My FAVORITE Polisher - The Mirka 3" Cordless Polisher (AROP-B)

[@zachariasplatanas2841]

I work in a paint plan factory for 6 years as a polisher and I am using both mirka polishing guns. Those tools are amazing.The dual action polisher with the mirka yellow waffle is perfect for the piano black colours.

[@jtm1979]

As a finn id like to buy finnish machine but the trigger lock is deal breaker and backing plate is not vented so ill stick with my hlr75. Mirka makes the best sanders though.

[@robertnash9809]

Yes very smooth. The rotary version is great too.

[@julesverne454]

I enjoy the music you have been using recently in the videos and the Electric guitar stuff

[@Quarterfold]

I know Matt uses them but the flex pxe80 is still a beast. I nodded the 3inch backing plate to work on the rotary attachment and it’s an absolute unit. Great in every scenario.

[@dcastro5551]

How did you modify it?

[@Quarterfold]

@@dcastro5551 drilled out the center of my backing plate to accommodate the rotary attachment that has a little spike in the middle

[@dcastro5551]

@@Quarterfold this was the only reason holding me back so I ordered one today. So the rotary attachment has a spike or nub that doesn't let the 3 inch plate to screw on?

[@bryantbolden5763]

Looks like something Milwaukee could be inspired from. Maybe in an m12?

[@joshr2280]

And Kia could be inspired by bently

[@lukas7417]

sounds like there's a very nice digital stepper motor inside that thing.

[@joshuaschubert6276]

if we can get this in OG Blue with a trigger lock this would be game changing.

[@georgesnyder5337]

What you describe on the trigger is why I have always had an affinity for Makita tools over the Red/Yellow options. I have always found Makita to have better ergos and superior variable power trigger control. Unfortunately Makita hasn't kept up in their tool/battery offerings as a whole - particularly when compared to say, Milwaukee.

[@larspickhardt2982]

This polishing machine is also used by OEMs, of course not everywhere, but I have already seen it at some. ✌🏼

[@5hift6ear]

Yes, Tesla uses these at their fremont factory.

[@brian2359]

I know what a game changer it was going from a Porter Cable to a Rupes! That thing is sweet

[@henrycollins2478]

Put in my order for the sale an hour ago or so, can’t wait for all the stuff I got!

[@ratton5028]

Hi Matt! I like great tools and I have pride in ownership, so I bought this Mirka earlier this year. I have used my Mirka on 3 vehicles now and your critique is right on. I noticed in a couple of tight areas polishing my friend’s Cayenne Turbo that the battery got in the way a little, but not a deal breaker, just had to approach from a different angle. Yes not having a trigger lock is a pain in the finger and it would be really nice if you could convince them to add it to the blue tooth, but I would buy it again I really appreciate it that much. Mirka also makes this in a rotary version, for people that want a rotary polisher. Thanks for bring it to the masses. Cheers!!.. 😎

[@jtm1979]

Is Mirka willing to make version with a trigger lock? Hopefully and hopefully they will create 15 and 21 machnies too, they sure would have the skills and resources to do that. As a finn, i would love to use finnish machines :)

[@MirrorFinishDetails]

It would be nice if they implemented a release button for the trigger to incrementally lock. So you could hold the release until you have the trigger where you want it then let go of the lock release. 👍

[@jbplays7302]

You aren't going to believe this, but I bought one of these Mirka DA orbital buffers (the AROP-B model) at a pawn shop for $150!!! It only came with one of the small 2.5Ah batteries. But even the small battery lasts a LONG TIME! I'd never heard of Mirka before, so I was kinda skeptical about buying it. I'm SO FRIGGIN GLAD I SPENT THAT $150!!! It's BY FAR the smoothest, sweetest buffer I've ever used! And I've all of them over the years! I hope they eventually make a locking trigger, and a 5 inch DA! Has anyone discovered any modifications, or batteries that are interchangeable with it? Anyone who can swing $800 for the machine, I can honestly say, if this one broke today I'd buy a new one without hesitation!!!They are really THAT SMOOTH!!! I two stepped my wife's Camry with just the Mirka 3in and the 2.5Ah (small) battery! And that battery still has charge! I've got a cordless Milwaukee big buffer. I just never wanted to put the Mirka down. Bc with the small battery, this buffer is SO LIGHT, and so manageable! If it had a trigger lock, I wouldn't have 1 thing negative to say about it, other than the retail cost on it.... But i love this thing!!

