9 Best Car Polisher for Novice Detailers – Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher


Car detailing is known best for its paint protection. Aside from the better-known car wax and car polish, a car buffer polisher can help make your detailing easier. With that, the orbital polisher and dual action polisher can be considered the best car polisher for beginners!

You can easily and quickly remove scratches and swirls from your paint with the help of this tool. It doesn’t matter if you’re a certified autogeek or just a regular car owner. Of course, you’d want your car to look the best it possibly can.

That’s why you should get a good polisher for your car care kit. There are many brands out there, some more well-known than others like Makita and DeWalt. Regardless, any polisher buffer tool will still immensely help you in your detailing efforts so better learn more about them.

If you’re looking to invest in reliable tools like the dual action or orbital polishers, you came to the right place. We’ve already done the research for you and list down all the best orbital dual action polishers, below.

So, in this article, we’ll explore:

 

Discover the Best Dual Action and Orbital Polisher Review

Preview
Best Value Pick
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP) gray
Best Premium Pick
Flex Positive-Drive Rotary-Orbital Polisher (Red)
Title
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP) gray
Flex Positive-Drive Rotary-Orbital Polisher (Red)
Speed
2500 to 6800 OPM
3200 to 9600 OPM
Warranty
3-Year Limited Warranty
1 Year Limited Warranty
Features
Random orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing action B, All and roller bearing construction, Compact and lightweight design & many more.
High-powered motor, Spindle lock, removable, ergonomic knob grip, Accelerator trigger switch and speed selection, Safety features & many more.
Rating
-
-
Prime
Price
$140.65
$419.99
Product Reviews
Best Value Pick
Preview
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP) gray
Title
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP) gray
Speed
2500 to 6800 OPM
Warranty
3-Year Limited Warranty
Features
Random orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing action B, All and roller bearing construction, Compact and lightweight design & many more.
Rating
-
Prime
Price
$140.65
Product Reviews
Best Premium Pick
Preview
Flex Positive-Drive Rotary-Orbital Polisher (Red)
Title
Flex Positive-Drive Rotary-Orbital Polisher (Red)
Speed
3200 to 9600 OPM
Warranty
1 Year Limited Warranty
Features
High-powered motor, Spindle lock, removable, ergonomic knob grip, Accelerator trigger switch and speed selection, Safety features & many more.
Rating
-
Prime
Price
$419.99
Product Reviews

There are many kinds of car buffers out there. You can choose from a cordless polisher, a variable speed polisher, an orbit car polisher, or something much more specific like a dual-action random orbital polisher! Yes, it does sound confusing and a bit overwhelming, right?

Now, if you’re not the type who likes to read through reviews but want to know which is the best car polisher for beginners quickly, then we’d like to recommend the above three best pick.

But, if you want to consider all the purchasing options carefully, there are many types to choose from the list below.

Here are some of the best dual action and random orbital polisher models for beginner detailers. They’re carefully selected for their high ratings and positive experience from buyers:

1. Rupes LHR21ES Big Foot

RUPES LHR21ES Big Foot Random Orbital Polisher
  • Superior Italian design and craftsmanship
  • Soft start guarantees an acceleration ramp to...
  • Anti-spinning feature prevents high speed...
  • Electronic feedback control maintains...

If you want to try out something that’s already beloved to many professionals and enthusiasts, you’d probably like to get this car buffer by Rupes.

This polisher has an amazing 500-watt motor that can easily help you remove pesky swirls and scratches for a smoother, clearer finish.

It is Italian-made and has a soft start feature that enables for a more controlled operation because of its acceleration ramp. With this product, you can prevent any accidental dispersion.

Another excellent feature is their anti-spinning component, which stops the polisher from engaging in high-speed rotations that can cause further scratching.

 

2. PORTER-CABLE 7346SP

Sale
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP) gray
  • Orbital sander has 4.5 Amp, AC only
  • Hand sander comes with electronic...
  • Random orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing...
  • Includes 6-inch proprietary counter balance...

A powerful random orbit polisher you could try out is the 7346SP by Porter-Cable.

This polisher has an electronic variable speed dial that can take you from 2500 to 6800 orbits per minute (OPM) and can guarantee a swirl-free polishing action for a better and brighter finish.

