We are frequently asked if Rotary vehicle polishing machines are good for first-time operators and what the key distinctions are between Dual Action, Rotary, and Orbital car polishers when looking to purchase a polishing equipment.

Dual Action Polishers

This one-of-a-kind motion avoids holograms (symmetrical buffing marks), paint burns, and other types of paint damage that rotary polishers are notorious for.

The Dual Action polishing machine is great for mild swirl and scratch removal as well as deep shine buffing; however, it is not recommended for deeper scratches where your finger nail “jarrs” when passing over the scratch (the finger nail test).

Rotary Polishers

On these devices, the motor immediately drives the polishing head, which is attached to the backing plate, which you use to attach your polishing, cutting, or finishing pad.

This means that all of the force, which can be a lot, is immediately propelling the machine’s spin down into and across your paintwork – too much force, and your paintwork will quickly burn through.

However, if you’re looking to undertake paint corrections, the Rotary is more suited to the job because it can peel the paint levels down further and faster than either an Orbital or Dual Action. Many professional detailers utilize rotary automobile polishing machines for speed and comprehensive paint repair details when necessary. Many will acknowledge, however, that they began with a dual action, such as the original porter cables, before progressing to a range of car polishing machines like Rotary vehicle polishing equipment.

Orbital Buffers

These have larger heads and multiple handles, allowing the machine to be rubbed against the paintwork. They also work at slower rates and use a single “jiggle” action instead of spinning.

They’re great for getting the product deep into to the paintwork and then removing it (using different bonnets). They aren’t as adaptable as Dual Action automobile polishing machines, which can employ a variety of plate and pad sizes and work at higher rates while being more user-friendly than a Rotary.

The Dual Action, as the name implies, mixes 2 actions: the turning of the plate that holds your pad and the oscillations of the spindle. A better way to grasp this is to compare it to the activity of the earth, which spins while orbiting, or oscillating, around the sun.

On all these machines, the motor immediately powers the polishing head, which is attached to the backing plate, which you use to attach your polishing, cutting, or finishing pad.

This means that all of the force, which can be a lot, is immediately propelling the machine’s spin down into and across your bodywork – too much force, and your paintwork will quickly burn through.

Which Car Polishing Machine Should I Pick?

What you seek to achieve and your level of certainty will determine the machine you use (experience). The addition of digital speed control and the reduced weight of some of the most recent automobile cleaning equipment are both attractive features. Some machines have speed settings that range from 500 to 3000 revolutions per minute, making them more user-friendly than classic rotary machines. However, it must still be taken seriously.