Random orbital polisher vs. dual action polisher: what are the primary differences?
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While a random orbital polisher or buffer is always a dual-action machine, a dual-action polisher may not all the time fall in the category of a random orbital polisher.
Everyone knows that a vehicle paint correcting tool or a polisher rotates and oscillates while correcting the paint. It is the rotation or movement that defines whether a polisher is a dual-action or random orbital polisher.
If you have been looking for the real differences between these two types of polishing tools, this article is here to give you the exact insights so that you can always get into your paint correction process with absolute clarity.
Okay then, let’s get going-
Random orbital polisher vs. dual action polisher
Random Orbital Polisher | Dual Action Polisher |
Combines two actions. | Combines two actions. |
Rotation and oscillation are the two main actions. | Rotation and oscillation are the two primary actions. |
The pad rotates and oscillates at a random path. | The rotation and oscillation path can be both random and fixed. If it rotates, it falls in the category of the random orbital polisher. |
Random orbital buffers are independent of their movement. | Dual-action buffers can be both free and independent. |
Random orbital buffers are a little safer compared to a forced orbital polisher. | Fixed dual-action buffers may generate excessive friction, making the painting process a little vulnerable. |
Both types of polishers comprise two actions.
Anyone can claim a polisher as a dual-action by seeing the manual only. But do you know the two primary actions that make a buffer dual action?
Well, the two movements that depict a dual-action buffer are rotation and oscillation. A dual-action paint correcting tool will always make certain movements while auto-correcting the paint. It is the combination of rotation and oscillation that makes a buffer dual-action.
Well, there is another kind of buffer you may notice in the name rotary polisher. This kind of polisher will have the simplest construction but with the hardest polishing process. Instead of spinning to an orbit, they rotate at a speedy rate. Therefore, maneuvering a rotary buffer can turn out to be much harder compared to any kind of orbital buffer.
A random orbital polisher is always dual-action, but a dual-action polisher may not be a random orbital polisher.
People most often refer to most orbital polisher as a dual-action buffer without even knowing the primary differences. All orbital buffers indeed fall in the category of dual-action, but not all dual-action buffers are the same.
A random orbital buffer will complete its actions (rotation and oscillation) independently, whereas a fixed orbital buffer will always rotate at a certain motion. Therefore, you will get the opportunity to control the motion of a random orbital polisher. On the other hand, a fixed dual-action orbital buffer will not allow you to control the spinning properties.
Therefore, knowing which dual-action buffer will serve your purpose is one of the most ideal distinctions one should be able to make.
Note:
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Random dual action orbital polisher or fixed dual-action orbital polisher: that is the question
Unlike a rotary buffer, orbital polishers are much easier to maneuver. But still, some important distinctions are worth considering before going with one particular type. Both random and fixed dual-action buffers have their own kind of merits and demerits worth mentioning. If you have been fluctuating with your decision between these two categories, let us make the decision making part a little easier for you-
What are the benefits of fixed dual action orbital polisher?
The top five benefits of having a fixed dual-action orbital polisher are:
- A fixed dual-action polisher will always spin at a certain motion.
- A fixed orbital buffer will prevent generating excessive heat and friction (when used correctly).
- Fixed dual action polisher is more capable of handling heavy-duty paint correction.
- Maneuvering a fixed dual-action buffer is much easier.
- A fixed orbit polisher’s efficiency rate is always higher when one can pick up the machine for the right application.
What are the cons of a fixed orbital polisher?
The efficiency rate of a fixed orbital polisher may seem to remain on top, but the type is not altogether free from some demerits as well.
One of the fundamental problems one may face with a fixed orbital buffer is that the machine will not stop while imposing additional pressure as the rotation properties are already fixed to a certain degree. Therefore, it may generate an excessive amount of heat and friction to make your paint job even harder and vulnerable.
Therefore, picking up this kind of buffer for the specific application is more than necessary.
Note:
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What are the benefits of a random orbital dual action polisher?
The top five benefits of a random orbital dual-action polisher are:
- Random orbital dual-action buffer comes with the simplest maneuvering process.
- One can always control the movement and rotation speed as he wants.
- Random orbital buffers seem to be more relevant for inexperienced and DIY candidates.
- Random orbital polisher brings more safety while doing the paint job.
- When it comes to budget, Random orbital buffer seems to offer the most relevant price range.
What are some of the cons of a random orbital buffer?
Having the simplest construction, a random orbital polisher does not have too many cons in reality. As one can control the spinning rate more efficiently, these machines are more capable of generating less friction and temperature. Therefore, you will always have the option to improvise your paint job.
Anyway, a random orbital polishing machine may deliver insufficient clarity while applying on a heavy-duty application. The simplest mechanism may seem inappropriate for some applications.
Would you love to hear our opinion about which one would be a perfect choice for you? The following section is surely for you.
Which one is perfect for you?
When safety is your primary concern, the random orbital dual-action buffer should bring better convenience compared to a fixed orbital buffer. Therefore, you can pick a random orbital buffer when you love to finish the polishing job on your own.
On the other hand, if you have to do the polishing job on heavy-duty machinery, a fixed orbital buffer should always bring the most convenient result. A fixed orbital buffer is more efficient when you are a little experienced with this kind of job.
How much does an orbital polisher cost?
Whether it is standard, random, or rotary, an orbital polisher should not cost more than 200$ dollars.
Some of the polishers are even available with a price of under 50$ dollars. Here are some of the best orbital polishers with their different price range-
Category | Product name | Price |
Under 50$ | BLACK+DECKER 6-inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher (WP900) | Around 32$ |
Within 100$ | Ginour Polisher, 900W 6-inch Variable Speed Dual-Action Random Orbit Car Buffer Polisher | Around 75$ dollars. |
More than 100$ | DEWALT Buffer/Polisher | Around 185$ dollars. |
Final summary
- While the motion of a random orbital polisher will be independent, a dual-action polisher can have both fixed and independent motion.
- Random orbital polishers are much safer compared to a standard polisher. Therefore, this random orbital polisher is always an ideal choice for the DIY lover.
- An experienced mechanic or DIY garage owner can always get efficient results from a forced or fixed dual-action orbital polisher.
