Forced Rotation Polishers

A forced rotation polisher drives the pad round through gears while it also moves in an orbit, so the pad keeps turning under pressure and on curves, where a free-spinning dual action pad slows down. It corrects faster than a DA, and because the orbit spreads the heat it leaves far fewer holograms than a rotary. The machine in this range is the Rupes BigFoot LK900E Mille.

How to choose

• Choose forced rotation when a dual action machine is too slow on your paint and you would rather not learn a rotary.
• For a first machine or occasional use, a free-spinning DA from Dual Action Polishers is more forgiving, because the pad slows down before it can do harm.
• For the deepest defects and sanding marks, Rotary Polishers cut hardest but take practice.

Good to know

Because the pad does not stall, it keeps cutting on edges and body lines, where the paint is thinnest. Keep the machine moving, and tape trim and sharp edges with Masking Tapes before you start.

What is the difference between a forced rotation and a dual action polisher?

Both move the pad in an orbit. A dual action pad spins freely, so it slows down under pressure and on curves, while a forced rotation machine drives it round through gears and keeps cutting. That makes forced rotation faster, and a free-spinning DA the more forgiving first machine.

Related: Polishing Machines & Kits, Polishing Pads, Compounds & Polishes. Popular brands here: Rupes.