[@johnwalters878]

I just got mine yesterday. UPS didn’t notify me, so that was odd. New software maybe? Charging batteries today. Can’t wait to use it. It seems sweet. I agree on the trigger, but at least it’s variable and doesn’t have that goofy power button of my PXE80. But yeah, the price is like passing a dry brick, but I don’t feel too bad since I passed on the Rupes “Stilletto “

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yeah.. the price for this polisher is on the higher end. I feel like its performance more than justifies it.

[@billbuss7542]

I’m new to polishing and bought a 21 mm not knowing i should have bought a 15. Should I sell it or can I put on a 15mm backing plate. It’s a Milwaukee.

[@chadbartlett8577]

I need the SS tips!!!

[@ObsessedGarage]

They're being worked on.

[@shr00m7]

Mirka is also well-known in the woodworking community for their sanders.

[@bigstickerperformance6670]

If they've impressed Matt, they're doing a lot right.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I was extremely impressed with this machine.

[@toniwonkanobi]

Loved the intro music! Kind of like 80s / The 1975.

[@Bullybeef972]

Awesome! Just ordered one. Thanks!

[@wolfusa2002]

I really want to order one, but i’m really on the edge since it doesn’t have a trigger lock

[@stevel3881]

I have it and I feel the trigger is easy enough to hold that it's not fatiguing.

[@TylerSL92]

zip tie!

[@timkinley1779]

@@TylerSL92 Velcro strap.

[@555fourthstreet8]

Same here but $800 for a 3” didn’t make sense. My lhr75 rupes provides more performance and is $650 less.

[@timkinley1779]

@@555fourthstreet8 To be fair, until about 5mins ago, people considered Rupes to be excessively expensive.

[@AmateurHourAuto]

I am interested in the 2 hand 5” that they offer. Will you order one to compare to the Rupes?

[@hm_tcs1469]

Fantastic video. Just ordered one

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

the sound comparison is wild

[@doublesdetailer7709]

I think the motor brake is EU LAW from machine directive. Also puwer directive and vibration Directive 2002/44/EC - vibration . So maybe the designer really wanted to be compliant where world wide sold polishers can be a little more loose in design feel. It's impressive 💙

[@lilpawz_garage5032]

is that detailing cart available in thr OG store?

[@5hift6ear]

I wonder if you can get someone to 3D print a trigger lock for this...

[@ObsessedGarage]

3D printing would work for a temporary solution. I don't think it's a good option for a permanent fix.

[@aghahari]

Are you experiencing any heating issues? Is it normal that it’s getting uncomfortably warm after a couple of minutes of constant use? I wonder if I got a bad unit.

[@dcastro5551]

Any update?

[@eurospec905]

Would changing the battery to the 2.5 Ah version solve the issue of getting it to fit in tight spaces. Curious if there is a difference in output of the machine when using the 2.5 vs the 5.0

[@ObsessedGarage]

With a 2.5 Ah battery you won't receive the same level of peak power or runtime as using the 5.0 Ah battery.

[@Wes23Sut]

does the Mirka have a case that can be purchased?

[@ObsessedGarage]

They don't.

[@Brian-xn7ns]

5 inch with trigger lock capability would be game over!

[@ObsessedGarage]

It would be a dream.

[@johnbeck4216]

That’s really nice but for $900 I’ll keep using my noisy and not so smooth Flex and Rupes.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Good luck. I’m using this.

[@jeremyelliott5292]

Is the Beaver Tools $525 option a different polisher?

[@ObsessedGarage]

It's not the same.

[@alisomji3294]

It’s the same unit without battery and charger

[@keithroberts5611]

If it where me the first thing I would test is the battery life, And charging time??There plenty of mobil detailing operators that's the first question they will ask??🤔

[@ObsessedGarage]

There is no need. Battery life is a non issue on every polisher I've ever used.

[@555fourthstreet8]

Did Kevin brown introduce you to this polisher? I know he’s been tied in with Mirka for the longest time.

[@ObsessedGarage]

He didn't.

[@kevincampbell8298]

Mirka makes a solid tool.

[@stevel3881]

I was just shy of 1.5hrs from dead out of the box to full charge.

[@555fourthstreet8]

Should have been 30mins?

[@stevel3881]

@@555fourthstreet8maybe for the 2.5ah

[@BenFenner]

I may have been the person asking about using this machine to do a whole car during the podcast. Would a thick rubber band solve the trigger lock issue? :D

[@ObsessedGarage]

If you don't want to turn the thing off for the entire time. Of course, but I don't recommend it..

[@BenFenner]

Well, I think the idea would be to apply the rubber band when you begin some passes, then easily remove it from the trigger when you're finished, followed by wiping down the panel, blowing out the pad, etc. Rinse, repeat?

