21mm & 15mm Polisher - Which Is Best For You! 

Scott I love how you are shortening your videos but yet packed with great information. Keep up the great teachings I’ve learned so much.

Thank you Scott - I needed a new DA and was looking on the internet for 2 days and couldn't decide between a 10mm-21mm throw machine, despite most people raving about a 21mm throw. Seeing this video, I'll go with what's served me well for a number of years alongside a rotary and pick a 12mm throw machine. God bless you fella!

Makes a ton of sense. Too much heat isn't a good thing - don't ask me how I know! That's why a person using a rotary can mess up a finish - I've seen someone wreck the paint on a black Lexus. Holograms everywhere and that hazy look Scott was talking about. And of course he had no idea about compounds and he thought he could do everything in one step. Sometimes it's best to say no vs doing damage and wasting the client's time and money. Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Scott--great advice and spot on!! Another reason to go for a 15mm is it is less fatiguing than a short throw polisher. I find that my Griots Boss 15 is so much smoother than my Griots GG6, requires less pressure and I'm able to get the job done with fewer passes. Also, now that I have the 15 I equipped my GG6 permanently with a Griots HD 3" backing plate and 3" pads--saves more time rather than having to change backing plates in the middle of polishing and does a fantastic job.

I was about to buy the TorqX 22D because I saw how impressed your are about the polisher good thing I saw this video and stops me from buying that. As a beginner and not having a single experience about polishing I will go ahead and get the TorqX 15DA. Thank you!

The best explanation of the differences between 15mm and 21mm by far! Thank you so much! Greetings from Israel!

Hi Scott, One question, or one thing as a beginner, and for that matter more experienced should ask or do, always check your work, do not polish the whole car or do not clay the entire car before checking the result. I have read and seen so many who treated the whole car, ranging from coatings to polishing and claying, to see that something has gotten wrong when they are finished, the whole car is then "destroyed". This is the most important advice you can give!

Scott. Please please do a video about soft clear coat explain techniques, pads, compounds, etc. Also hard clear coat same info. Please

Scott needs his own show!!!

Scott You have once again answered and addressed all my concerns between the two... due to me being still in the beginner stages 15mm will be my tool of choice

Love your videos bro. Indo believe you love us all. Only a person who cares about others share his knowledge worldwide. Thank you sir.

For someone like myself who has never used a electric buffer in Detailing very good info to know. Thanks Scott!

I have the MaxShine 15mm and it is a great polisher! Quiet, low vibration, powerful, looks professional, I love it.

I love you Scott. But you love knocking the Rupes. I used mine today didn't stall one bit on any of the body lines. You're the man buddy.

Thank you for the vids Scott. My question is how do you go about determining whether you're dealing with a hard clear coat vs a soft clear coat? Appreciate all your work towards sharing your detailing knowledge!

Why is it that the manufacturers of these polishers along with other paint correction professionals say that the 22mm long throw are better for preventing holograms and burning through clear and preventing hazing? Everything I've heard from other professionals is that the shorter the throw the more susceptible you are to getting holograms. That's why using a rotary takes so much practice because it's so easy to screw up the paint because it has zero throw on top of being forced rotation. The shorter the throw, the more susceptible you are to hazing and holograms, especially at high speeds. Whereas a long throw can be used at much higher speeds with less chance of hazing or holograms. Heat plays a big part, but changing the pads often or blowing them out with compressed air cools them down between passes. It's going over and over and over the same area which can get you into trouble, that's why picking the right compound and pad is crucial for whatever types of defects you are trying to correct on any type of paint, soft or hard. Paint correction can be done with any kind of machine if you know what you are doing. But an inexperienced person can screw up paint with the most expensive equipment and chemicals if they don't know what they are doing, irregardless of throw! Look at Gary Dean, after all these years he's still using an Harbor Freight DA with exceptional results!

Mine came in today. I'm glad i stumbled across your videos, i was getting ready to purchase a 15mm rupes before i seen this. I'm pretty impressed with it, i'll be buying the 21mm next

Happy Birthday, Scott. Thank you for teaching me how to properly clean my car.

Scott great job on the videos; very informative. Thanks and keep up the good work!

Thanks Scott. This is the exact video that I was looking for. It definitely answered the questions that I had regarding the 15 or 21mm.

Thank you tons!!! I been debating this for so long! I know what I will pick up now. Thank you.

Excellent information! Just what this doctor ordered! So far it seems like Shine Mate EX 610-15 is on the menu for me! Seems very nice noise-wise as well? Thanks for explanation!

Excellent information Scott I appreciate that thank you so much

Hi Scott! I really enjoy your RU-vid videos! You are the man! Here is my situation. I buff out 1 vehicle a week. If I said to you that you could only have 3 buffers/polishers...and one of them is already a rotary...what are the two others that you would want to have to get that 1 car a week done right? Please let me know when you get a chance. Thank You!!!😁👍

How about reducing the RPM's to lower the heat on a 21mm throw polisher?

