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Adam's Swirl Killer Machine Polisher | Long Throw Random Orbital Polisher

 

Adam's Swirl Killer is a 15mm long throw random orbital machine polisher designed with our customer in mind. This product has less vibration, reduced long term fatigue and has been tested in the market on hundreds of cars for over a year. With the Swirl Killer, you can confidently remove swirl marks, scratches, and other flaws in the painted surface of your vehicle in a safe and easy manner when paired with the proper pads and polishes, to make your vehicle look as perfect as possible.

 

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FAQ's

 

Q:  What is a Long Throw Polisher?

A:  A long throw polisher like the Adam's Swirl Killer is a dual-action machine polisher that oscillates and shakes the backing plate and polishing pad in many directions in quick motions, several thousand times per minute. The movement mimics how our hand moves in an irregular circular pattern when polishing or waxing a surface by hand. Dual action polishers differ from rotary buffers in that rotary buffers have fixed rotation and spin only in a circular motion without oscillating the pad. Rotary buffers are rated in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) as opposed to the Oscillations Per Minute (OPM) of a Long Throw Dual Action Polisher.

 

Long Throw Polishers typically have a 15mm or 21mm orbit pattern. While a 21mm throw can correct imperfections a little more quickly than a 15mm throw, the larger orbit and larger pad size for these machines can make them a little more difficult to use on some vehicles with very complex curves. Therefore, we chose a 15mm throw with smaller 5.5” pads for the Adam's Swirl Killer for it to be more versatile for most of our customers.

 

Adam's Swirl Killer allows you to finish down a surface amazingly, to as near flawless as possible with minimal effort.  In some instances, this can be accomplished in as little as one polishing step, unlike rotary buffers. Rotary buffers can leave holograms or buffer trails from improper technique, pad type, or compound, which then require additional polishing steps to make the surface hologram free. The longer throw of the Swirl Killer when compared to other traditional random orbital polishers allows for stronger and faster correction, while still being safe on the surface. For these reasons, Long Throw Polishers are bridging the gap in regards to time savings compared to Rotary Buffers.

 

Q:  How does the Adam’s Swirl Killer work? How does it remove swirl marks and imperfections?

A:  The Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher works by rotating and oscillating a foam or microfiber polishing pad across the clean and clayed painted surface of a vehicle, using the pad to spread a micro abrasive polish and work it into the finish. The polish and pad smooth away imperfections like light scratches and swirl marks by leveling out the surface, removing a very thin layer of clear coat or base coat at the micron level, rather than attempting to hide or fill them in with a temporary product. Adam’s Correcting Polish with an Adam’s 5.5” Orange Foam Pad attached to the machine can be used to cut through most typical swirl marks in a safe manner.

 

Some deeper imperfections or very hard clear coats may require a more aggressive approach, which can be handled with Adam’s Heavy Correcting Compound and an Adam’s 5.5” Blue Foam Pad or 5.5" Microfiber Cutting Pad. Lastly, Adam’s Finishing Polish when combined with an Adam’s 5.5” White Foam Pad will leave the surface as perfect as possible, removing any very fine micro-scratches that may have been caused by the Correcting Polish or Heavy Correcting Compound, and providing the best shine and gloss possible before applying the appropriate Adam’s protection product (sealant, wax, or coating) for your vehicle.

 

Q:  What are the technical specifications of the Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher?

A:  The Adam’s Swirl Killer has a 15mm throw orbit diameter, which means that the backing plate and attached foam or microfiber polishing pad oscillate 15mm in multiple directions, thousands of times per minute. It has a speed control dial with speeds from 1-6, with “1” being the lowest amount Oscillations Per Minute at 2,000 OPM, to “6” being the highest at 4,500 OPM. It has a 500W motor (750W maximum) for strong and safe paint correction. The backing plate is approximately 5” in diameter, making it compatible with multiple generations of Adam’s 5.5” and 6” machine polishing pads. The polisher itself weighs 5.75 pounds and is approximately 16.75” in length. The power cord length is 25 feet to have less worry about running out of cord while maneuvering around a vehicle.

 

Q:  What is the warranty/repair policy for the Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher?

A:  The Adam’s Swirl Killer comes with a standard 1 year warranty. It covers any defects, manufacturing issues, or operational failures to the machine. Please contact our Customer Service team by phone at 866-965-0400 or by email to orders@adamspolishes.com for any warranty or repair work for fastest resolution to any problems.

 

Q:  Where is the Adam’s Swirl Killer made and assembled?

