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 aΒ 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 β€œjarrs” 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 β€œjiggle” 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 aΒ 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.

Bestseller No. 1
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
  • High performance: 110V/1600W motor, be more efficient and durable
  • 7 variable speeds: 6/7 inch discs, 1000-3500 RPM for different materials and applications
  • 3 use methods: ergonomical design, can use directly or with D/side handles
  • Compact design: body size is 15.7"X3.5"X3.1", and weighs only 4.57lbs
  • 7 kinds of pads: wool/orange/black for grinding; yellow/red for polishing; green/blue for restoring the surface
Bestseller No. 2
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. 3
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
  • 7 variable speeds: allows you to adjust the car polisher speed according to different applications, easily adjust your speed without stopping from 500-3300 RPM
  • High performance:-pure copper wire with high quality motor, durable and strong power, make your car look brand new everyday
  • Ergonomic design: comfortable front grip, curved body sense handle is not easy to fatigue, more accurate operation
  • Package list: 1*buffer polisher, 2*discs, 6 6-inch foam pads, 3*7-inch wool pads, 10*1000 sand paper, 1*D-handle, 1*side handle, 1*hex wrench, 2*carbon brush, 1*bag, 1*user manual
SaleBestseller No. 4
KIMO 20V Cordless Buffer Polisher Kit, 24 Accessories, 2 X 2000mAh Batteries, Car Polisher w/ 6 Variable Speed Up to 3634RPM, Cordless Polisher for Car Detailing/Waxing/Polishing/Scratch Removing
  • πŸš—γ€π”ππ†π‘π€πƒπ„γ€‘1*Cordless Polisher for Car Detailing; 20V Powerful Motor; 6 Adustable Speed: 994 to 3634 RPM; 2 Γ— 20V 2.0 Ah Li-ion Battery; 1Γ— Charger; 1*Carrying Bag; 2*Replaceable Paste Trays, 2*Woolen rotary polisher pads, 2*Microfiber Polishing Pads, 3*Flat Foam Pads, 3*Wave Foam Pads, 8 x Sandpapers!
  • πŸš—γ€ππ¨ 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐍𝐨 𝐋𝐒𝐦𝐒𝐭】Tired of dealing with annoying cords? KIMO battery powered cordless car buffer polisher kit help you eliminate the annoying cord. No more cords get caught on a tire, you need not drag the cords back, it is a huge relief. And needn't find an outlet to charge before starting work to supply power. The electric car buffer machine gives you absolute freedom of movement. KIMO portable cordless car buffer, no boundary, no limitation.
  • πŸš—γ€πŸ 𝐱 πŸπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπ¦π€π‘ ππšπ­π­πžπ«π’πžπ¬γ€‘With two batteries, you can alternate their use, when one battery is being used, allowing another battery to be charged, so the user need not worry about running out of power. Moreover, with two batteries, not only the run time will extend by 100%, but also the lifespan of the battery can extend by 150% because by using two batteries interchangeably, each battery can have reduced wear and tear.
  • πŸš—γ€π‹π’π π‘π­π°πžπ’π π‘π­ & π„π«π π¨π§π¨π¦π’πœ πƒπžπ¬π’π π§γ€‘Experience the perfect balance of power and comfort with the lightweight and ergonomic design of the KIMO mini polisher. Weighing only 2.65 lbs, it's a breeze to carry and store. The ergonomic rubber handle of the cordless polisher ensures a secure grip and allows for precise control, so you can polish with confidence without worrying about harming your car's paint. Perfect for the beginner, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional in the auto care industry.
  • πŸš—γ€π•πšπ«π’πšπ›π₯𝐞 π’π©πžπžππ¬ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 π•πžπ«π¬πšπ­π’π₯𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯π’πœπšπ­π’π¨π§γ€‘Discover the unrivaled versatility of the KIMO mini buffer polisher with a powerful output of up to 3634 RPM, this mini buffer polisher is built to satisfy the demands of professionals while remaining safe and user-friendly for beginners. Customize your polishing experience by adjusting the speed (from 994 to 3634 RPM).Low speed for waxing and buffing; Medium speed for polishing and cleaning while high speed for removing paint defects and oxidation.
Bestseller No. 5
Cordless Car Buffer Polisher Kit - 6 Inch Dual Action Random Polishing Wax Machine for Car Detailing,2Pcs 2000mah Batteries,6 Variable Speed 2500-5000RPM,Orbital Polisher for Car Boat Polishing Waxing
  • 【CORDLESS CAR BUFFER POLISHER】Our car polishing kit allows you to say goodbye to cords completely. Easy to install the battery, instantly start the polishing journey. No longer worry about the proximity of power sockets, no longer worry about the tangle of cords and storage, so that the polishing work as you wish, enjoy the ultimate convenience. Whether you are working in a small space or outdoors, it is your most reliable partner. Cordless design makes every polishing a free trip
  • 【EFFICIENT POWER】The car buffers and polishers kit equipped with 50W of powerful power.Easily handle all kinds of car polishing challenges!Whether it's stubborn stains on the surface of your car or minor scratches,it can restore the polished as new texture to your car.Dual action polisher equipped with 2 batteries,each of which can continue to work for 40min,and with the 1.5h fast-charging,batteries can be fully charged and ready to go quickly while you work.Power and efficiency go hand in hand
  • 【6-SPEED VARIABLE】6 speed adjustments to precisely match your needs.The orbital polisher's each speed adjustment is a precise control of the details,low gear to gently deal with minor body imperfections,medium and high gear can deeply solve the deep scratches,to achieve the best restoration effect,to meet your diverse polishing needs.You can find the most suitable gear from buffer polisher for car detailing to bring back the silky shine of your car
  • 【ONE MACHINE MULTIPURPOSE】This random orbital polisher buffer is not just limited to car polishing and waxing, equipped with sponge and wool material polishing discs,it is easy to cope with a variety of polishing scenarios.From car lights to body polishing and waxing,from car window glass to bathroom glass cleaning,from marble desktop to wooden floor polishing and maintenance,to motorcycle and other metal surfaces fine polishing,one polishing machine,multiple uses,enjoy the quality of life
  • 【GREAT GIFT CHOICE】With its lightweight and easy-to-use features,excellent performance,wide range of application scenarios and little noise.Our cordless car wax buffer polisher makes a great gift for husbands,fathers,and brothers.It can not only help them easily complete the polishing and waxing of their favorite cars,but also let them enjoy a full sense of achievement in the process of DIY.Do it yourself and put a new coat on your car,so that every trip is full of confidence and joy

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

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