Its strong 4.5 amp motor has a high overload protection feature, so you know it’s safe to use. Plus, this polisher already comes with a 6 inch sanding disc and a polishing pad.

It highlights an innovatively ergonomic design and has a removable two-position handle for better user comfort. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re left handed or right handed!

 

3. Bosch Power Tools 1250DEVS

Bosch Power Tools - 1250DEVS - Electric Orbital Sander, Polisher - 6.5 Amp, Corded, 6"" Disc Size -...
  • Dual Mode: Provides 2 Sanding Modes: Random...
  • VARIABLE SPEED: The 1250DEVS comes with a...
  • EASE OF USE: Get fast, smooth finishes on a...
  • PASSIVE DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM: Passive dust...

If you’re looking for a car buffer that will last you a long time, then you might want to look into the 1250DEVS by Bosch. It has many durability features that include aluminum gear housing and a switch that can seal against dust.

It features a powerful 6.5 amp motor that can take on extended amounts of time so you can work on your project longer and finish it faster.

This car buffer also has excellent control features like variable speed, reduced start-up, and a vacuum port that can collect dust and other messes.

This polisher also comes with a microcellular hook-and-loop pad made by Bosch. They are soft pads that can give you finer, smoother, and flatter results. It’s an impressive product that you’ll surely like using!

 

4. Flex XC3401VRG

Are you having doubts about using a polishing machine? That’s definitely acceptable. After all, some works are done better by hand rather than by machine.

But if you’re having a hard time juggling your limited amount of time with your desire for better buffing, then a good compromise would be this polisher from Flex.

Its amazing orbital rotation feature can simulate the circular motion of manual buffing as it polishes your car’s finish. Its high-powered motor can handle heavy loads, and it has handy switches.

Both the accelerator trigger switch and the speed selection detail allow you to control the polisher’s optimal speed.

But it also has some fantastic safety features that you can benefit from! This polisher has innovative restart protection which lowers machine malfunctioning when there’s a power interruption.

An overload protection features and temperature monitoring feature is added as well.

 

5.Griot’s Garage 10813STDCRD

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Griot’s Garage is a relatively well-known brand when it comes to automotive needs. While they sell mostly car care products, they also have a few car buffers in their product line.

In fact, the 1013STDRCD is the 3rd generation of Griot’s orbital buffer because they continuously innovate their products to fit their customers’ needs better.

If their dedication to providing quality and high-performing products hasn’t impressed you yet, then their 850-watt motor might.

This powerful polisher also has 6 different speed settings that you can use depending on the task at hand.

Plus, this polisher is definitely ergonomic! Their design has been updated for better and more comfortable use.

Their handles are now rubberized and can be adjusted to your liking. They also moved both the speed control dial and power switch to more easy-access places.

We think that Griot’s Garage 10813STDCRD is one of the best car polisher for beginners.

 

6. Presa Turbine All-in-One Dual Action

Presa Turbine 6" All-in-One Dual Action DA Random Orbital Polisher Kit with Polishing Pads and...
  • Polish your vehicle with power (600W,...
  • Includes 6 Accessories: Soft pad, medium pad,...
  • Comfortably control the polisher by adjusting...
  • Soft start + counterbalance bearings create...

If you’re looking for a lightweight polisher that’s still regular in size, then look no further than this car polisher from Presa Turbine.

This polisher only weight 4.5 pounds so you won’t have a problem handling it for a long time. But don’t think that weight is its only benefit!

It’s still a high-performing polishing machine, after all! It has a 600-watt motor that can efficiently operate from 1500 to 6800 orbits per minute.

This polisher doesn’t even come alone. It is accompanied by some very useful accessories and you can use it at once unbox!

It has six handy accessories that come with it. You already get 3 kinds of pads you might need (soft, medium, and hard) as well as a wash mitt and a microfiber towel.

What’s best is that all of these come in a convenient carrying bag that you can stash at the back of your car.

Plus, working around your car is super easy because of this polisher’s 19.6 feet power cord.

 

7. Meguiar’s MT300 Dual Action

Sale
Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher , Black
450 Reviews
Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher , Black
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Perfect combination of form...
  • SOFT START: Provides easy control when...
  • BILLET COUNTER WEIGHT: Ensures smooth,...
  • DIGITAL TORQUE MANAGEMENT: Electronically...

