Electric Buffers/Polishers - Buyer's Guide

[72BlckButy]

I'm at a point where I would like to locate an electric buffer for our ever growing fleet. This unit will need to work well with vehicles either having a clearcoat or not.

What rpm's should I stay away from?
What units do you have, and your experiences with them?
Pads - How long do they last? Which ones are better than the others?

Trying to cut down on the elbow grease it takes to keep everything deatailed during the year.

[hotrodhomi]

Here's a good deal. just stay away from the edges. I would buy a pad for each polish you use.

[72BlckButy]

I have looked at the Makita, and it appears to be a pretty good unit.

Anyone else?

[colin_havens]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

I have looked at the Makita, and it appears to be a pretty good unit.

Anyone else?

Thats the unit I use, you just have to remember it is a PROFESSIONAL unit... meaning it WILL burn your paint if not used properly. I would avoid edges, and tape them up if possible to avoid burn through. It will however work much better and faster at removing swirls and minor scratches in your paint, and really polish it out so you can seal in the shine with some good glaze and wax. I have used some of the casual buffers that guarentee they "will not burn the paint", and for the adverage joe, they will be fine. I just cannot get the results I want from one of those, particualry on paint with lots of marring, swirls, and scratches. I highly reccomend the Makita buffer.

As far as pads, get one for each product you use. I have wool pads for cutting, and foam pads to use with my polishes. A decent buffing pad spur will help you get the wool pads clean, and you can wash the foam ones. Just replace as needed.

[Hottrucks]

Thats the exact one I have..I have buff tons of cars,Big trucks boats, you name it and it works like a charm...it is one of the lighter ones which you will be happy about when you get about 1/2 way down the first side and are trying to do the lower half ( sometimes I cheat and throw a jack under the middle to save on the back) the variable speed is smooth has an easy start stop so slinging stuff off the pan in minamial...antother thing you will like when it comes time to clean up the splatter..

these guys have given good advice on the pads (not very expencive) and you can wash them with gental soap and water just be sure to air dry and run a spur over them befoer you use them again...

on your compounds use less aggressive stuff than you need till you really get the hang of it...a few extra min of buffing is better than buffing the paint off....

just to get a feel for it when you get it buff the garage frig when your done drink a beer and look at what you have done ....if you see marks or have burned the edges take it as a lesson and start on side #2 ...it will give you a feel on how to move it or hold it so it feels comfortable

[piecesparts]

I have been using buffers for several years. My first one was an El Cheapo from Walmart. I now have a Makita that Iuse for my 9" wool pads and I have a Porter Cable that I have the foam polishing pads on. I also have a small Porter Cable orbital that I use to put polish on with. I have found that the different brands have significant lower speeds than others. The Porter Cable that I have for the larger foam polishing pads runs a lot slower than the Makita buffer. Remember the larger pads at slower speeds burns less paint.

If you go with a buffer, I suggest getting the 3M quick-adapter that allows you to remove and install a pad with little effort. They are at most outlets that have automotive paint supplies.

[72BlckButy]

I figured you would chime in Frank.

Anything to be concerned about with the RPMs of a buffer?

[mbgmike]

for the buck the Makita is the way to go. You can't be told how to use one you just have to do it. Not trying to piss anyone off but most things including buffing take skill. People can help with how toos but just buy the Makita and practice its a good unit. We abuse our equipment more than anyone should an want to. It costs us money.. not sayin its right. we have the makitas and the worker and tool both hit the ground at times They can take a lot of abuse and keep working. My money is on Makita. If you buy one and don't like it and the place you bought it from won't refund I will pay the cost and shipping to us. I can alway use another one

[primrrd]

i saw one for 69.00 bux at harbor freight... anyone used one of those.

[hotrodhomi]

Originally Posted by primrrd

i saw one for 69.00 bux at harbor freight... anyone used one of those.

I had 2. They last a combined time of 5 minutes before they either stopped spinning or the speed control was stuck at 100%. In my opinion, this is one of those tools that shouldn't be bought at HF.

[72BlckButy]

I picked up the variable speed one for $34.99... so far so good.

Not the greatest but hey.

[mbgmike]

its been said for years "you get what you paid for" The makita is the best bang for the money. Plus I am eco friendly. a cheap tool ends up in the dumpster most times or a yard sale. plus when I die my son will have a quality tool to remember me I look at my dads tools. The only thing he bought that was quality was a set of craftmans tools in 1946 I still have and use them

[Handfull 54]

I agree with the Makita guys. We used them at the Fire Station on all the trucks and diamond plate. I bought one for my vehicles. For a wool pad set the speed at 3. For polishing with a foam pad use speed 4. I got and old fender from a junk yard and practiced on it. Like you've been told tape the edges and keep the buffer flat. Let the machine do the work. If you see cloudy areas, then you need to be a little more agressive meaning more pressure. I use Meguires 105 for buffing and 205 for polishing. Using the 205 also eliminates the swirl marks. At least that's been my experience. Remember "Buy cheap, buy twice."

[454stepside]

i have a dewalt and love it turn the rpms down feather the trigger for corners and edges

[hotrodhomi]

Originally Posted by 454stepside

i have a dewalt and love it turn the rpms down feather the trigger for corners and edges

mine slows way down too, but I prefer to tape off the corners and buff them by hand.

[fastwillie 696969]

pigspit
and a orbiting buffer

[RUSHNBOBO]

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

I had 2. They last a combined time of 5 minutes before they either stopped spinning or the speed control was stuck at 100%. In my opinion, this is one of those tools that shouldn't be bought at HF.

Yep, made the same mistake...it's just like any other kind of power tools
There's only two catagories:

--The ones that work..................."expensive"
--And the one's that don't work ...."cheap"

Got a Dewalt now ...love it, but the Makita and Milwakee are every bit as good IMHO

[Fastfun]

I have a old Black and Decker Industrial variable speed that I use on new paint that has been color sanded and I use a Porter cable for older paint that needs to be repolished.

[2ndstoryslam]

Flex 5 speed polisher. Weighs just under 5 lbs. Very compact, made in Germany. Spanks the Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, ect hard.

[hotrod 80]

Originally Posted by Fastfun

I have a old Black and Decker Industrial variable speed that I use on new paint that has been color sanded and I use a Porter cable for older paint that needs to be repolished.

I have the older Black & decker also and it is a good buffer . I always look for them at the swap meets . I have the Harbor frieght also .

For polishing and wax application i have the 7424 porter cable . This thing makes maintaining way easier . I quarterly do a good clean and wax on the outside/DD cars . I am also 4 miles from the gulf so regular care is manditory . I have the velcro adapter and use the Lake county pads .

[2ndstoryslam]

http://youtu.be/FfwbVzsphzs Here is a side by side of two of the best.