A:  The Swirl Killer is made and assembled in China to Adam’s Polishes specifications. We are always pushing to bring our customers the best products we can deliver at a fair price. When it came to machines, we constantly heard from customers about the high prices, so we went to work to source the best polisher we could find for a reasonable price, and then had the manufacturer incorporate our own design tweaks and requests.

 

Q:  What are the design benefits of this polisher?

A:  The Swirl Killer polisher has several design features that make it more enjoyable and comfortable to use. The trigger is large, easy to engage, and has a lock mechanism to reduce strain and fatigue on your fingers when polishing for an extended period. The trigger also features a soft start for a smooth and safe start when you pull the trigger. The hand grip above the polishing head is rubber for reduced vibration through your hand and arm. The backing plate has a strong Velcro hook and loop system to keep polishing pads secure during use, but still easy enough to remove the pad without too much effort. The power cord is a soft rubber design so that it can comfortably drape over your shoulder while polishing and not twist or tangle as easily. The cord is a longer 25-foot length for easier maneuverability around the vehicle.

 

Q:  What are the wear items of the Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher? How long will it last?

A:  There are a few potential wear items with the Swirl Killer Polisher:

The brushes inside of the polisher housing can wear down over time, much like other power tools. We include spare brushes, and they can be replaced easily by following the instructional video here: Video coming soon.

The backing plate is another wear item. Over time, the hook and loop Velcro attachment system can weaken, especially if the machine is abused by using too much downward pressure on a panel, which can create more heat build-up in the pad and backing plate. Excessive heat from overuse could potentially melt the Velcro material if the pad gets too hot, so we do recommend polishing in a 2-foot by 2-foot section at a time and allowing the machine to cool down for a few minutes if it begins to feel very warm. With proper use, the backing plate will hold up fine through several vehicles and multiple years of use.  If the backing plate begins to fail or does not seem to hold a pad as firmly, test out a new pad first to see how well it attaches. If it does not hold well, it may be time to purchase a new replacement backing plate, which we offer here: Product page coming soon.

The third main possible wear item is the power cord. If the power cord is sliced open, kinked too tightly (for example, caught under a tire), or damaged at the attachment point to the handle of the machine from wrapping the cord too tightly, these all pose risk of possible electrical issues or injury. Do not operate the machine if the cord is damaged in any way, and contact out Customer Service Team by phone at 866-965-400 or by email to orders@adamspolishes.com

 

Q:  How do I properly care for the polisher?

A:  This polisher is a precision tool. Like all precision tools, it should be respected and not abused. Do not drop the polisher. Always unplug the polisher and store it in a safe location after use. Keep the polisher away from children to avoid any possible injury. Do not use the polisher in any way other than intended - to polish a painted surface. Do not modify the polisher, as this will void the warranty. Do not wrap the cord too tightly around the polisher, to avoid any possible damage or electrical shorts. Perform routine maintenance – inspect the polisher before and after every use, ensure that vents in the polisher casing are free of obstructions during use and afterward to allow for proper cooling. Keep the machine clean of excess polish residue or dust by wiping the casing with a damp towel. Only use the trigger lock mechanism on the machine – do not use any other form of trigger lock. Always start and stop the polisher with the pad face flat on the surface to be polished. Do not free-spin the polisher off the painted surface at high speeds. Keep your fingers firmly near the hand grip and away from the spinning backing plate to avoid injury.

 

Q:  Are backing plates covered under warranty?

A:  The backing plate is considered a wear item, so damage to the backing plate from overheating the backing plate surface from improper use is not covered under warranty. We do have replacement backing plates available for purchase. In the event of a manufacturing defect, we will warranty the backing plate following the standard warranty of the polisher itself.

 

Q:  What polishing pads are compatible with Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher?

A:  Our newest 5.5” foam and microfiber polishing pads are compatible with and designed for the Adam’s Swirl Killer Polisher; however, our previous Generation 5 and Generation 6 pads are compatible as well. The Gen6 foam pads will have slightly more pad overhang on the backing plate, but they will still be effective at polishing.

 

Q:  Do you offer any complete package kits with the Swirl Killer Polisher?

A:  Yes, we offer a few different package kits for the Swirl Killer, linked below:

 

Adam’s Two Step Swirl Killer 15MM Kit

Adam’s Two Step Swirl Killer Advanced Kit

Adam’s Three Step Swirl Killer Complete Polishing Kit

 

Q:  How long will it take to machine polish an entire vehicle?

A:  Performing a full paint correction on a vehicle can vary significantly based on many factors, so there’s no fair amount of time to list here. Some vehicles may quickly correct in as little as 1 step with the orange Correcting Polish and an Orange Foam Pad, but others may require a full 3 step polishing process with Heavy Correcting Compound, Correcting Polish, and then Finishing Polish with their respective pads.

