Dual Action Vs Random Orbital Sander : Despite the names, some people think the random orbital polisher and Dual Action Polisher (DA) are the same car polishing tool. There are some who say the opposite. Then what is the truth? Is there a significant difference between them?
It is widely known that detailers and professional painters use both types of polishers (and yes, these are two separate tools) for different purposes. Mechanisms differ, as do the reasons for using them. In addition to the identical effects, the prices are also the same for both tools. Choosing the appropriate tool for the job requires knowing these differences.
Dual Action vs Random Orbital Polisher
It looks almost the same when random polisher and DA are used. In other words, it is quite normal to make a mistake when considering both tools as the same. By explaining the differences between the two tools, confusion can be minimized. In summary, both polishing machines have major differences.
Mechanism
Random orbital polishers work by spinning or circularly moving their polishing disk. It spins in one place as if by a drill. That’s all there is to it. Its action is confined to a single location.
Alternatively, Dual Action Polisher revolves and spins on an axis. Dual action polishers are called such because of their dual motion. In order to understand its motion, we can look at the earth spinning on its axis and rotating around the sun. Dual action polishers work like this. Our manual polishing motion is mimicked by this machine. It covers a broader area than the random polisher.
Effect on the Car Polishing
- As the random orbital polisher covers a small area at a time, it leaves a major effect on car paints. To fix up major imperfection, paint scratches, swirl marks, and layer marks on the car body, the random polisher works like a miracle.
- Dual-action polisher on the contrary works on minor defects. You need to cover up fine hairline like scratches, paint defects, or buffing marks? Use the dual action polisher. It makes everything just seamless in a moment.
Heat Diffusion
- As a result of their different mechanisms, the two polishers generate heat differently. Unlike random orbital polishers, random orbital polishers concentrate on a single area at a time. This means that when it warms up, the heat will not diffuse into its surroundings.
- There is a larger perimeter covered by the DA polisher. The result is less heat being created and it is also diffused more efficiently. This difference should be kept in mind if the production of heat is a concern for you.
The Intensity of Polishing and Buffing
There is a larger perimeter covered by the DA polisher. The result is less heat being created and it is also diffused more efficiently. This difference should be kept in mind if the production of heat is a concern for you.
Types
- Using pressure on polishers that do not use force will slow them down or cause them to stop. Therefore, it is impossible to control its intensity. DA polishers, on the other hand, have classifications, whereas random polishers don't.
- You can choose between two types of DA polishers: a rotational polisher and a nonrotational polisher. When you apply pressure to forcible rotation DA polishers, their speed and intensity do not change. Basically, it will produce the same motion, but you can control how intense it is.
Longevity
- Polishers that are randomly selected last longer than those that are not. One of these is a rare and almost irreplaceable item if one knows how to use it. For this reason, most people find this polisher to be reliable and their go-to polisher for all their polishing needs. Despite being an old model, this polisher still works fine.
- In comparison with DA polishers, they're a lot more stylish. Since it offers different functionality, it is relatively new to this industry and is gaining popularity. Its longevity, however, cannot be guaranteed. There are some limitations to the use of this polisher. DA polishers are not sufficient on their own.
Multi-Tasker
- This part can be a little challenging. Both are used by most professionals in car painting. An R.O. polisher is used for fast and strong moves, and a DA sander completes the process. General auto owners, however, rely mostly on random polishers. A lot of nicks, scratches, and other imperfections can be fixed using this. They use the random polisher with caution, since their budget is tight. Various jobs can be accomplished with this polisher. But I can’t say that it is made a multi-tasker tool.
- Are DA polishers good for multipurpose polishing? DA polishers can be replaced with force polishers when they are force polishers. Polish off deep scratches by applying pressure at the beginning. Once you're finished, use this very polisher. Easy. so, how you are utilizing these tools is totally on your skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
DA orbital polishers and random orbital polishers serve different purposes. It is impossible for one to be better than the other, but they are both the best in their own way. Is it confusing to you? The two can be used together for a complete finish on your car. Or you can use one you’ve tried before in a customized way as a proxy for another tool.
The way you use tools depends on your personal preferences. Performance shouldn’t be defined by the quality of the tool. To decide which feature you prefer, please carefully examine the above features.
Dual-action polishers are used in situations where a light touch of polishing is required in close proximity. The process basically removes minute debris that remains after rough polishing and sanding. Sanding marks, buffing marks, edges, scratches, and peeling are just some of the things it does. DA polishers give a car’s paint the final touch before applying the clear coat or wax that seals the color underneath.
Separate sanders such as orbital sanders, belt sanders, or even palm sanders can be used. However, do not sand with a polisher. Although a sander and a polisher use the same mechanisms, a sander’s speed is much greater. As an example, a random polisher may have polishing and buffing pads, but not sanding pads or backing pads for sanding.
So, if you want to achieve the best results, you should invest in a sander separately from a polisher. Even though using a sander as a polisher may work for a day, it can be quite exhausting to use a polisher as a sander.
Conclusions
In the end, you should research and analyze your tools before choosing them. I strongly recommend you try both random polisher and DA polisher, if you think you’ll need it. If, however, you plan to get one and use it for all polishing needs, then you will need to determine their compatibility.