What is the difference between rotary polishing and orbital polishing?

The main difference between rotary polishing and orbital polishing lies in the movement of the polishing pad and the effects it produces.

With rotary polishing, the polishing pad spins like a drill, in a single circular direction. Rotary polishing offers quicker material removal than orbital polishing and is great for erasing scratches and oxidation.

Orbital polishing, on the other hand, utilises a motion where the polishing pad spins and oscillates at the same time. It offers low cutting power and is often preferred for light correction and finishing.

The traditional drawback of rotary polishing is the risk of burnthrough or damage to the surface, because of the high heat generation and material removal. To avoid this, POLAROS RP 600 incorporates the patent-pending Ramp Down feature.  

Can you buff with a polisher?

Yes, you can buff with a polisher. In fact, many polishers are designed specifically for buffing surfaces like car paint, gelcoat and wood.

Thanks to its variable rpm, low-profile design and enhanced stability, the POLAROS RP 600 is great for buffing. You can use it to buff or polish wood or glass, or for marine applications, bodywork and collision repair.

Can you use a rotary polisher as a sander?

We would not recommend using dedicated polishers for sanding tasks or vice versa. 

Although sanders and polishers may sometimes very similar, differ in several key aspects such as speed, sensitivity to load, heat resistance, dust extraction systems, and more. 

Using a polisher or sander for tasks it’s not designed for can damage the machine, the surface being worked on, or even pose a risk to the user. 

The POLAROS RP 600 is a premium rotary polisher that is perfect for precision work and extended polishing sessions. If you’re in need of a sander, consider exploring Mirka’s range of electric sanders here.