[@ceerock8088]

Mirka is solid!!!

[@colbygraves9298]

The 718 is looking good Matt! Why the desire to change speed mid correction? Wouldn’t that produce inconsistencies in your cut/polish results?

[@ObsessedGarage]

You will want to change your speed depending on the surface you're working on or the amount of pressure you need to apply.

[@MarioSesana]

Bought one, USPS is 5 days late on delivery, tracking doesn't show anything. Contacted OG twice, 5 and 3 days ago, no answer. Disappointing customer support.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Shoot Tim an email directly at [e-mail]. He can look into that for you.

[@frankigi]

That is a great looking machine.

[@JetDriver77]

I wonder how much cheaper it'd be without Bluetooth functionality. I mean that's geeky-cool, mainly for battery life, but someone's paying for that phone app and I'm sure it's in the price of the product. Great polisher though.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I was wondering the same thing. Remove that tech, keep it simple, and likely move the price down substantially.

[@pmrdpak]

I NEED...

[@mwahlert]

I really wish some of these polishers would just use batteries from an existing tool platform, like M12.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Every tool manufacturer builds their tools and batteries to their own specifications. Not every tool can operate from the same battery.

[@stovepipe671]

For that price it should have come with a case my rupes came with 1

[@ObsessedGarage]

I have no interest in a case or the extra cost of one.

[@stovepipe671]

@@ObsessedGarage very true

[@maxmad3428]

Bit of a co-incidence? The day this video goes up I get an email from Mirka (I'm subscribed to their AU importer) about this very machine! $1700AU for it here.

[@canadamustang]

Tears for Fears?

[@stevel3881]

I heard it

[@NaturallyaspiratedJJM]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@jonwinship9099]

It's amazing how much money one will spend for the advantages of a non China-made polisher.

[@ObsessedGarage]

This is a microcosm of life. Do the right thing, and you and many times it is reciprocated. Being cheap and cheating your way through life means you will attract the same.

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Matt, picked one up as a gift no less have a great one #235002

[@dominiccampanella21]

I understand the price. I’m not saying it’s not worth the price however, it shouldn’t be that expensive.

[@ObsessedGarage]

How much would you say it's worth?

[@AmirAbdullah]

Imo it cost way to much vs thr finish you get, if it’s too expensive for the DIY guy and it doesn’t do 2”,1” it’s nowhere near worth the cost. Griots has a good machine out now that’s rotary and DA, same with Flex which also does DA and rotary. No way is this the best machine. Completely disagree with the notion this is the best 3” cordless. I’d say it’s the smoothest , quietest to only use a 3” backing plate but other machines do more for less. I’m finding more and more takes like this are just commercials for said tool.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Multi-anything is almost never the best. Multi-vitamins, multi-purpose knife, all-terrain tires, and polishers are all a compromise. The polishers you mention are all capable at doing different sizes, but they aren't great at either. The Flex PXE-80 is too big as a 1" and is weak as a 3". The Griot's multi is a pretty terrible machine for $500. I wouldn't want to pay $100 for it.

[@AmirAbdullah]

@@ObsessedGarage appreciate the reply, however the 3” work I get from the PXE80 is more than sufficient, the rotary with the 2” can provide a better finish than the Mirka. The fact that I can get the exact same finish with the Flex as the Mirka says to me why buy one dedicated tool when a less expensive tool gives you the same finish. I’m an old salt with the Flex tho, the Detail Division backing plate kit takes the tool to a whole new level, the Mirka is a fixed 3” plate. The Flex offers detailers way more bang for buck imo. I even have aftermarket plates for 3”, 2”, 1, rotary including extensions. The Mirka is a great tool but it’ll never finish down better than a 3” rotary. The fact is once ppl learn how to use the rotary and finish down with it the Mirka tool just becomes a beginner tool, And a really expensive one. I know ppl wanna believe in what they believe in. But like I was saying I can get a better finish from a Multitool as it stands now. Right now it might seem great it’s light weight , low volume and good battery life but nobody is using that tool to do larger than 12X12 section or smaller. The ergonomics of the tool can become cumbersome. I get why ppl like it, cost too much tho. It’ll never finish down better than a 3” rotary tool you can get at half the cost. Thanks for the reply tho.

[@gufiaito69able]

$800 for a 3 inch

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yep, worth every penny. It’s more like $900 though…

[@muradomar5649]

MURAD form Toronto 🇨🇦👋👌🤘🏻

[@Riverguide33]

👍