 

Size of the vehicle also factors in – trucks and crossover vehicles have much more surface area than a small sports car, so logically they will take more time to complete. Vehicles with a hard clear coat may take more passes to get perfect than others with a soft clear coat or single stage paint finish. Once you factor in washing the vehicle and claying prior to paint correction, the whole process could take upwards of 10 hours or more, so you will want to plan accordingly if you need to space the work out over multiple days.

 

Q:  What is the operating decibel level of the Adam’s Swirl Killer?

A:  The maximum decibel level measured from the Adam’s Swirl Killer during use under load at maximum speed setting ‘6’ is 85 dB measured at 2 feet from the polisher. Free spinning sound level at maximum speed ‘6’ is 80 dB measured from 3 feet away. Free spinning at maximum speed ‘6’ measured from approximately 3 inches from the motor is 100 dB. Hearing protection is recommended and encouraged for prolonged use of the polisher.

 

Q:  What is the power requirement for the Adam’s Swirl Killer?

A:  Adam’s Swirl Killer uses standard 110V electricity found in the U.S. It is not compatible with 220V electricity found in many countries. The Swirl Killer uses a grounded electrical plug. Do not modify the electrical plug for use with a non-grounded power outlet. We plan on offering a 220V model of the Swirl Killer at a future date. Stayed tuned for more updates on the international version of the polisher.

 

Q:  Why doesn’t the Adam’s Swirl Killer come with a threaded side-mount handle attachment?

A:  We do not include a side mount handle with the Swirl Killer because in our testing, it does not allow the polisher to perform as well as it does without the handle. Having a side handle can cause uneven pressure and a tilting of the polishing pad and backing plate as you use the machine, whereas with having one hand at the trigger and your other hand above the polishing head at the top of the machine, this allows for more control and a better feel to have equal, flat, and light downward pressure on the surface being worked upon. Side handles are typically heavy as well, adding more weight to the machine and more shipping weight to the packaging of the polisher.

 

Q:  How many polishing pads do I need to complete polishing one vehicle?

A:  You may be able to accomplish polishing an entire vehicle with one pad of each type/color; however, you would need to span this out over the course of several days, since the polishing pad will most likely have too much polish residue built up into it after you’ve polished half of the vehicle to continue being effective, and it would then need to be thoroughly cleaned out and let dry before using it again for the remainder of the vehicle.

 

Therefore, we typically recommend having at least 2 clean polishing pads of each type if you are wishing to do a full paint correction in one detailing session. Having a backup pad in case of any accidental pad damage from sharp emblems and so on is also good practice so that you don’t end up stuck in the middle of a detail while waiting for new pads to arrive.

 

Q:  What is the expected life of a polishing pad?

A:  If properly cared for and not abused, our microfiber and foam polishing pads should have a life of 3-5 full paint corrections or more. Abuse from improper technique, too much downward pressure, harsh chemical cleaners, dried up polish residue in the pad, and several other factors could reduce pad life significantly.

 

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Did you even look at the (nearly two year old) video TheWolf linked?  Adam CLEARLY explains his philosophy about various product's country of origin.  The Swirl Killer's product page clearly states the units are "Made in China."  

 

Everybody's got an opinion and you're welcome to yours.  In mine, Adam is being honest when he says "made in USA whenever possible." Dwhite0960 nailed it - one of the key performance parameters for this new polisher was PRICE.  Unless you can point to a comparable polisher at a comparable price that's made in the USA, you should stop casting aspersions. Adam is NOT "lying to his customers." He's meeting the demand for a decent unit at a lower price point than other manufacturers offer, while clearly telling would-be buyers where it's made.  Each is free to make an informed choice about whether to purchase or not.  Stop grinding your axe and go back to polishing your car.

of course I have watched every video Adams has made . They don't change my opinion of the matter . I grind no axe I just call things as I see them .I honestly like adams products but I am no fan boy. on many occasions I have recommended his stuff on many other forums even those that don't sell adams .I will also add that never once did I recommend a product here that is a competitor to adams. I will continue to use adams stuff as long as it continues to be high quality at a price that's justifiable. I've spoke my mind and I'm done now so I won't reiterate my pervious comments and go back to polishing my car lol.
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I've been away for a couple years for personal reasons.. used to post every day.  Crazy how things change. Anyway.  I can't believe how much Adam's has evolved.  So many more products than I remember and a triple soft towel? Oh man. Now an Adam's Polisher?? I definately like the direction this company is going personally.   You guys have been busy, great job Adam's team.  

