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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.

 

swirl_killer_1_zpsrk5xauqs.jpg

 

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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I used my new SK for the first time today. I used a mild polish of my black Benz. Since I've not used any other long throw polishers, I can only give my impressions. It was easy to use. It didn't want to walk and was easy to control. I sometimes used one handed. It was smooth running and not loud. It didn't bog down and I used speed #4. I like it a lot and can only imagine one of the 400 dollar polishers would not be better. Not for me anyway.

 

Your Benz most likely has notoriously hard clear coat.  That should make it more difficult to get through the clear coat. 

 

You can still polish through the clear coat, it's just not as easy to do as it is with a rotary machine.  Polishing is polishing, no matter the means.  You're still removing some of the clear coat to restore it to nice and smooth. 

 

The SK is a great option for someone that's looking to get into polishing but is scared by the pricing of some of the higher end polishers out there.  I can't say I wouldn't have gotten the SK setups if I didn't already have the Rupes polishers in my box.  As it is, I don't really use the Rupes machines at their max RPM anyway. 

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In our testing we've found that most machine polishers with a threaded side-mount handle near the backing plate tend to cause the user to exert too much uneven pressure to one side of the polishing pad if you aren't careful with it. Using a hand directly above the pad and backing plate allows for more even control and pressure, in my personal opinion.

 

I wasn't looking for a side handle, just a handle at the front rather than or in addition to the front grip.

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Your Benz most likely has notoriously hard clear coat.  That should make it more difficult to get through the clear coat. 

 

You can still polish through the clear coat, it's just not as easy to do as it is with a rotary machine.  Polishing is polishing, no matter the means.  You're still removing some of the clear coat to restore it to nice and smooth. 

 

The SK is a great option for someone that's looking to get into polishing but is scared by the pricing of some of the higher end polishers out there.  I can't say I wouldn't have gotten the SK setups if I didn't already have the Rupes polishers in my box.  As it is, I don't really use the Rupes machines at their max RPM anyway. 

 

Newbie question here as I have never used a machine polisher...

 

So I gather that different cars have different thickness/hardness levels of clear coat and when you machine polish you're actually removing a layer of the clear coat.  For those that polish once or twice a year, won't there come a time when you eventually burn through the clear coat?

 

Or are you using the machine polisher initially to correct the paint, and then from then on only use the machine to apply sealants and waxes?

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Newbie question here as I have never used a machine polisher...

 

So I gather that different cars have different thickness/hardness levels of clear coat and when you machine polish you're actually removing a layer of the clear coat.  For those that polish once or twice a year, won't there come a time when you eventually burn through the clear coat?

 

Or are you using the machine polisher initially to correct the paint, and then from then on only use the machine to apply sealants and waxes?

 

The short answer is 'yes', you could eventually polish off all the clear.  But if you are using proper wash techniques, it will take a while to get the paint back to where it needs to be polished again.  

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On 11/25/2016 at 3:10 AM, TheWolf said:

I had the opportunity this last summer to try out a beta version of the Swirl Killer Polisher (SK) on this neglected Porsche Boxster.  You might remember this car from a previous write-up that I did, but what I was not able to share in that post was that I actually used both the beta version of the SK and the Rupes 15 Mark II (R15II) on this car.

 

To keep track of their results, I used the R15II on the passenger side, and the SK on the driver's side, switching back and forth between the machines for each panel to give the pads time to cool off.

 

I started with the R15II on speed 4 and did a quarter of the hood.  All the swirls were removed by the time the Correcting Polish flashed.  With the SK on speed 4, it did not correct as well.  After this section, I increased the speed on the SK to 5.5, and found that overall it corrected just as well as the R15II on speed 4, with similar time required to get the correction needed.
 
This portion of the rear deck was typical of the overall damage on the entire car:
 
20160528_111244.jpg

 

This is exactly what I have on my 2016 black Sonata and they're all over the car. I'm sold on SK 15 mm, but I'll have to wait for the next big sale. 

