How to choose a polishing machine for your car?

Peculiarities

The polishing machine can be used in a wide variety of fields. In particular, this device is used for finishing and improving the appearance of surfaces. The wide functionality of the tool is provided by changing nozzles and pastes. Tasks such as:

making a mirror or window glass shine;

Regardless of what kind of task is being solved, the polishing machine has a fairly typical structure:

frame;
drive mechanism;
a pair of handles;
removable polishing wheel.

The appearance of such a device is similar to the angle grinder. However, the big difference is the use of completely different discs. It is natural that with an increase in the size of the working part, the processed area also increases. Also important characteristics of polishing machines are the grain size of the installed discs and the total power of the device. As the technical characteristics increase, so does the price.

Buying Tips

When choosing a polishing machine, the user should focus on the following points:

the more power the unit has, the faster it copes with the task at hand, but at the same time the processing quality is at a low level;
it is best to purchase a polishing machine, in the design of which it is possible to adjust the number of revolutions, since this indicator can be distinctive for different materials;
if possible, you should pay attention to the presence of a speed stabilizer in the equipment design, by means of which the rotation speed does not decrease or increase, regardless of the imposed load;
the weight must be sufficient for the user to cope with it, otherwise the hands will quickly get tired;
the larger the working disc, the less revolutions the unit should make.

What criteria are important to consider?

On the modern market there is a rich assortment of different models of grinders. Among such a variety, it is easy to get confused, especially since there are both budgetary and expensive options. Wanting to save money, many car owners opt for cheap models. But experts do not advise purchasing equipment based only on the price criterion. The foreground should be the scope of the planned work and the frequency of use of the tool. The car polishing machine should be selected according to the needs.

In the case when it is planned to provide services in a professional way with frequent use of the tool, then you should choose a high-quality and expensive machine. For rare DIY repairs and body polishing, a semi-professional middle class polishing machine is perfect.

On the market you can find a huge number of cheap models from Chinese manufacturers. Usually, such tools bribe only for their price, while their quality does not always correspond to the desired

Therefore, when choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the models of trusted manufacturers who offer high-quality models, for example, Bosch, Hamach, Makita

Among the parameters that you should pay attention to when purchasing a polishing machine stand out:

weight - the polishing machine should be light so that you can work with the tool for several hours;
the number of revolutions - should be at least 1200, but the highest quality is achieved at a speed of 3000 rpm, and it is desirable that the speed control is electronic;
function of smoothness of revolutions and speed control - the machine should work stably regardless of the degree of pressure on the surface, which ensures high-quality polishing of the body and the safety of the paintwork;
the high power of the tool allows you to spend less time and effort on polishing work, although this parameter often affects the weight of the product;
class - household, semi-professional and professional grinders are distinguished - this criterion affects the duration of the service life and the duration of the operating mode;
power supply - polishing the car is a long process, so it is advisable that the power supply of the machine was from the mains, since the battery will have to be charged frequently;
complete set with nozzles - cheaper models are equipped with a minimum number of nozzles, therefore, when choosing such a model, it is worth clarifying whether it will be possible to purchase the required nozzle;
among the desirable functions that a polishing machine should have, it is worth noting the presence of a system for stabilizing the spindle speed, which is produced by an electronic method - such a system will help eliminate the unevenness of the tool;
manufacturer - this criterion will determine the service life of the product and the quality of the work performed, therefore it is not recommended to choose unfamiliar brands.

In high-quality polishing machines, manufacturers often install a forced ventilation system that cools the air and ensures safe use of the device for a long time.

For amateurs and professionals

Household is the best option for a personal garage. Such a tool is bought for rare use, during work it needs rest until the engine cools down.

But in the case when polishing works are performed only a few times a year, these points can be easily neglected, especially since the cost, size and weight of household models are minimal.

During long-term polishing work on large surfaces, a professional polishing machine does not need long pauses.

Top polishing machine manufacturers:

For professionals - Bosch, Hitachi, DeWalt, Makita.
For amateurs - Elitech, Caliber, Interskol, Bison.

When choosing a model, you should pay attention to such an option as disk speed control, since at different stages of body processing, different modes will be required.

