I would like to get a polisher for polishing my pattern to a nice high gloss finish, using a 14mm spindle backing plate.  The ones I see online are (I think) quite large, heavy and noisy (I guess that is the nature of this bit of kit), does anyone have any recommendations?

I have been considering an angle grinder, and agree this may be the way to go.  I am a fan of Makita's BL motors, they are a bit more refined. The downside AFAIK with the AG is the speed, the Makita has a minimum of 3000rpm, is this problematic with a 150mm pad if I also used it on the car?  The rotary polishers seem to have a low speed, say 700 - 3000 rpm, whereas the DA polishers seem to have a higher speed about 3000rpm - 7000 rpm similiar to an AG.  Any thoughts or advice on this?  I know I will have to keep to 3000rpm.  

I wish I could tell you what speed the Dewalt I used was back in the day. It’s not made anymore. Whatever input I gave the trigger it would spin accordingly, minimum was well below 3k.

Look up Flex Polishers. Likely my next buy. They’re big in the boat and car finish world with a lot of options.

Jason

And... if you’re in the States, it’s worth experimenting with Harbor Freights variable speed grinder for how cheap it is.

Jason