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
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.
643 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.
  • 【What You Get】:1 * LDHTHOPI Buffer Polisher; 2* Hook and Loop Base Pad; 6* 6-inch Foam pads; 3* 7-inch Wool Pads; 10*sandpapers, 1* Upgraded D-Handle;1* Side Handle;1* Hex Wrench; 2* Carbon Brush; 1* LDHTHOPI tool Bag;1* User Manual.
Bestseller No. 2
WantJoin Electric Winery Wine Glass Polishing Machine,5 Polishing Cloth Washers Commercial Glass Polisher, Stainless-Steel Glassware Polishing Machine for Bar Kitchen
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WantJoin Electric Winery Wine Glass Polishing Machine,5 Polishing Cloth Washers Commercial Glass Polisher, Stainless-Steel Glassware Polishing Machine for Bar Kitchen
  • Polish up to 330 cups per hour: The machine can polish up to up to 330 cups within an hour, which is a quarter of the time it would take to polish by hand. In addition to the labor-saving feature, it leaves no fingerprints and makes your glasses clear and crystal
  • Warm air drying system: The blow tube maintains a steady stream of air at about 136℉over the polishing brushes. This ensures that the brushes are always dry and ready to use without leaving water stains on cups
  • Safe material and easy to clean: Our glass polishing machine is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel. Cloth of the 5 removable brushes is made of soft microfiber. Brushes are dishwasher washable, and can wipe all corners of glassware and make your glasses sparkling
  • Apply to various cups and occasions: The glass polishing machine can polish cups with diameter of 1.18-3.93in. It applies to red wine glasses, champagne glasses and decanters,etc. It’s popular in hotels, caterers, bars, restaurants, venues, and glassware rental companies where brilliantly polished glassware is vital to maintaining reputation
  • Reduce cost: Soft brushes of the machine is gentle on glassware without scratching or damaging cups and prevents artificial damage and save your costs of replacing cups. Besides, it spare your costs of polishing liquid which it doesn’t need
Bestseller No. 3
CabKing 6' Cabbing Machine | Lapidary Rock Grinder Polisher | Model CABKING-6V3
277 Reviews
CabKing 6" Cabbing Machine | Lapidary Rock Grinder Polisher | Model CABKING-6V3
  • Powerhouse grinding and polishing machine. Create cabochons for necklaces, earrings, rings and other jewelry pieces, or, polish glass, synthetic material and metals with the CabKing.
  • Features six 6" diameter diamond wheels, polishing pad and flat lap disc that complete entire rough-to-polish process.
  • Clean, adjustable water system allows you control the water flow over each wheel. Simplified drain system prevents dirty water buildup.
  • Accessory kit includes diamond paste, removable stone trays, hand rests, splash guards, safety googles, and a waterproof apron
  • Powerful 1/4hp, 1800rpm, 110v direct drive motor. Comes backed with a one-year warranty.
Bestseller No. 4
Chemical Guys BUF_503X TORQX Random Orbital Polisher, Pads, Polishes & Compounds Kit - 9 Items
10,134 Reviews
Chemical Guys BUF_503X TORQX Random Orbital Polisher, Pads, Polishes & Compounds Kit - 9 Items
  • EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE KIT - The TORQX Kit features everything you need to polish paint, remove swirls and scratches, clean and restore clarity to headlights, and more!.Fit Type: Universal Fit
  • DEVELOPED FOR PROFESSIONALS & ENTHUSIASTS - The TORQX is the dual action polisher of choice for any beginner, hardcore enthusiast, or professional detailer looking for one simple, lightweight, and powerful machine that can do it all.
  • POWERFUL -The powerful 700 watt motor, 8mm dual action orbital throw, and compact design deliver powerful and consistent polishing, paint correction, and cleaning results with minimal fatigue and wear on the user.
  • COMPACT & VERSATILE - The TORQX features simple and intuitive controls, rugged components, and durable build materials to last for years of dependable detailing use. Easily polish single stage and clear coat paint finishes, polished metals, glass, and clear optical plastics with the TORQX.
  • READY TO WORK RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX - The TORQX kit ships with the entire range of the V Line series of compounds and polishes; Choose between three of the fan-favorite cutting, polishing, and finishing pads for the best result on any paint finish!
Bestseller No. 5
Hi-Tech Diamond 8' Slant Cabber - Lapidary Equipment, Stone & Mineral Rock Polisher, Grinder, Shaper Machine w/ Variable Speed Motor, Includes Rock Mineral Polishing Accessory Kit
194 Reviews
Hi-Tech Diamond 8" Slant Cabber - Lapidary Equipment, Stone & Mineral Rock Polisher, Grinder, Shaper Machine w/ Variable Speed Motor, Includes Rock Mineral Polishing Accessory Kit
  • SMART LAP MACHINE: Our Slant Cabber flat lap machine is an American-made stone polisher that makes an excellent tool for grinding, shaping, smoothing and polishing rocks, stone, mineral, synthetic gem material, enamels and metals to make cabochons for necklaces, earrings, rings, and other jewelry pieces. The unique, angled design provides improved visibility and allows you to sit while you work instead of standing. Comes with a complete accessory kit to start your projects right out of the box.
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE: Each Slant Cabber is installed with a powerful 1/4 hp, heavy-duty, direct-drive permanent magnet motor with sealed ball bearings. The motor is variable speed and can be adjusted from 800 rpm all the way up to 3,400 rpm, allowing you to work at your own pace. The coolant reservoir is built into the machine and can hold up to a quart of water. This flat lap machine comes with a 1/2" arbor and accept backing plates that have a 1/2" arbor hole.
  • PORTABLE MACHINE: This lapidary flat lap is a lightweight, portable machine that works anywhere. It's constructed with a rigid housing made of durable cross-link polyethylene that is rustproof and easy to clean. The Slant Cabber has a small footprint and measures 13-1/2" X 15" X 11". Weighing at just 12 lbs, it is a portable rock polisher suitable for use on tabletops and workbenches. You can even take it on the road with you! Its quiet motor won't disturb others around you.
  • COMPLETE FLAT LAP: The Slant Cabber comes with everything you need. Its accessory kit includes one 8" 180# electroplated diamond disc, one 8" 325# brown diamond disc, one 8" 600# red diamond disc, one 8" 1200# blue diamond disc, one 8" Tech-11 polishing pad, one 2-gram 14,000 mesh diamond paste syringe, and four 8" acrylic backing plates. It's ideal for polishing various gem materials, both natural and synthetic. Additionally, it comes with a waterproof apron and detailed instructions.
  • ABOUT US: Since 1984, Hi-Tech Diamond has been the premier supplier of quality cutting, grinding, carving and polishing equipment for the lapidary and jewelry industries. Whether you are a beginner, professional, artist or hobbyist, we offer products and equipment that are easy to use for everyone at every experience level. All of our machines are proudly made in Westmont, IL in hopes to help bring back USA manufacturing.

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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