Amaz0n has the Porter-Cable 7424 6" Variable-Speed Random-Orbit Polisher for $119.95 with free shipping and no tax for most. Use code SAVMAY23 by June 5, 2006 to save 10% off of your power or pneumatic tool order. This gets you $12 off this polisher for a total of $107.95 delivered ($106.26 with A9 discount). This is the same one Griot's Garage used to sell (for $150 or so) and is sold at other car care web pages as the favorite for machine polishing/swirl removal/waxing.

Linky-Poo

The P-C polishing pads are only $10.97 at Amaz0n and if placed on the same order also get 10% off making them $9.87 each. They seem to get good reviews, except for the cost. $9.87 is less than the cost of most foam pads from any source.


Linky-Poo 2

You can also save 10% off of either the standard or contour hook-and-loop backing plate (for using hook-and-loop foam pads or bonnets), but you will most likely be buying the foam elsewhere - so I would get the pad and backing plate from the same place if you are going that route.

The PC 7424 has a large following and there are lots of places to sell you polishes, waxes, cleaners, pads, etc - including Amaz0n. There are some online "how-to" guides like this one.

EDIT: The deal is still on. The old code expired, but they have a new code SAVMAY23 to save 10% off your total purchase of Power or Pneumatic Tools offered by Amaz0n between May 23, 2006, and June 5, 2006

Dennis

This is a nice deal - I paid $130 for mine a few years ago. It really works well if you follow the procedures on the detailer web sites.

I have this polisher/sander and use it for waxing my 4Runner. Works great. I bought the hook and loop attachment (expensive @$17-before I learned of FW) for foam pads I bought @ Harbor Freight.

This is a really good deal. I have been wanting this for awhile now. Thanks OP.

A highly regarded tool on most of the automotive forums. I've had one for 3 years.

This is the same one I use on my vehicles and client vehicles. Great polisher.

(I know I will get flamed for this...) Pep boys is selling Vector brand 10inch random orbit polisher for about $11 after $5 rebate ($$ values rough estimate, give or take a couple of dollars). Now I know this portal cable polisher mentioned by OP is the undisputed king of all polishers among car detailing enthusiasts, but its 10 times more expensive....

This is the same as the G-100A by Meguiar's, only difference is that Meguiar's has a LIFETIME guarantee on it. Yes, it is more expensive, but you can usually find it with some waxes, pads and extras for $200 on car sites. Not as hot, but since you get a lifetime of use...it pays in the longrun, especially if you use it a lot.

Also, there is a HUGE difference in this and a rotary tool. The dual action has more of a vibrating motion and isn't nearly as hard to use as a rotary. If you push down too hard, the head will stop. Push too hard on a rotary and you'll have more problems than you bargained for.

I've been looking for a PC for a while now, and SOLDSHORT, your link is the one I've been trying to find. Thanks!

edit: Also, if you're looking to polish your car and get rid of swirls, people rave about 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material.

Here is another option: The PC 7336 is usually $109 at lowes. Use HD 20% off coupon at lowesand that should bring the price down to under $90. The 7336 just has a different counter weight that is not a huge issue.

I buy all my pads at exceldetail.com Get the newer P2s. Two each of the orange and green ones. I use menzerna polish but the Optimum polish and compound are very nice and are priced better then the menzerna. You can pickup the Optimum products at exceldetail too.

If you want to be part of this sickness go to www.autopia.org

(I know I will get flamed for this...) Pep boys is selling Vector brand 10inch random orbit polisher for about $11 after $5 rebate ($$ values rough estimate, give or take a couple of dollars). Now I know this portal cable polisher mentioned by OP is the undisputed king of all polishers among car detailing enthusiasts, but its 10 times more expensive....

Yes the PC is 10x better then any of those. You can't remove any defects with those. All you can do it spread wax with it and I prefer to do that by hand.