Car Polishers: dual action vs. cyclo

Had to look up the Cyclo Polisher. Looks pretty neat, but I think your original question is really rooted in which polishing technology is right for what you intend to do: Dual action VS rotary.

Dual action is a random orbit of a pad that is not directly connected to shaft of the motor. It vibrates rapidly to produce a polishing action. It is analogous to a random orbit sander that woodworkers use to sand a fine finish on wood surfaces. You can grab the pad while it is running and it just vibrates. Primarily dual action polishers are good for applying and removing sealers and waxes. The intent is not not physically affect the paint surface, but just apply and remove products.

A rotary polisher (which is what the Cyclo Polisher appears to be) is machine that has the pad directly connected to the motor. You cannot grab a rotary pad not have some "physical discomfort". It intended to physically affect the paint by removing the top layer of oxidation, or polish up after color sanding.

Detailers use dual action polishers to apply and remove wax. Body shop paint men (and experienced home hobbyists) use rotary polisher to aggressively, and quickly bring up a gloss from sanding or severe oxidation. You can achieve a mirror finish quickly (if you know what you are doing) with a rotary polisher.

Foam pads are the best for fine finishes. Wool pads are durable and the work horse of the body industry.

I use a Random Orbital (Porter Cable 7") with Lake Country foam pads, and the results are stunning ... when my truck starts to look dull I use Paint Cleaner, Compound, Polish, & Wax and 4 foam pads (orange, pink, black, blue). When it's done, I've had people ask if I'd had it repainted, or if I bought a new truck.

I couldn't say whether a cyclo polisher would be any faster or the results better, but I'm pretty happy with how the random orbital works and definitely the foam pads allowed for a consistent result going around the bends and curves in the metalwork. (I'd tried one of the big random orbital units they sell at places like WalMart - won it at a car show, tried it once put it back in the box ... now that I remember I have it, I'll dig it out and donate it somewhere).

Something to keep in mind is ergonomics (e.g. handholds and weight), you'll be hanging onto the machine for quite some time while doing the work, if it's going to be really uncomfortable to use, then even if you bear through it and finish the job once, you may not want to ever pick it up again.

Another option would be to start a Karate dojo and have your students learn patience and develop muscle coordination by waxing your vehicles

The Cyclo is a random orbital polisher ... with two heads instead of one. I mean, c'mon: it was invented in 1953 to polish missiles!

Seriously, how can't I buy this thing?!

http://www.autogeek.net/cyclo-polisher.html