 

Hopefully I'll get back into the groove sooner or later.  It'll be harder since I don't have a cool car or a garage anymore :/ 

 

Rock on Adam's!

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I really don't understand what all the negative comments are for. A lot of things are made in China, clothes, cell phones, TVs, power tools etc.

In my opinion Adams is providing a choice so more people can afford to get into the industry. They're not making it the only choice they are just providing another choice. You can choose to buy it or not to. The choice is yours. Simple in my opinion

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Back Adam posted the video about products made in USA and discontinuation of the PC for its made in China status, I thought right away, the video you are making is by a product made in china. As already mentioned, our cell phones, LED TV's, majority of the shoes on our feet and so many other electronic devices are made in China.

 

Adams product were never a selling point to me for being USA made. It was the quality of the product for a fair price. For many years I worked for a major TV company that could no longer compete by producing in the USA and had to move operations to China.

 

I own a TV made china. I didn't get mad at the company for leaving. All people want the best they can get for the least amount of money unless of course your are rich.

 

If Adam can put his name on a product then I can trust that he made sure the product was quality regardless of where it was made:)  I say well done ADAM!

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I understand why some people are upset and I agree with them. The moral of Adam's was it didn't bring in products from places like mexico and china because of quality of products, how they were built etc. I appreciated that and didn't think much of it, but it impacted me enough that I still remember that video.

 

In the end, I don't care where the product comes from and I make my own decision on what I buy and where it's made. I have plenty of made in china stuff at my house and some of them are horrible, and some of them work real well.

 

My drill and impact driver is a Milwaukee M18 Fuel. I've gotten many compliments on it and they truly are a workhorse. IIRC it's made in China.

 

My buffer is a Flex and is made in germany.

 

My cars are american, european and japan...

 

Chinese even make decent firearms (Norinco)

 

Don't diss it because it's made in China; However I don't see myself buying this. I'd rather spend the little extra money and get the Rupes 19mm Mk 1.

 

It is what it is gents, after all Adam's is a business and their job is to make money. This will make them money.

 

Look at the new polish. They raved about 2 step polishing will do most work ad they were happy to get the swirl remover. Look what's back... It was a product needed and it made a comeback. It will make customers happy and make them money!

 

Good for you Adam's. I just hope you stand behind your product as you always have had in the past.

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Just to clarify, Heavy Correcting Compound is an entirely different formula than our old Severe Swirl Remover.

 

While it may not be necessary on many vehicles, there was demand and requests by many customers and shops to have a more aggressive compound for the much harder clear coats that some manufacturers are using now. Heavy Correcting Compound allows you to save time over making multiple passes with the orange Correcting Polish and a microfiber cutting pad.

 

For many vehicles, you will still be able to do either a Two-Step Polishing System with our Correcting Polish and Finishing Polish, and possibly even a One-Step Polish with either our Correcting Polish or the Finishing Polish, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

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It seems like 99% of everything we consume as consumers is made somewhere else. Adams has made a commitment to sell made in the USA goods when possible. They have done more than most companies out there in that regard. If not for owning a Rupes LHR 15ES, I would definitely consider this new offering and do research between it and the other polishers offered at Adams. Based on what I've read, the company has dedicated a lot of time to giving people another viable option and this polisher has some nice features. As someone stated, it bridges the gap. I think this is a good middle price point in the line up. Makes business sense to me.

Edited by Junior
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Can anyone (Dan?) outline the difference between the Swirl killer and the Rupes MkII (other than price). They have the same throw, same size, same weight, same power rating, but slightly different speeds? Heck, they even look similar. What am I missing? Is the faster speed really worth $200?

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As a new Adam's user who just dropped a hefty amount on products for what will be my first venture in detailing my own car. I still don't have my products but I am hoping I made a great decision. Admittedly, I felt comfortable buying from Adam's based on the aforementioned video that I found when the Foam Gun fiasco happened. I will say it sits a little uneven with me to dismiss a brand such as PC for making a polisher in China and then just a few years later do the same. Oh well it is what it is. I will say however the one thing I did not buy because of fear is a polisher and I am realizing I need one now if I am to get my car the way I want it. I have been relying heavily on Junkman's videos to teach and coach me up. Could someone discuss why the Swirl Killer would be a better first time polisher than say a PC7424XP or the Griot's Garage 6' Random Orbital Polisher. I can fully understand the idea that technique trumps product but am curious for some feedback. Additionally, is it just me or are others a little off put by the warranty for the Swirl Killer. I understand the 110% guarantee but for a company like Adam's to claim satisfaction guarantees, saying they had input on the polisher "had the manufacturer incorporate our own design tweaks and requests", I find the 1 year warranty to scream that Adam's lacks confidence in the lasting effect and durability of their product. Not that Junkman is the end all be all of the detailing world and while I'm aware there was a falling out of sorts between Adam's and him, something he said about polishers is, the best price and warranty is the way to go. Would love to hear some feedback whether it be from Adam's staff or Adam's loyalists seeing as I am not even acclimated with the suite of products yet.

