Random Orbital Tips & Hints?

boarderbob · 08-30-2013, 08:28 PM

I took the plunge yesterday, and ordered a Griot's 6" Random Orbital. I've been reading and looking for months, and I felt this was a good starting point for me. As I've never used a random orbital of any fashion for any purpose I'm a little intimidated. For now, I'll be using it strictly for wax application. I've watched the Junkman's most informative videos, along with a plethora of others so I feel good about it. I've also searched and read all over this and other boards, but I'm just trying to cover all my bases. So, any advice or tips that I may have missed along the way? Anything is greatly appreciated.

10MPlayer · 08-30-2013, 08:43 PM

Like with any power tool, let the tool do the work. Don't bear down on it.

Ubetit · 08-31-2013, 08:27 AM

I've been doing paint restoration for 26 years and have never used an RO to apply wax or sealant. It's not needed and it's more time consuming.

Polishing:

1. Don't be afraid.
2. Start with a light polish and pad and go to it.
3. If you don't want to go to it with your car, go to the junkyard and buy a hood off a beater.

I've trained neighbors on their Vettes, Bimmers, Civics, Land Rovers, and a single stage painted corolla beater. All of them did 90% of the car on their own after a demonstration on half of their hood.

boarderbob · 08-31-2013, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the tips. I'm starting with wax application so I can get the motions and pressure down before I start something that could damage my paint. Hopefully it's as simple I think it is.

2xtreme1 · 08-31-2013, 08:12 PM

For waxing, first of all, I find it easier to do by hand. However, if you are doing it by machine, at least in my case, you do not use the same pressure you would using it with a polish for correction. Wax with machine wil not require you to use the same pressure, and speed as you would need when using a polish for correction.

08-30-2013, 08:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
boarderbob Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here Posts: 107 Drives: 2011 370Z GM M6 Rep Power: 12	Random Orbital Tips & Hints? I took the plunge yesterday, and ordered a Griot's 6" Random Orbital. I've been reading and looking for months, and I felt this was a good starting point for me. As I've never used a random orbital of any fashion for any purpose I'm a little intimidated. For now, I'll be using it strictly for wax application. I've watched the Junkman's most informative videos, along with a plethora of others so I feel good about it. I've also searched and read all over this and other boards, but I'm just trying to cover all my bases. So, any advice or tips that I may have missed along the way? Anything is greatly appreciated.

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08-30-2013, 08:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
10MPlayer Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Sacratomato Posts: 309 Drives: your mama wild. Rep Power: 13	Like with any power tool, let the tool do the work. Don't bear down on it.

08-31-2013, 08:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ubetit Track Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 527 Drives: the women lazy Rep Power: 14	I've been doing paint restoration for 26 years and have never used an RO to apply wax or sealant. It's not needed and it's more time consuming. Polishing: 1. Don't be afraid. 2. Start with a light polish and pad and go to it. 3. If you don't want to go to it with your car, go to the junkyard and buy a hood off a beater. I've trained neighbors on their Vettes, Bimmers, Civics, Land Rovers, and a single stage painted corolla beater. All of them did 90% of the car on their own after a demonstration on half of their hood.

08-31-2013, 01:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
boarderbob Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here Posts: 107 Drives: 2011 370Z GM M6 Rep Power: 12	Thanks for the tips. I'm starting with wax application so I can get the motions and pressure down before I start something that could damage my paint. Hopefully it's as simple I think it is.

08-31-2013, 08:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
2xtreme1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Eastvale, California Age: 32 Posts: 494 Drives: 11' 370Z 7 A/T Sport Rep Power: 13	For waxing, first of all, I find it easier to do by hand. However, if you are doing it by machine, at least in my case, you do not use the same pressure you would using it with a polish for correction. Wax with machine wil not require you to use the same pressure, and speed as you would need when using a polish for correction.