The brand Meguiar’s has been a cult classic for many years when it comes to the automotive industry. There’s a huge chance that the average car owner has at least one Meguiar’s product in his car care arsenal. They are very well known for the detailing products.

Maybe not so much with their power tools, but they’re expanding. The MT300 is an ambitious product by the brand that works well enough. This dual action polisher has a convenient thumb adjustable speed dial that allows faster operation while maintaining superior polishing.

Its ergonomic design also reduces the discomfort you feel when you use this polisher. However, it might not be for everyone, though.

There have been numerous reviews that this polisher can be a bit loud. It also tends to vibrate at high speed and can get hot. So it may be a good home polisher but not so much a professional one.

 

8. Goplus Variable Speed Dual-Action Buffer

Goplus Random Orbital Sander Variable Speed Polisher Electrical Dual-Action Polisher Grinder Buffer...
  • 【Stable And Durable】Heavy duty and...
  • 【Variable Speed Control】User-friendly...
  • 【Externally Sponge Round Pad】Package...
  • 【D-Type Handle Easy Control】It features...

If you’re looking for an electric polisher that can switch easily between sanding and polishing and buffing, this Goplus random orbital polisher is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s an excellent tool for home and car detailing use.

The Goplus is made to be durable. Thanks to its anti-impact polyamides body and high-quality, fine copper motor at 560W that has heat treated precision cut gears, this 7-lb polisher buffer and sander tool are one of the more heavy-duty ones on the market. It’s made to withstand long hour use

The variable speed button located at the handle of the polisher allows the user to quickly switch the speed from 2000rpm and 6400rpm.

As for accessories, the Goplus a generous thick 5-inch sponge pad that fits the hook-and-loop polishing plate design. Also, The D-type adjustable handle that accompanies this device sits on the side of the tool and makes gripping and controlling it much easier.

 

9. DEWALT DWP849X Variable Speed with Soft Start

Sale
DEWALT Buffer/Polisher, Variable Speed, Soft Start, 7-Inch/9-Inch (DWP849X) , Yellow
  • The car polisher features powerful, 12 amp,...
  • Electronic module of the variable speed...
  • Conveniently located variable speed dial of...
  • Variable speed trigger allows user to control...

The DWP849X comes with a powerful 12.0 amp motor and has an all ball-bearing construction that allows it to last longer than the average polishing machine and perform better even under the most demanding types of applications.

This machine can do variable speed from 0-600 rpm to 0-3,500 rpm easily and you can switch speeds for the specific materials and tasks as you wish. You can quickly switch with the variable speed trigger is conveniently located at the handle.

For novice detailers, you will be happy to know that the efficient electronic module is to help to maintain constant speed under load so that you can get better finish results.

This polisher buffer also comes with a Wool Ingestion Shields installed so that wool won’t reach your motor. This helps to increase the longevity of the polisher and can reduce the risks of having your machine serviced.

It has non-mar rubber gear case cover that protects your surface from ugly imperfections while you’re polishing or buffing. Plus, the case cover also improves the gripping surface of the tool.

The DWP849X built with gears which are heat-treated and precision-cut to provide smoother operation. Its big spindle lock buttons permit you to change backing plates comfortably fast.

If you are unfamiliar with high-speed car polishers, this DeWalt DWP849X Variable Speed Polisher with Soft Start can give you the following benefits:

  • For beginner can start off safely and slowly with this rotary polisher by setting the polisher to 600 RPMs.
  • Since this DeWalt Buffer can let you start at low 600RPM, you can now do what is called finish polishing, or “jeweling”.
  • This ultra-low operating speed allows for an excellent hologram and swirl-free finish if you use a foam pad, along with a finishing polish.

 

What is a Dual Action Orbital Polisher and How Does It Work?

griots garage

From the product review above, you know better which is the best dual action orbital polisher for you. Now, let’s talk a bit about what is dual action orbital polisher and how it works.

A DA polisher is an auto buffer polisher that makes use of two different motions simultaneously. When turned on, the DA polisher moves in a circular motion while combined with another spinning motion on top.

The circular motion or “orbital” rotation of the head mimics the orbit of the earth. It rotates on a central spindle, which then also rotates around an offset that is eccentric, or not centralized.

