Random Orbital Advice
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 842
From: The High Plains, USA
Another thing I'll add that I had to learn the hard way is keep your pad fresh. Either blow out or brush your pad with a conditioning brush often, or change to a fresh pad every couple of panels. The pads get loaded with junk and lose their effectiveness otherwise.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 860
Likes: 262
From: CA
The thicker pads will stahl more than the thin pads. With the power the griots machines have, at least the ones I have owned, they work much better with a thinner pad like the 50/50 euro pad. Spinning a finishing pad is no problem with the thickness.
The Pinnacle polishes are nice to work with. The compound is not super aggressive if that's what your looking for.
The Pinnacle polishes are nice to work with. The compound is not super aggressive if that's what your looking for.
"This polisher is all about the power the increased power! With 700 watts, there is a 191% increase in power from the previous 3 Random Orbital. Plus, theres a 60% increase in orbit, going from a 5mm orbit to an 8mm. The Griots Garage G8 Mini Random Orbital Polisher reaches 2,000 to 6,400 orbits per minute thanks to its 6-speed settings and fan-cooled counterbalance."
"G8's gearset is 45% stronger that the previous 3" machine, its constant speed control won't bog down pad rotation when you apply pressure, and its fan-cooled counterbalance is so forward thinking we're having it patented."
My paint is in pretty good shape really some light swirls here and there, so hope the Pinnacle does well.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 860
Likes: 262
From: CA
I like the Wolfgang Concourse series abrasives....I'll use the Finishing Glaze on brand new bike parts and even when you start with a relatively flawless surface, it does an amazing job of 'jeweling' the surface
if you take your time and do it right, the clear coat after a correction can look better than when the paint was brand new
OP, grats on the G8, you'll love it....i'm not sure where you are at as far as skills, but just let me mention the first landmine i stepped in when I first started using it....too much pressure, and it wasn't spinning, hash marks on the pads helped me learn the feel...and I used too much product....abrasives also transfer heat....so the pad which was saturated in too much product burned up and delaminated from the velcro backing
if you take your time and do it right, the clear coat after a correction can look better than when the paint was brand new
OP, grats on the G8, you'll love it....i'm not sure where you are at as far as skills, but just let me mention the first landmine i stepped in when I first started using it....too much pressure, and it wasn't spinning, hash marks on the pads helped me learn the feel...and I used too much product....abrasives also transfer heat....so the pad which was saturated in too much product burned up and delaminated from the velcro backing
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 1,427
From: pensacola fl
Thanks for the tip on the pads. Here is Griots G8 Mini description - sounds like maybe this unit wont have problems with stalling:
"This polisher is all about the power the increased power! With 700 watts, there is a 191% increase in power from the previous 3 Random Orbital. Plus, theres a 60% increase in orbit, going from a 5mm orbit to an 8mm. The Griots Garage G8 Mini Random Orbital Polisher reaches 2,000 to 6,400 orbits per minute thanks to its 6-speed settings and fan-cooled counterbalance."
"G8's gearset is 45% stronger that the previous 3" machine, its constant speed control won't bog down pad rotation when you apply pressure, and its fan-cooled counterbalance is so forward thinking we're having it patented."
My paint is in pretty good shape really some light swirls here and there, so hope the Pinnacle does well.
"This polisher is all about the power the increased power! With 700 watts, there is a 191% increase in power from the previous 3 Random Orbital. Plus, theres a 60% increase in orbit, going from a 5mm orbit to an 8mm. The Griots Garage G8 Mini Random Orbital Polisher reaches 2,000 to 6,400 orbits per minute thanks to its 6-speed settings and fan-cooled counterbalance."
"G8's gearset is 45% stronger that the previous 3" machine, its constant speed control won't bog down pad rotation when you apply pressure, and its fan-cooled counterbalance is so forward thinking we're having it patented."
My paint is in pretty good shape really some light swirls here and there, so hope the Pinnacle does well.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 177
From: E. Tennessee
Reviving an older thread....I just bought a '09 EG and I do not think the paint has ever been worked. Lot's of scuffs, hard water deposits and some unknown light blemishes. I only have a Ryobi drill based buffer kit, so I will buy one of the orbitals mentioned in this thread. My big question is where do I start and with what pads/compounds? I am not looking for a showroom finish, I just know that the bikes paint can look a lot better than it does. A list in order would be awesome starting with pads......
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,915
Likes: 4,667
From: West Texas Sandhills
I have had good results using my Zota 3 inch RO polisher ($80 at Amazon)using Griots Garage correcting cream with their orange pads and Carpro Reflect polish using a Carpro polishing pad. I have used this combination on my 06 Softail and and my truck, except for the polisher for the truck was a Griots G9.
Im sure Eaglefan1, Gizmo and Caffeine Buzz will be along shortly to chime in. They all have more experience than I do and can give better advice than I. I have also used some Wolfgang products and have had good results.
My next project will be doing paint correction on my RGU and I plan on using Wolfgang Total Swirl remover and Wolfgang finishing glaze with Gyeon Cancoat as the coating. Just take your time and you should be ok.
Im sure Eaglefan1, Gizmo and Caffeine Buzz will be along shortly to chime in. They all have more experience than I do and can give better advice than I. I have also used some Wolfgang products and have had good results.
My next project will be doing paint correction on my RGU and I plan on using Wolfgang Total Swirl remover and Wolfgang finishing glaze with Gyeon Cancoat as the coating. Just take your time and you should be ok.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 842
From: The High Plains, USA
Reviving an older thread....I just bought a '09 EG and I do not think the paint has ever been worked. Lot's of scuffs, hard water deposits and some unknown light blemishes. I only have a Ryobi drill based buffer kit, so I will buy one of the orbitals mentioned in this thread. My big question is where do I start and with what pads/compounds? I am not looking for a showroom finish, I just know that the bikes paint can look a lot better than it does. A list in order would be awesome starting with pads......
Of course you're going to want to decontaminate the paint first with clay if it needs it. After you've washed the paint, stick your hand in a sandwich bag and rub it over the surface. If you can feel bumps, it needs clayed.
Any questions, let us know.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 1,427
From: pensacola fl
3D One https://www.detailedimage.com/3D-M98...gaAjeXEALw_wcB
50/50 uro pad
If the bike is vivid black this might not be the best choice. However it does simplify the process
50/50 uro pad
If the bike is vivid black this might not be the best choice. However it does simplify the process
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 177
From: E. Tennessee
Great info guys. I found the Griot G8 Kit at Advanced Auto locally in stock - Included in the kit: The G8 and 8 oz Complete Compound, 1 - 8 oz Ceramic 3-IN-1 Wax (with trigger nozzle), 2 - 3" BOSS Correcting Foam Pads. All for $155. I will see if they have the white foam cutting pads & Correcting Cream & if so will grab them too.
Kinda bummed, I just put my front fairing half back on Tuesday after wiring in my ZumoXT wiring harness. I reckon it will have to come back off to buff it properly, so no real big & at least I know how to do it now.
Kinda bummed, I just put my front fairing half back on Tuesday after wiring in my ZumoXT wiring harness. I reckon it will have to come back off to buff it properly, so no real big & at least I know how to do it now.