At lower speeds, deep microcracks and scratches are eliminated, and at higher speeds, the parts are polished to restore their signature shine.

Polishing Machine Manufacturers

The sander will last longer if it is produced by a trusted manufacturer. Famous professional brands include Bosch and Hitachi, whose products will operate under melting service for up to 10 years. The Hamach brand has proven itself well, whose products can also be attributed to the professional class.

High-quality household polishing machines can be found from manufacturers such as Energomash, Caliber, Skil, DeWALT.

Hamach Polishing Machine

Hamach has proven itself in the equipment market. In its assortment there are many tools for performing bodywork. Take the Hamach RH 50E as an example. This polisher combines light weight (4.5 kg) with high power. Moreover, maximum power is guaranteed at any speed, since the Hamach RH 50E has the latest speed controller. The air vents have an air filter that is easy to clean or replace. This filter provides protection against dust when cooling the engine, which increases its reliability.

Despite the seeming complexity of choosing a grinder, it is quite possible to purchase a high-quality tool.It is enough to know some pitfalls and clearly understand which model will be suitable for specific work. And if only one-time or rare use of the tool for polishing the body is planned, you can safely purchase a household budget model. During work, one should not forget about the observance of safety measures, protective suit and gloves.

Views

All models of this type of hand tool are of two types:

with an eccentric;
circular.

If we describe each type in more detail, then circular in design is very similar to grinders. Moreover, the principle of their work is the same. It should be said that a low rotation speed only allows you to eliminate small defects, but the tool is not able to cope with a serious problem.

The eccentric unit also demonstrates reciprocating movements. The offset occurs by a few millimeters. Manufacturers have thought about the design of the tool in such a way that it remains not only high-performance, but also safe for the user.

Equipment types

The polishing machine is presented in two main types: orbital and disk, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Disk

Such a sander is used to sand the surface when painting or polishing when restoring the coating of the body. The disk acts as a working tool. The main advantages of this type are low vibration, low weight and compact size. Each disc polisher has special covers that protect against dust.

Orbital

This polishing machine got its name because, in addition to the rotation of the disk, it has an orbital displacement of several millimeters (from 2 to 6). Thanks to this displacement, it is possible to perform both rotational and translational movements at the same time. These machines are used for sanding smooth and corrugated surfaces. They are designed to prepare the car body before painting.

In orbital machines, the working body is a disc with removable grinding attachments attached to it. They are attached to the disc with Velcro or clips. The material for the attachments can be used:

foam rubber;
fur;
sponge;
sandpaper;
fleece;
felt;
corundum.

The polishing machine serves as a versatile tool, so it is indispensable during car body repair work.

How to take a closer look at the unit when buying?

By the principle of rotation:

around the ring;
eccentric.

The first type is almost a copy of the "Bulgarian" familiar to motorists. It has only reduced revs, but increased torque (Nm). According to these characteristics, the model is not suitable for recreating the pristine beauty of the car body.

The latter have several movements - rotational and translational-return. Their nozzle with polishing inserts does not move to the side much, but this is an additional effect of working with the so-called orbital rotation.

Sources of energy for Nm on polishing:

pneumatic (air is pumped by a compressor);
network polishing machines (220 V and 50 hertz);
from a 12 V battery via the vehicle's network wiring.

Two difficulties of choice:

price;
unit weight.

How to choose a polishing machine to work continuously for more than one hour. After all, a unit weighing five kilograms and above is not easy to do. Therefore, buy a mechanical tool with a capacity of about a kilowatt per hour. Its mass will not exceed 2.5-3 kg. On average, units are sold with a capacity of 400-1500 watts.

Polishing Soviet classic cars will require mechanical and human effort and a more powerful mechanism. But they will be harder. The choice is yours.

How to take a closer look at the unit when buying?

By the principle of rotation:

around the ring;
eccentric.

Sources of energy for Nm on polishing:

pneumatic (air is pumped by a compressor);
network polishing machines (220 V and 50 hertz);
from a 12 V battery via the vehicle's network wiring.

Two difficulties of choice:

price;
unit weight.

Polishing Soviet classic cars will require mechanical and human effort and a more powerful mechanism. But they will be harder. The choice is yours.

