looking for polisher/buffer suggestions

i'm going to purchase a polisher for compounding/polishing my cars... what's the best type to buy that will do the largest variety of jobs? do i need a 'high speed' polisher or 'orbital type?' also, does anyone have any opinions about what types of pads to use for specific jobs? my father liked to use a foam pad on a high speed polisher, which he said made it harder to burn the paint... thanks!

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe

Did you ever see the old T.V. show Father
Knows Best ?? I've used the foam pads on
a high speed polisher with great results,
HOWEVER... it is possible to burn your
paint if you are not very careful, speed and
pressure are critical when doing this.I also
used 3M liquid rubbing compound.Hope this helps and good luck !

I have both a Makita and Snapon variable speed angle buffers in the shop. Any number of other brands are available. very high speed. These are heavy duty commercial machines with a big heavy duty commercial price tag. Very durable and long lasting. They are used to remove fine wet sanding marks from new paint. The much higher speeds are imperative for higher productivity. Anything less than 2400 rpm will do nothing but make polishing wax a lot faster than by hand. Not enough heat to move the paint around. Higher speed, higher heat, smoother slicker surface, more gloss, more danger of burn through. MUCH MORE DANGER. Foam pads come in different foam patterns for different jobs - compound, polish, glaze. Easier and safer to use for beginners. Old pros still want wool pads - also different kinds for different jobs.
3M makes probably 20 different chemicals. Some series were designed back when lacquer was the paint to use. Some series are for clear coats. Some are for dark or light paints. Most other companies have only one or two series. Lots of good choices. Transtar products are good and less expensive.
If you want only for good annual polishing and waxing, orbital and low speeds are fine, just slow. If you want to really compound and rework/remove the top (miniscule)layer of paint then much higher speeds, more aggressive pads more specifically designed chemicals and skill levels are required. Burn through is easy and bad. Caution advised. Learn on the 85 Nissan with foam pads.
Next week we sand & buff the new paint on a '71 442 and a '75 Rolls. I hope we get to my 86 '911 in December. It really sucks when the customer cars get first priority over the Porsche.
David

[This message has been edited by DAVIDM (edited 10-07-2000).]

great info, guys-

yeah, i'll be practicing on the cherokee with 274,000 miles on it... so how much should i expect to spend for a good high speed polisher? can i get a decent one from a place like home depot?

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe

Makita model 921 6.8 amp variable speed 1500 - 2800 rpm7 inch $229.95
Makita model 927 10 amp varialbe speed 600 - 3000 rpm. $269.95
Snap-On $325.00
All have replaceable carbon brushes.

Prices are from the local vendor's catalogue everyday in stock price.
Tool seller's web sites are abundant. Harbor Freight, Northern Hydraulic.
Popular item in pawn shops.
Different adaptors sold separately for wool or foam pads. Maybe $20
Foam pad $5 to $20
Wool pads $10 to $20
Quarts of Transtar $12 to $20
Quarts of 3M $18 to $30
Look under paint in the yellow pages. Look for automotive paint suppliers. 10 or 12 in San Antonio. Sherwin Williams has 100's of places around the country that have only automotive paint and supplies.
David

Just found a Sioux industrial angle buffer/grinder (used) on Ebay for $40 including shipping. Keep an eye out here and you can find bargains like this all the time. This unit normally costs around $300...

Makita or Snap on are good as well but both are well known and bring high prices used.

Having this tool sure makes life a lot easier...

JA

Might check out the pawn shops. Why buy new when you can buy a used one usually for 1/4 the price of new.

hey, i own a makita and a black and decker.
would be willing to part with onr of them.
can let you know the model #s tomorrow if
interested.. both work perfectly.

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Bruce 1970 911E

I use a variable speed Craftsman right angle sander/polisher that I bought off E-Bay for about $40.00 (less than 1 year old.) It works great for polishing at higher speeds (careful--Don't burn that paint!) and buffing/waxing at lower speeds. It doesnt have a flashy brand name, but is inexpensive, reliable, and because of the variable speed can be used to polish, or speed up the waxing process. Hope this helps!

Nick
82 911SC 78K

[This message has been edited by Nickshu (edited 10-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Nickshu (edited 10-08-2000).]