Makita 9227 Circular Polisher

The Makita 9227.
Here's the polisher the pros use!

    This is a serious, high-speed, rotary polisher for the skilled enthusiast or professional detailer.

    We have resisted offering high speed polishers in the past because they can remove paint and create swirls if used improperly. In the hands of a skilled operator however, high speed polishers can completely remove surface swirls, paint defects and minor scratches. They can create a surface that reflects light like a mirror.

    Dual action polishers (like the Porter Cable 7424) visually reduce swirls by rounding over top edge of the swirl robbing sunlight of a sharp edge to cause a reflection. Fillers in the polish then fill in the swirl making it less noticeable. While the vehicle looks swirl-free, the swirls are still there and re-appear  over time. A high speed polisher actually removes the swirl by removing the layer of paint down to the lowest point of the swirl. With a little patience, practice and common sense, anyone can master the skill needed to create a swirl-free, mirror bright finish.

    In selecting which high speed polisher to carry, we surveyed our detailer and body shop customers. One polisher was mentioned time and time again as being the first choice for durability and ease-of-use. This was the Makita 9227 Rotary Polisher.

    The Makita 9227 offers an electronic speed control (0-3000 rpm) that maintains a constant speed under varying load conditions. This means you can add a little pressure while working out a paint blemish without having the polisher stall or slow down. The large 10 amp. motor works effortlessly for high speed polishing and slow speed wax/protectant application yet the entire unit weighs only 6.6 lbs. A large wrap around handle provides excellent two-hand control for working over edges or into tight corners. A spindle lock built into the polisher makes changing pads safe and easy.

Hook and Loop Backing Plate included:

    The Makita 9227 comes from the factory with a 6-1/2 inch Hook and Loop Backing Plate. This is an odd size but will accommodate any of our 8-1/2 inch "Advanced pads for circular polishers" or our "Pad kit for circular polishers". The supplied backing plate will not fit our 6-1/2 or 7-1/2 inch pads. If you prefer working with a smaller pad, you will need the optional FBP-6C 6 inch Hook and Loop Backing Plate listed below.

Usage Tip: Circular polishers like this Makita are typically used to compound, level, polish and remove swirls. They are not used to apply wax or sealant/protectants (although some waxes, sealants & protectants can be applied with a high speed machine). It is not unusual for a detailer to use a high speed machine to compound and polish a car and then switch to a dual action machine (Porter Cable 7424) to apply the final wax or protectant. When applying a compound and polish, I have found most products work best in the 800 to 1,100 rpm speed range. This is a very safe speed range to stay within. I have been able to remove most swirls and paint defects in this speed range and have never created swirls or burned the paint.