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13 hours ago, PointMan said:

 

This is exactly what I have on my 2016 black Sonata and they're all over the car. I'm sold on SK 15 mm, but I'll have to wait for the next big sale. 

That's great.......the SK is on sale now.  https://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/polishing/adam-s-swirl-killer-15mm-lt-polisher.html

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18 hours ago, PointMan said:

 

This is exactly what I have on my 2016 black Sonata and they're all over the car. I'm sold on SK 15 mm, but I'll have to wait for the next big sale. 

 

5 hours ago, Chris@Adams said:

 

Don't forget the forum discount code "shineon" for an additional 10% discount. Or do some searching and you might find a 15% code.

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6 hours ago, Chris@Adams said:

 

1 hour ago, falcaineer said:

 

 

Don't forget the forum discount code "shineon" for an additional 10% discount. Or do some searching and you might find a 15% code.

 

Man, you guys are awesome! Thanks!

 

For the type of swirls marks on the pic above and maybe some light to medium scratches, which chemical/compound would I need? Would the One step polish be good enough or do I need the Correcting Polish plus the Finishing polish? 

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10 hours ago, PointMan said:

 

 

For the type of swirls marks on the pic above and maybe some light to medium scratches, which chemical/compound would I need? Would the One step polish be good enough or do I need the Correcting Polish plus the Finishing polish? 

 

It is hard to say.  The One Step polish would improve the paint, but you may need to go more aggressive and use the Correcting polish.    You could start with the One Step with White pads, but will probably need the Orange pad.  If it looks better after a pass with the Orange pad, you can go over it again to improve it more.  The Tips for the One Step also suggest trying the Blue pad for more difficult marring.  I know it is a little spendy to get into a polisher then have to spend even more on pads + polishes, but these last for a long time. 

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Just used my 12mm SK on Saturday and must say I liked it better than my 15mm. Even with the smaller head and it taking a few minutes longer to use it was much easier to get into the curves and body lines on my C7 Corvette.

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Anyone have issues with their SK 15 stalling fairly easy? I know i barely put any pressure on it and the pad stalls, I made sure to have it level and it still seems to stall. Any troubleshooting tips? 

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12 hours ago, Eswear said:

Anyone have issues with their SK 15 stalling fairly easy? I know i barely put any pressure on it and the pad stalls, I made sure to have it level and it still seems to stall. Any troubleshooting tips? 

 

What speed are you using? Often the slower the speed the less pressure it takes to make it stall.

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On 3/9/2020 at 9:16 PM, falcaineer said:

 

What speed are you using? Often the slower the speed the less pressure it takes to make it stall.

 

After doing some more reading I came to this answer also, I was in the 3-4 speed area when I was getting stalling. I will try 5-6 next time around.

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So i actually have a question that I'm confused about.

 

I just purchased the Swirl Killer Mini to remove some swirl marks on my Harley.  I also purchased the red pads, white foam pads,  blue foam compound pads, and the microfiber pads.   Now the blue foam pads clearly state for compound, and the white pads state for polish.  So when do I use the microfiber pads and the red pads???

 

Hate to sound like a newb here but don't want to damage my paint.  So can someone please help me here?

 

What pads for what and when, please? 

 

Thanks in advance. 

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14 hours ago, Chris13 said:

So i actually have a question that I'm confused about.

 

I just purchased the Swirl Killer Mini to remove some swirl marks on my Harley.  I also purchased the red pads, white foam pads,  blue foam compound pads, and the microfiber pads.   Now the blue foam pads clearly state for compound, and the white pads state for polish.  So when do I use the microfiber pads and the red pads???

 

Hate to sound like a newb here but don't want to damage my paint.  So can someone please help me here?

 

What pads for what and when, please? 

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

Hi, and welcome! Be sure to post an intro on the new member forum so we can properly welcome you.

 

Microfiber pads are for heavy correction and are used with Compound. Red pads have no correction power and are generally used for waxes, sealants and glazes. You can also use the red pads with Polish for a very fine finish on things like B pillars. This should help better explain the process of what to use, how and when.

 

 

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