The rotation of the pad creates an irregular motion that some refer to as “jiggling.” Jiggling is what prevents the polisher from burning through the car paint and getting to the paint beneath it.

Because of this juggling motion, regardless of the power of the motor or the speed of the pad, the polisher doesn’t remove the paint of the car.

The resulting oscillation creates a “wobble” which prevents excess heat and friction build up, but still allows enough such that light to moderate paintwork blemishes can be removed. This makes a DA the perfect choice for the amateur enthusiast looking to keep the car looking ‘tip top’ but without the worry of a potential re-spray! – The Ultimate Finish

User-Friendly for Beginners

For people who are new to polishing and detailing cars, the dual action orbital polisher is a good buy. It’s user-friendly because the device produces very little heat in comparison to other kinds of polishers like a rotary.

Not only that, most of the orbital polisher and buffer models come with handles or grips. This feature is very helpful for a user to maintain control over the tool while using especially for novice detailers.

There are tons of dual action polishers out there to choose from, and the best dual action polisher for you is just waiting to be bought. Some brands you can look into are a Torq and Ryobi orbital polisher which is very famous in the market.

Check out this video to see how does a dual action orbital polisher work:

 

 

Random Orbital Polisher vs. Dual Action

Random orbit polisher is kind of a combination of rotary and orbital polishers. When the machine is working, the pattern created is truly random as the combination of stroke length, pad size, pad grip, and speed can alter the pattern of motion.

Unlike a rotary polisher which is forced to spin, a random orbital polisher actually rotates from the momentum created by the rapid orbital motion.

On the other hand, a dual action polisher combines both the rotary and orbitals motions into one forced action.

It’s designed to run in an eccentric circular motion. The advantage of this kind of polisher is that it doesn’t over apply pressure to the surface and assures the buffer never concentrates its energy all into one spot. Unlike a regular rotary buffer which has a circular motion only.

A rotary buffer is not suitable for the novice user as you can easily apply too much pressure to the paint if not control well and burn right through it, requiring a new paint job.

Thus, a dual action orbital polisher is much suitable for a beginner. You can read more about this topic, here.

Once you’re more confident in your buffing capabilities, you can always upgrade. These tools are here to make your life easier and to help you get the optimum paint repair and care your car deserves!

Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on different buffing pads as well as polish and wax too. The Nu Finish polish is an all-time favorite for many of the professional detailers.

 

Car Polishing Pads

swirl remover

Aside from the usual microfiber and chamois towels and mitts, you also need another kind of pad when detailing your car.

Polishing or buffing pads are used to apply car care products on your paint when using a polishing machine.

There are different kinds of polishing pads, all depending on what type of service you’re going to need. You can classify them depending on the material: wool or foam polishing pads.

You can group them depending on size: 6 inch polishing pads or 7 inch polishing pads. You can even make a category for how easy they are to use: hook and loop pads.

If you want to learn more about polishing pads, read this Buffing Pads article for more information or check out online forums to get some tips from your fellow enthusiasts.

 

How to Polish a Car with an Orbital Buffer?

Now that you know more about polishers and have an idea of which kind of buffer to buy, it’s time to learn about the actual polishing.

If this is your first time to do a machine polish, then you’d probably find it relieving to note that an orbital buffer is the most recommended for beginners (more so than a rotary buffer).

That’s because it’s almost fool-proof and can still effectively remove minor scratches and isolated imperfections with minimal effort.

Turn the buffer on and work the area in circular motions, holding the pad completely flat at all times.

Turning the buffer at an angle or applying too much pressure can burn the paint surface and cause swirling. Work one quarter of a panel at a time until you get a bright gloss. – Popular Mechanics

A few quick tips before every machine polish project:

  • Remember to wash your car thoroughly first to remove pesky contaminants.
  • Use the proper polishing pads for the job, and keep changing when necessary.
  • Take your time. Don’t move too fast to allow the machine to do its job properly.

If you want to get a more in-depth tutorial on how to polish your car with a buffer, you can read this article or choose to watch this video from YouTube instead.

  • Updated April 22, 2019
James Evans
 

As a passionate outdoorsman and an automobile enthusiast, James spent most of his time in his garage tinkering with cars and bikes. During his free time, he loves to hike and blog about the things that he has done to keep his ride in tip-top condition.

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