Buffer/Polisher Recommendation
 

Hello All.
Arthritis is forcing me to purchase a buffer for waxing and polishing my car. Do you have any recommendations as to which one to buy?

Thanks in advance. ;)

put a good pad on your Porter-Cable random orbit sander if you have one

otherwise, get one with a liberal return policy so you can try it out - one with good handles?

Porter-Cable makes a pro model

Pc.

I have heard great things about the Griot's random orbital. I've never used one personally, however.

I have this one. It does a pretty good job. Had it a couple years and no problems.

+1 - same here

Can't go wrong with a Porter Cable random orbital. They seem like the "industry standard," and aren't too expensive.

I've had mine for years, it's solid and works well.

I'm pretty sure the Griot's one is a re-labeled Porter Cable.

Love my PC. IMHO getting the right pads for your purpose(s) is just as important as getting the right cleaner / polish / wax. I've been especially pleased with the pad selection and service from Chemical Guys:

Car Wash, Wax, Polishes, Microfiber Towels and Best Auto Detail Supplies - Chemical Guys Professional Car Care Products - Wholesale and Retail

Good luck.

Initially, that is what Griots was selling before they started selling their knock-off orbital. So yes, I agree, PC would be the best.

I was lazy and just ordered one of those kits from Griots with the orbital, pads, rags, etc... even ordered the 3" orbital for doing my motorcycle, headlights, etc.

These are the two kits I bought:

http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/gcarcare.jpg

http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/gcarcare3.jpg

I got this one this summer for the same reasons as you. But didn't want to spend the $ for the PC. It's a little big, and I could see where the smaller PC would be helpful, especially with the curves of the 911, but I made it work. I did all 3 cars this fall and they have never looked better, can't believe I waited so long to finally get one.

Craftsman 10 In. Buffer/Polisher: Get Pro Results at Home with Sears

like this one Porter Cable 7424XP Car Buffer, 7424 XP Polisher

oops you need this one to get the velcro backing pad Porter Cable 7424XP 6" Polisher Kit

http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/w8006-softbufftrade-foam-polishing-pads-65in/

http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/w9006-softbufftrade-foam-finishing-pad-65in/

^+1; that's what I got too. Currently $112 & free shipping on Am@zon . . .

I use the Porter Cable for large jobs, such as compounding, and then use a Craftsman 10 inch random orbital buffer for light duty work.

Griot's just seems so overpriced, but maybe their stuff is that much better?? I just don't know.

I picked up a DA buffer from Harbor Freight not expecting much quality, but it actually works pretty nice. I think it was 59 bucks with pad. :eek:

I searched detail forums and wound up with the porter cable dual action.
Works awesome.

Depends what you need it for.....
For adding good layers of polish and removing minor swirl marks/cob web scratches the orbital works great and I would suggest the one listed above.

If your experienced and/or brave: For cut and polish orange peel, removing runs, heavy oxidation, deep scratches etc I would suggest the typical polisher with max rpm at 2500. Use wool pads if your experienced and cutting, for final polishing prep use black foam pads and a good swirl removal polish followed by high gloss polish with orbital... Etc.

In my wheel bearing thread you offered to come by and assist, I'm still working on trying to get a stuck bearing removed from the hub, :eek::eek:
if you want to come by this weekend and give me a hand persuading this bearing to let go of the hub, I'd happily go over the polishing technique etc with my polisher and get you started on the machine polishing job on your car...

I owned a small auto body paint & detail shop back in the day and know my way around the polishers...

PM if interested SmileWavy

Cheers.

That's a good offer and you should take him up on it. I've used the Porter Cable for nearly 10 years, and while it's a nice tool I pretty frequently wish it had more oomph, particularly for the high-grade paint on older Porsches.

It did wonders on my Miata, but even with the most agressive products I had on hand wouldn't even make a dent in the hard-life scratches of my roomate's SC.

Using Chemical Guys 721 I had to go over my C4 twice to make any progress. Mebbe I shoulda got the 700 as well.

Hi..I have had this Mikita for 15 years and I can't say enough good things about it.

It's a professionalism polisher and consequently they are more money - $200.
Makita USA - Tool Details - 9227CY

and I use a 3M hookit pad with 3M sponge polishing pads.

Hookit™ Backup Pad 3M 05717

For many years I had used other 'very well known' advertised products when refinishing a car until I was introduced to 3M's system at a automotive trade show. Although a couple of 'others' at car shows do one heck of a good job of promoting their products - and they are good- I personally find that 3M's product works better. Barry 'Meguiar' did well - as a matter of interest Meguiar's is now owned by 3M.

3M's 'Perfect-It' polishing line appears to be expensive but in fact it ends up being close to half the price to other quality products due to how far it actually goes, including it does the job in about half the time...I genuinely have no affiliation whatsoever with 3M but I sure do like their products. [My car is black]

If you have a few minutes have a look. Compounds, Glazes and Buffing Pads - 3M Paint Products

After a few months go by I tend to just use a plain Brazilian carnauba wax on top of the 3M finish.

What works for you other Pelicans?

+1. Don't get hung up on the polisher. Max speed is 2500 or thereabouts. Use foam pads and the recommended compounds (Meguiars, 3M) unless you like swirl marks.

Sherwood

In case you didn't get enough reommendations for the Porter Cable 7424, here's another.
Awesome!!