Polisher type
Short-throw dual-action polishers: 5 to 12 mm orbits
Short-throw machines use a 5-12 mm orbit: RUPES LK900E 5 mm, Makita XOP02Z 7/32 in, SPTA CP501 9 or 12 mm and RUPES HLR75 12 mm.
Also listed as short throw polisher, small orbit DA
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Unless a page says otherwise, our picks come from published specifications and listing research, not hands-on testing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money · How we research
Short answer
Short-throw dual-action polishers use a small orbit, roughly 5 to 12 mm in the makers' specs: 5 mm on the gear-driven RUPES LK900E, 7/32 in (about 5.6 mm) on Makita's XOP02Z, 9 or 12 mm on SPTA's CP501 and 12 mm on the RUPES HLR75 mini. They can be gear-driven or free-spinning, so check the motion as well as the throw.
Key facts
- Orbit throw
- RUPES LK900E 5 mm; Makita XOP02Z 7/32 in (about 5.6 mm); SPTA CP501 9 or 12 mm; RUPES HLR75 12 mm[1][2][4][3]
- Backing plate / pad size
- RUPES LK900E 125 or 150 mm; Makita XOP02Z 5-inch/6-inch; RUPES HLR75 75 mm[1][2][3]
- Speed range
- RUPES LK900E 265-535 rpm; Makita XOP02Z 0-780 RPM, 0-6,800 OPM; RUPES HLR75 3,000-5,500 rpm[1][2][3]
- Power source
- RUPES LK900E 900 W; Makita XOP02Z 18V LXT; RUPES HLR75 18 V pack or iBrid adapter; SPTA CP501 1100 W, 5 m cord[1][2][3][4]
- Example models
- RUPES BigFoot Mille LK900E; Makita XOP02Z; SPTA CP501 (9 and 12 mm versions); RUPES BigFoot HLR75[1][2][4][3]
- Suited to
- RUPES pitches its 12 mm HLR75 at curves, contours and compact areas[3]
Watch out for
- One SPTA model name covers four throws. SPTA lists the CP501 with 9, 12, 15 and 21 mm orbits, so each throw is a different product.
- 7/32 in is short. Makita's XOP02Z orbit is about 5.6 mm, not a 15 or 21 mm long throw.
- No voltage on SPTA's page. SPTA states no supply voltage, plug or safety mark for the CP501, so North American suitability is not established from the maker.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Cordless dual-action polisher (Makita 18V LXT)
Makita XOP02Z 18V LXT brushless 5 in/6 in dual action random orbit polisher (tool only)Choose the XOP02Z tool-only listing, which comes with 5 in and 6 in backing plates; no battery or charger.
Makita sells it tool only, with selectable random orbit with forced rotation or free spin, and its batteries fit only within each platform, so use Makita 18V LXT packs. Makita links an Amazon Brand Store, but that does not make every offer Makita's: check 'Ships from' and 'Sold by' on the Amazon offer before you buy.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.com5-1/2 in hook-and-loop foam pad
Makita T-02680 5-1/2 in hook-and-loop foam polishing pad, blackChoose the black 5-1/2 in foam pad (T-02680).
Makita's text does not state this pad's cut level, so we do not assign one. As with any Amazon pick, check 'Ships from' and 'Sold by' on the Amazon offer before you buy.
For bigger orbits see 15 mm long-throw and 21 mm long-throw machines; for tight spots see mini polishers.
Questions
What counts as a short-throw polisher?
There is no formal cutoff. On this site, short throw means the 5-12 mm orbits makers list, such as RUPES's 5 mm LK900E, Makita's 7/32-inch XOP02Z and SPTA's 9 and 12 mm CP501 versions.[1][2][4]
Is the SPTA CP501 sold with a US plug?
SPTA's product page states no supply voltage, plug or safety mark, so we cannot confirm North American suitability from the maker. Check the specific listing and the tool's nameplate.[4]