Great videos, every single one I've seen has been invaluable. I am trying to decide on my first polisher and was thinking of the hyet due to the price and having to work on my badly aged car paint. (Oxidized and a bit of peeling even) Sounds like maybe a 21mm isn't the best choice long term just starting out. Not sure why an 8mm would be that much easier than a 15mm.

Congratulations Scott unknowingly your becoming famous. Keep up the awesome work!

I'm pretty sure if you do the math out, you'll find a 21mm is "closer" to a rotary motion than a 15mm and a 15mm is closer than say a 10-12mm. That's why it removes defects faster - yes it's still an orbital motion but less so than say the original PC DA. That explains the additional heat.

That seals the deal. (No pun) I’m going to try cordless 15mm with a 8.0 battery. Thanks for the video.

Thank you Scott this is great information 👍

Excellent! I was wondering about 15mm vs 21mm...now i know Thanks 👍

i'm mostly buffing off boat oxidation and applying wax to a church bus periodically... nothing sensitive.. going for the bigger one.

Great information Scott thank you!

Great vid Scott Do you have a video explaining picking the right pad with the right polish for a certain vehicle or paint? Thanks again

Man this is a great video. I live in Dallas also. Thank you sir!

Great job articulating this for your viewers! How are the new orbitals working for you?

Thank you so much for clearing this up for me!

So for most Asian cars... 8mm Torq 10fx would be the preferred choice and for most hobbyist detailers

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="78">1:18</a> Are you trying to say that a non-DA, a rotary polisher whose eccentric throw is ZERO, generates less heat than a DA? In other words, do you mean the more the eccentric throw, the more heat it will generate? 🤔

Cool beans! You awnsered my question!! Great info! Love you too homie! 😁

It appears you aren't tracking/responding to comments, but I'll post, anyway: Why would a larger throw create more heat? Wouldn't the 15 be more focused, and hence the amount of friction - heat - be more focused? And hence, hotter?

Great info bro 💯💯💯

I wish you would of measured the clear coat on the jeep hood from the beginning would be interesting to see how much you took off already 👍

Thank you for answering my question

Hi, how about 9mm? Want to buy my first polisher and don't want to spend too much either. Getting 9mm and 21mm for a reasonable good price here in NZ.

Hey Scott. Did you bother checking out that MONSTER polisher on ebay I mentioned? ...Good vid here, lot of info. tx as always.

Love your videos very informative

I have the Harbor Freight polisher. I assume it's 15mm. And for my occasional purposes, I'm very happy with it. I did replace the backing pad, and use chemical guys pads. Do you ever use a rotary, then finish with the DA? I have had very good luck doing this with fresh paint work here in my collision shop.

Hey Scott,, I'm using a Griot's 6 inch standard DA polisher. I'm looking at a 15mm unit. My question is, is there a noticeable increase in performance regarding a short throw vs a 15mm?. If so then I'm going to purchase one as soon as I get your response. Man,, I love your channel. Stay safe and health sir. Thanks again.

Great video!

Love it. Instant sub

Powerful Beast

I hope this gets answered, cause I’m confused lol if you already own a 21 mm polisher which is the torq 22d should I buy another one or will that get me through what I need? I’m just getting into paint correction and was told the torq 22d would be all I need. Scott please help, thanks!

I'm a rotary guy, but also have an old school PC7424 and looking to upgrade. I'm thinking I'll just use the rotary instead of a 21mm polisher for the bad imperfections, and get a good 15mm polisher as it seems more versatile. What are your thoughts, go for a 15mm or 21mm?

Great vid. How do you determine if a car has a soft or hard clear coat??

GREAT TEACHING CONTENT ! I am glad I came across that comparison before buying my 1rst polisher. Thank you !

Going back to an older video of yours, thank you Scott, I was thinking of a Shurhold 3500 but I'm leaning towards a Maxshine 15mm now, your explanation makes sense. Would a Maxshine 15mm DA still be your recommendation or have you used another brand you'd suggest for a hobby detailer?

What do you recommend for boat oxidation?

Very informative. Thanks!

so if i already own a GG 6" DA i could use it with a 5" pad for finishing and a 21MM with a 6"MF pads for cutting? the main problem is that it takes waaay too long to remove defects on a very damaged cars, what would be your choice? a 21MM or a Flex Forced for deffect removal

Hi Scott As alway very good videos and good info. A question what happen if I have a 21 mm with a 6” backing and if switch to a 5” BACKING IT WILL WORK SIMILAR TO A 15 MM MACHINE? looking forward for your answer and thank you in advance

Those MaxShine polishers are sexy. I need to get the 21mm. I love my 15mm.