Polishing Machine Manufacturers

Manufacturers offer a fairly large selection of different types of tools for their own needs or professional use. Polls showed that buyers prefer to trust European brands, considering the quality of foreign brands to be higher than Russian ones. However, experts say that domestic companies have recently reached a new level by introducing innovative equipment with good technical parameters. To prove equality, the experts of the VyborEksperta project present brief overviews for each manufacturer:

Bison is a Russian trade mark that has been producing equipment, tools and materials since 2000 for home and professional use. The brand offers more than 10,000 product positions, constantly expanding its lines and improving already existing products.
Status is an alliance of Italian and Chinese manufacturers, founded back in 1958, and producing power tools. The company focuses on the quality of the material, developing products for long-term, trouble-free operation.
Diold is the largest manufacturer of power tools from Russia, producing goods for industries and home use since the days of the USSR. The corporation has a large network of service centers, exports its goods to a number of other countries, presenting certificates of the state standard of the Russian Federation for all power tools.
Bosch is a giant in the market of power tools, household, climate control, built-in and garden equipment from Germany.Bosch has extensive production facilities in more than 15 countries, is part of the BSH group of companies and produces sales and service of equipment all over the world.
Interskol is another brand from Russia that has been producing garden equipment and power equipment since 1991. The brand has its factories in five countries and is one of the ten largest world manufacturers of small mechanization equipment and tools.
Kolner is a Russian brand that produces affordable power equipment and mini washers. The company offers a large selection of drills, grinders and milling machines, tools and welding equipment for home use.
Bort is a Russian brand that has been producing a variety of tools for repair and construction for over 20 years. The brand is owned by Bort Global Corporation, recognized as a leading manufacturer of equipment for semi-professional and domestic use, confirming the title with many international awards and prizes.
Patriot is a US manufacturer founded in 2000 that makes construction and auto garage equipment. The company offers a large selection of auto tools, selling them in more than 20 countries around the world, including Russia, and annually expands its product lines.
Makita is a popular brand from Japan, which was registered back in 1915 and almost immediately gained worldwide recognition. The company is recognized as a leader in the development of power tools, which it exports to Europe, Asia and Russia, and Makita's production facilities are located in seven countries.
DeWalt is another US brand recognized as the largest manufacturer of industrial tools. The brand was founded in 1922, now it is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker Corporation and manufactures its products in factories located in eight countries around the world.

Restoration of the exterior of the body

The parking conditions of most cars are far from ideal. Often, cars are parked under the windows of residential buildings, undergoing all weather influences - heat, cold, hail, wind and sand.

Among the defects that the car owner has to deal with are cloudy stains, scratches, traces of microparticles, uneven paintwork, layer graininess. In most cases, sanding will solve the problem.

Surface cleaning is carried out using an abrasive polish containing grinding particles. It should be remembered that in this case the damaged outer layer of the coating is removed, and not regenerated.

Having lost the outer layer, the coating becomes more vulnerable, which means that this operation is of a temporary cosmetic nature, significantly improving the appearance of the car, but weakening the protection of the metal.

Polishing machine rating

VyborEksperta specialists took part in the formation of the rating, who carefully selected the nominees for the TOP. Hundreds of buyers have been interviewed who have been testing tools over time. It was the objective, independent assessments and reviews of real people that helped to draw up complete, detailed reviews. The main selection criteria were as follows:

Power;
Classification;
Diameter of discs;
Dimensions;
The weight;
Ease of use;
The ability to adjust the speed;
Presence of built-in options;
Length of cable;
Price;
Manufacturer's warranty.

Additional parameters were also taken into account, which helped the experts to collect the best polishing machines in the TOP. For the convenience of readers, they are presented in categories containing tools for household and professional classes of different capacities.

Best Belt Sanders

Peculiarities

Buying Tips

What criteria are important to consider?

For amateurs and professionals

Polishing Machine Manufacturers

Hamach Polishing Machine

Views

Equipment types

Disk

Orbital

How to take a closer look at the unit when buying?

Most popular brands and models

How to take a closer look at the unit when buying?

Polishing Machine Manufacturers

Restoration of the exterior of the body

Polishing machine rating