What is a dual
action polisher?
 Dual
Action polishers are characterized by the motion of the head. It spins on a
central spindle, and this spindle rotates around an eccentric offset. A
good metaphor for a dual action polisher is the earth’s orbit. The earth
itself spins and it also orbits around the sun. Dual action polishers
are also called orbital polishers for this reason.
To the right is an illustration of the underside of
the Porter Cable 7424. You can see how the opening for the backing plate
sits off-center. The counterweight sits opposite the backing plate to
balance the weight of the pad and plate to prevent wobbling.
The rotating and orbiting of the pad produces what many refer to as a
"jiggling" motion. This irregular motion prevents the polisher from
burning the paint, which refers to removal of paint below the clear coat
surface. Dual action polishers are very USER FRIENDLY because they
produce very little heat compared to a rotary polisher.
The
same safety feature which reduces the possibility of damage from a dual
action polisher also prevents it from removing very deep scratches. While a
dual action polisher will improve the appearance of scratches and remove
most
swirls, it does not produce enough heat to cut
deep into the paint.
Dual action polishers will improve the texture and
luster of automotive paint with virtually no risk. They are the
most user-friendly option for beginners and professionals, and they
consistently produce beautiful results.
Note: Scratches
that extend below the clear coat should be repaired by a professional.
Attempting to remove these deep scratches could result in removing too much
clear coat and causing the paint system to fail. If your fingernail catches
on a scratch, consult a professional.
You have two choices of pad manufacturers: Lake
Country and The Edge 2000. Both have their benefits and unique
features. The guides below will outline the pads and how to use them to
remove swirls, polish, and apply wax.
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Welcome to our Dual Action Orbital Polishing Guide. Learn how to remove swirls and scratches, polish, and apply wax using your 
