Dual-action polishers were designed to level surface and achieve a higher gloss with less risk than what a rotary polisher carries. These polishers not only rotate the pad but will also oscillate the pad as well. This 2-motion system disperses the heat and leveling across a wider and more varied surface. By dispersing the heat and abrasives as such, there is much lesser chance of burning-through the surface and causing irreparable damage. Dual-action polishers are the perfect introductory tool for someone who is new to the aspect of machine polishers. This is due not only to the lower risk to the surface on which you are working but also because they are extremely easy to handle. They are usually much more light-weight than rotary polishers and are less likely to walk you around" because they are not as powerful. They trade-off, however, is that dual-action polishers are not very effective when it comes to leveling gel-coat. As such, you will often find that you have to spend a lot of time polishing the same spot before you get the results you want.
