Craftsman Random Orbit buffer
 

I know that folks swear by the Porter Cable, but Sears has theirs on sale for 26.99 July 6-13. Does anyone have any experience with this piece?

Why not? At that price if you use it just a few times it pays for itself.

I was at a tech session last weekend that was held at a local detail shop. The owner swore by the Porter Cable. Not because it did a better job, just that it will last forever. As long as the Sears model is random orbital, I think it will do the job as good as the Porter Cable. It might not last as long but for the price difference, you can buy another if it kicks it in a couple of years. I think the key is making sure it's random orbital.

I use the non-randoml Makita because it's noticably lighter than the Porter Cable.. polishing isn't a 10 min job.................Ron

I just use my P/C random orbit sander (tho not with sandpaper). If you have one they work fine. I talked to P/C tech's first about the rpm's, size of the orbits, etc. You might ask Sears about those issues.

I'd try it first on a truck or something to see if it left any swirl marks at all. Use flourexcent lights and look from various angles to be sure.

1200-1400 w/a foam pad is idiot proof

I have a Craftsman 9 inch orbital buffer and it does a fine job,however I find the 9 inch size is a little awkward on the tighter spots,I think that is one area where the Porter Cable would be better.But for the cost it is a excellent polisher.

I have the Porter Cable. It's great!! It's actually a random orbital sander, and it works wonders as a polisher. My guess is that the Sears model is like the Waxmaster...which means it basically hops on the surface of the paint. Coastal Tools (www.coastaltool.com) has a great price on the Porter Cable. If you're serious about detailing, don't mess with the Sears polisher.

Scott

TRIVIA

I use Mcguires because of all the options.. but I found out the numbering system does not always relate to the aggressiveness in # 1-10.. don't know about the rest............Ron

I have the Craftsman model...I've used it maybe 10 minutes....for a reason. Worthless P of Sh.

I picked one of these up last time it was on sale for $26.99 but I have yet to use it. I'm going to try it on my mother-in laws car first to see how it does before I try it on the 911.

i got a 10" random orbit buffer for 14.99 at wal-mart. what? it worked.

I used my 10 yr. old Craftsman 9 inch (big one) to compound my car. Worked pretty good.

Worked great. I started with some 3M Microfinishing Compound on a foam pad, then the next finest grade, followed with Meguiars Swirl Remover (#6? #9? ......can't remember) on a wool/hairy pad

Added a bit of shine with some 3M Imperial Hand Glaze and then some Meguiar's #26 liquid wax.

All of the above products are cake with which to work. I still don't understand how some folks can play with that Zymol stuff. Wipe on in one direction, off in another? WTF? No thanks. I got better things to do than worry about what direction to wipe my wax/polish/whatever that stuff is.................. :rolleyes:

Anbody with tired paint like mine should think of doing some light abrasive compounding with an orbital machine. Made a huge difference on my car.

I use a 6" random orbit pneumatic air polisher. The good one's are about the same price as the Porter Cable electric model but MUCH lighter. I love mine and it works great -- never a problem.

SmileWavy

David,

I was wondering about that. I've seen a pneumatic one advertised in Griot's Garage. Nice stuff but a bit pricey. Is that where you got it?

/looking for more uses for that huge compressor

If you have a compressor, just use a DA sander, remove the sanding pad and replace it with a Meguiars (I think) W4000 pad. It is a 6 inch pad with a built in backing plate and the same size bolt to fit in the DA arbor hole. This tool has the same action as the Porter Cable (Meguiars G100) tool. If you have questions about Meguiars products, call their toll free number and talk to a cust serv rep.

I use a Milwaukee 11 amp Polisher, 7 in./9 in., double insulated, 0-1750 rpm, for use with standard liquid polishes. The speed dial is key, since you need to have speed control, when appling certain finishes. Some need to be applied at a higher RPM then others.