If you're unexperienced and you don't master the technique there will be problems even with a 15 orbit. You can do damage with any tool if you don't use common sense. You can have a 21 but if you adapt all the variables: paint, speed, pad, compound, pressure, passes and if you use common sense, you will be OK.

Thanks

Is it pretty safe to say most ford cars and trucks have harder paint?

Thanks for the clear advice. What’s your go-to compound and polish for soft clear coat? How about one step? The endless choices of products and pads can be a bit overwhelming. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

How do you know if you're working with soft clear coat?

Scott how do you know if it is soft or hard clear coat?

Hey Scott. I really like the way you doing things ! I am semi professional detailer working in detailing garage, i am about to get some polishing mashine for my own so i can do some paint correction for friends and maybe some other customers. I am bot sire which mashine to choose - i find this tool from Makita po6000c and i would like to ask u what u think about it in comparasion to regular DA polisher with 15 mm throw. Thanks upfront best regards from poland !

Thank you very much.

I've never seen those machines. What are they? Surprised you didn't make a video on them

After heavy cutting with 7 inch rotary, which DA would be more suitable for finishing 21 or 15 mm?

That rain makes me wanna sleep

Simple message: The big one does the job faster but generates more heat, than the smaller one. Look up the word “brevity”.

Hey Scott Heat is the big no no.then why is the waffle pads or hex logic used they have much less heat.Leo

So then an 8mm throw would be less likely to generate heat/burn?

Scott im going to be using a 15mm throw with sonax perfect finish and yellow rupes pad at 4300 rpms, my arm speed should be a little faster than cutting speed correct?

Sweet 👍

well it is not the nachine, just different backing plate? i mean, if im beginner, and i got 21mm- can i replace the backing plate to 15mm ?

awesome

Is there a less expensive unit than a rupes that offers nice results?

Scott, I appreciate your videos! I'm currently debating the 15mm and 21mm Griots G series myself but can't decide.... I have been detailing on the side for a decade with a Hitachi rotary 5.5" LC thin pads/(wool when needed) & a GG6 with a 3" and 5.5" setup....now I want to step into the long throw territory. Work ranges from fresh paint / wet sand polish / to daily drivers Euro to Japanese. I personally think the 15 would be a great all around as you state but with my wide scope of work, I think the 21mm would probably be a better bet combined with my GG6 with a 3" BP/Pad combo for tight spots. What would you do in my situation? Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon. Cheers!

I have an old 21mm Porter Cable D/A with 6" pads. I want to upgrade to a new Milwaukee chordless D/A polisher. Can I use my old 6" pads with a 15mm D/A polisher? Can I just purchase a larger backing plate to use the 6" pad? Thnx.

What kind of DA’S are those Scott?? Just curious they look pretty nice

One question,when I use an orbital machine with the heavier cut compound I've seen the body shop finishers use a spray bottle with water in between is that a good practice?

I have a question for you please. Can I change the cam mechanism from 21mm to 15mm?

Thank you Scott for the valuable information.. Now i know which DA to choose for my car. Still have a question! does the throw mean how big the pad is ? the circle ??? is that make sense ?

Dear scott...... PLEASE...... maybe some day do a video for us the European fans with products wich we can found in europe, sonax 04-06, pns, cut max..or maybe any products you use, from britemax,autoglym, car pro, gyeon, bilt hamber washes, Gtecnik, koche chemia, SPECIALLY menzerna 3-1 (because hd speed and boss pilishes are noit availiable in europe), scholl concepts s20, A15, s3, valet pro,...........are companies witch we have very nice prises and very good availiability in europe...if wou have any expirience from products of those companies it will be very helpfull to give us your opinion , or how to use them is you use them proffesionaly( i know you use sonax maybe some triks for us...their ptoducts are more than half the price compare the us)

Scott what is the component that you use in this video, I would appreciate it if you would give me the name ... thanks

Have u used a Makita PO5000 C.

I just wanna know what the BEST polisher for someone who only gonna be working on ONE car every 5-6 months.

Iwould like to ask which mashine to choose - i find this tool from Makita po6000c and i would like to ask u what u think about it in comparasion to regular DA polisher with 15 mm throw. Thanks upfront best regards from poland !

Scott excellent video.............Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you know or find out if you have soft or hard clear coat on your hands?

Good job... Thanks

Can you switch the 15 to the 21 to reduse the heat?

Great content as always. What's best for large boat hulls a 15 or 21 mm. Thx a bunch

I find I can get an excellent finish on hologramed paint with sonax perfect finish because it starts out with a nice bit of cut. It’s a great follow up for when you use a rotary with a wool pad 😁

I have 21mm, 15mm, and rotary. I prefer my 15mm and my rotary to be honest

i have a portar cable ...is it 15mm throw? i also just ordered a 21 mm throw machine...thanks..