Best low/ variable speed grinder/polisher

[63air]

At the recent Vintage Trailer Academy, I watched the polishing seminar put on by L.R. (very well done I might add) , and have decided to use his method to polish my trailer. To do it you need either a variable or low speed 7" side grinder and I did not catch the make/model of tools he was using. Everything I have in my shop is Milwaukee or Dewalt and is not variable and is high speed. Looking for recommendations on a grinder excluding Harbor Freight.

[tkasten]

Stick with a Dewalt variable side grinder. It will last forever. I've used mine to polish our 65 Safari a couple of different times and it didn't miss a beat. Got it at my local building center. I have had really good experience using the Perfect Polish method.

[Lance M]

I have this Dewalt and I like it. I've polished one Ambassador and one Overlander with it so far and it is holding up fine.

[littlebird]

Thanks for the information. I have been comparing several models and the Dewalt linked to here was at the top of my list. Now I've decided I'm going to order it. I have a 1970 Sovereign to strip and polish so I definitely need one that will hold up to numerous hours of polishing.

[Thalweg]

I believe this is what Levon was using at the Airstream Academy:
Makita 9227CX3 7-Inch Hook and Loop Electronic Polisher-Sander with Polishing Kit - Amazon.com

I've got the same one, and really like it. You have to get an adaptor to attach the side buffing wheels to it. The adaptor is available at Jestco Products, which is where Levon gets his polishing supplies from too.

[63air]

I've been doing some more research on this, and it looks like I'll go with a Makita 9227 C , great reviews on Amazon. The DeWalt looks like a good bet also.

[MegHighway1]

Hi,
Two questions:

1.If the shell is rough, would you start with simple sanding with fine paper?

2. Once ready to start to polish, Would you suggest a dual head random orbit polisher or a variable side grinder ?
What is the difference?

Thank you,
Meg

[ALANSD]

I suggest you look up wet sanding here, it as been discussed many times. Yes, it works for rough, corroded finishes. But you have to do it right.