidation. Achieve professional results with ease.
  • ⚡【Professional and Easy for Beginner】Designed for both professionals and beginners, the GEVEELIFE Polisher offers an ideal balance of power and user-friendliness. Included sandpapers, foam pads for waxing, and wool polishing pads cater to various applications. Whether you're a detailer or new to car polishing, this versatile rotary polisher will exceed your expectations.
  • ⚡【Compact & Ergonomic Design】Only 4.5 lbs weight, the buffer polisher comes with detachable D-handle and side handle. With a safety switch lock design, you can keep the speed by locking down the button, greatly reducing fatigue. Comfortable front grip, curved body sense handle is not easy to fatigue, more accurate operation.
  • ⚡【Wide Applications】Complete with sandpaper, fine and coarse sponge wheels for waxing, and wool polishing discs. You can use different sponge wheels for different applications. Suitable for all kinds of work such as sanding, removing swirls, scratches, and defects on all painted vehicles. You can also use it on furniture, ceramics, wood, and metal.

2 Comments

  • Man and Van Cambridge
    Posted January 3, 2012 3:11 pm 0Likes

    Dodo Juice Machine takes my vote. One of the positive point is that it is the lightest weight in its category and speed can be adjusted easily. It gribs well in hand and less chance of slipping.

    I have one, and it is very reliable and long lasting. It consume less power and gribs very easily. The size of the pad is also very reasonable…remember. bigger pad tends to slip and are not good while doing the corners.

    • Fax
      Posted July 23, 2012 6:24 pm 0Likes

      Hey mate, thinking of getting one dodo juice, how has it been treating you in the last six months. Thanks faz

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.