You are going to need a heckuva compressor to drive an air D/A polisher. Polishing requires so much constant air that it is nothing like the intermittent and smaller amounts to drive other tools and sprayers. I have not see the guys in the boatyards here using air tools for polishing, but maybe it can be done. I have used the Porter Cable dual action electric unit and the Harbor Frieght knock off. I am generally skeptical about the quality of some Harbor Freight stuff, but I have done a lot of work with this unit and it seems comparable construction for a lot less money. Although folks are going to foam pads, I have used them and have gone back to the 3M pads I have used in the past. I still use a foam pad to polish the wax (I use paste Fleetwax) If you are polishing, I suggest that you go to Compass Marine (Mainesail) website and read his pages on polishing and waxing. He is obsessive/compulsive, but he also knows a lot about polishing and waxing. I have seen a lot of boats ruined by failed efforts to clean and wax gelcoat. I think if it is taken care of it can last a very very long time and is more repairable than LPU paint. But the right products for cleaning polishing and waxing are important. Ray Durkee T37 #373
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