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Skp = swirls killer polisher. Groits will be much like the pc . Your hands will tingle after using it . I cannot comment on the rest of your question sorry . Read thru the thread I've voiced my opinion too many times already in this thread. If u like u can pm me :)

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Wow very fair and well put thank you for your input. I certainly have no blinders on because I have yet to even use an Adam's product yet. However I literally just put a big investment into this company for almost the exact same reasons you outlined when you started. I can live somewhat with the made in China SKP deal now. It's not ideal but I can't be too critical when I live with many things not made in America. My bigger issue is 1 year warranty doesn't outwardly seem like Adam's is too confident in this product's durability and even more the often mentioned "110%". Obviously, 110% is only as good as a warranty can be held accountable. It feels like once that 365 day period is over, Adam's can by all means drop liability and support. That's not to say they will as their customer service is praised all over. However, on day 387, or day 999, I would like to hear we'll take care of you not, well, I'll tell you what, we'll cut you 50% discount on another one or something of that nature. I will say however, as someone who has never machine polished but is looking to start this product strikes me as very very strategically placed in the market. It doesn't seem to want to compete with the bigger dogs Cyclo, Rupes Bigfoot, at the same time it seems to be a step above the Griot's 6 inch and PC7424XP. Moreover, as someone who's been watching Junkman2000 and reading tons, I see so many people suggest the PC7424XP. Yet at the same time, I see many people selling them in what seems to say, I've outgrown this one and am now in need of a step up. I don't plan on detailing many more cars than just my own but at the same time don't want to find myself saying I want more from my polisher after just spending to get set up if that makes sense. I don't personally think I will ever make the jump to the A class polishers such as the Cyclo or Rupes but just my limited opinion. Thus, it puts the Swirl Killer in a class of it's own devoid of true competition and comparisons, perhaps making it seem more desirable.

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So to recap, you are complaining about Adams business strategy. Got it. I am certain they are aware.

If I may ask Jamey, what is your stance on the polisher. You seem to view it from another angle and would like to get your stance on it. I am actually pretty intrigued and interested in the Swirl Killer if I'm being frank.

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 My 2 cents as a hobbyist ( I Play a real one one TV ) that with the sale going on now this is a good deal on a long throw. I own a Chinese version of a flex and it has work great for me. Again I am a hobbyist / enthusiast  :)

 

Now if I was a full time detailer of course I would get better unit but for me this polisher is in my cart

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I would love to justify the expense but just dropped so much on everything else at Adam's I cant truly afford it yet. I would like one though. Honestly my biggest hangup and worry is the warranty for those (possibly myself) buying the Swirl Killer. As I said previously saying you'll warranty it for 1 year coming from a company toting great customer service and the 110% line. It doesn't inspire confidence that they believe in the Swirl Killer enough to guarantee they'll cover it. It hurts more when something like the Griot's is a lifetime warranty.

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If I may ask Jamey, what is your stance on the polisher. You seem to view it from another angle and would like to get your stance on it. I am actually pretty intrigued and interested in the Swirl Killer if I'm being frank.

Jordan, I think it looks like a decent setup. I wouldn't get too hung up on the warranty. I don't think many carry more than a year. I have a PC that is 7 years old and it still runs fine. I have a couple others and all work after doing multiple cars. You take care of the basic dos and donts and you should be fine. I get what people are discussing here because Adams has rolled out a number of new products this year. But speaking strictly about this polisher, it has all the features you need to get a great finish. Time will tell and once people start using these out there, you will begin to see what they like and what they don't. There are pros and cons to all the polishers I have ever used. Some run hot, some will vibrate your teeth out of your head, and some are lacking in power to correct. I think one of the biggest cons to many customers has been price and that is clearly where Adams made a decision to meet a need. Most enthusiasts will not want to spend $400 on an item they might use a time or two. Cut that number in half and I think it opens the door to get more people wanting to learn and start machine polishing. If I were in the market for my first polisher, or a step up from the PC, this one would be high on my list. Dealing with this company you cannot go wrong. If you really want some answers, email their customer support or pick up the phone and call them.

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