Meguiar's and Griot's Garage are on-line sites that cater to auto hobbyists and detailers. A cursory check of their web pages reveals that they market the Porter Cable Random-Orbital Polisher as their preferred product. I concluded, therefore, that it must be a quality product, a prudent choice and purchased the polisher from Amazon. Having never used one, I paid close attention to the reviews of those who shared their knowledge and experience through comments here.

Based solely on the comments submitted in previous reviews, I purchased the optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad but didn't really know why it was necessary at the time of purchase. I also visited the Griot's Garage website and, as recommended, purchased the orange foam polishing pad and a wax removal bonnet.

Upon receipt of all the items purchased, it became obvious why the aforementioned accessories are preferable. The polishing pad that comes standard with the Porter Cable is fixed to the polisher disk - requiring the entire unit to be removed from the polisher for cleaning. While it is certainly serviceable and can be fitted with a wax removal bonnet, cleaning of the polishing pad is far easier if it can be removed from the disk. You'll want to ensure that the polishing pad used to apply auto polish is cleaned after each use to remove fine particles of dried polish that can scratch a car's finish. For those as unfamiliar with the terminology as I was, "hook and loop" is the generic description of the fastener we commonly refer to by the brand name "Velcro". The optional Hook and Loop Standard pad has a surface with microscopic "hooks" to which a polishing pad that has one surface containing the microscopic "loops" can be affixed and subsequently removed with ease. The wax removal bonnet, like a fitted sheet, is attached over the polishing pad when the user is ready to remove the applied polish.

Attachment of the handle is self-evident. The optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad is attached by securing the slip nut on the polisher using the wrench that comes with the machine and inserting and rotating the threaded male-end of the disk into the female end on the polisher. The orange polishing pad that I obtained from Griot's Garage is then attached to the disk via their respective "Velcro" surfaces. The power switch is located on top of the polisher and the speed control is located at the rear.

The machine applies a thin, evenly distributed layer of polish to the surface. I then fitted the polishing bonnet over the polishing pad to remove the dried polish. The job took about one-forth the time of doing so manually and with so much less exertion. The result was a deep, brilliant, showroom finish and an operator that wasn't "pooped out" to get that finish. Subsequently, I removed the bonnet and the applicator pad from the polishing disk and washed them thoroughly with cold water to remove any embedded polish and dried particles. They are both ready to be re-used. I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase and the results that I achieved.

I hope this helps answer most questions.

Polisher (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Totally awesome polisher. Lightweight, smooth, and powerful. I have a 30' boat that would typically take all day to wax with a cheap orbital polisher. I can now complete this job in three hours with a much better finish. I use the 7424 to apply wax and the Dewalt polisher to remove and finish the boat. These tools save valuable time and give this boat an incredible finish.

Great Machine (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I just used the machine on my 1996 Ford Probe. It did a great job at removing the swirl marks and bringing out the shine. It didnt remove everything I wanted it to but my paint is 8 years old and may need more aggressive measures. Cut the time of waxing in half because its so easy to remove the wax from the car after it hazes over. Overall, a great buy from a great company.

Money well spent! Works like a charm! A+++++ (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Very easy to use, even for someone who's never used a polisher before. I used it on my wife's car which had a Maaco paint job a year earlier. Really brought it up nice. I can't say enough about this machine!!
I used the 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material Machine Polish to start with and then used Zaino. Here is a pic of my wife's car after it was done.

http://www.67gtx.us/ebay/escort3.jpg

Best Wax Applicator ever (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I use it to wax my 45' Boat and three cars. So good, I bought two!!!

... (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Hi All, I am one who can't get a high enough shine and wax protection on my new truck. I am for ever washing/polishing/waxing my new 2003 Suburan truck. At the cost of a viechele today we must maintain them to the best we can!This Porter Cable Orbirter is OUT OF THIS WORLD! It makes a back breaking job SOOOOOOOO much easer and brings up a shine on your vechile that cant be matched. It does this with TOTAL SAFTY of your paint! You never need to worry that the paint will burn or anything.It a light weight easey as can be to work with and we have found the white foam polishing pads made for it by porter cable( Item # 54745) are the BEST! Other co. offer a new screw on velcro head with velcro polishing pads that we have found dont hold and "FLY OFF IN USE". The one from porter cable is a one piece screws in tight polishing head NEVER A PROBLEM with it...