Auto Waxing Polisher/Buffer

[bigtater]

Hey guys I would like to buy a hand held buffer to wax and polish my John Deere tractors that I own on the farm. I want something that is easy to use, reliable and won't burn the paint these can be expensive machines. I'm looking for ideas and suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Are you already on the M18 platform?

My M18 is awesome.

 

[bigtater]

I have a LED light that uses the M18 battery and would love a trimmer with it.

 

[BTL-A4]

I have a Torq X I bought at Costco (online). This link is for a different seller:
https://www.chemicalguys.com/torqx-random-orbital-polisher/BUF503.html

I used it to polish the single stage paint on my car. I used Chemical Guys polish.

 

[Firstram]

Can't go wrong with a DA buffing machine and synthetic clay bars.

 

[jayoldschool]

PC 7424XP

 

[bigtater]

I went to that chemical guy website and they do classes, have you ever been? I wonder if they will do an online class in this covid19 era.

 

[AFSOC]

RUPES seems to generally be considered the Gold Standard by detailing professionals...of which I am NOT. I think burning of paint has everything to do with operator's technique and little to do with the tool. You can quickly confirm or dispel my assumption with some Google searches and watching a couple of Youtube videos for tips and tricks. The Rupes machines are not cheap, much like a John Deere.

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/electric-tools/

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/pneumatic-tools/

 

[Steve_P]

Makita 9227C is excellent

 

[BTL-A4]

I went to that chemical guy website and they do classes, have you ever been? I wonder if they will do an online class in this covid19 era.

No, I didn't go to any classes. They have pretty good videos on their website, though. I also practiced on a scrap hood.

I looked at other YouTube videos as well.

I bought the TorqX because it was on sale at Costco and came with some sample polishes and some nice cleaning cloths. I think any decent polisher will work for you. I think the arbor nuts are all standard, or maybe there are just a few sizes.

 

[Danglerb]

Big flat areas like a car, 6" pad on whatever random orbital type you like. Smaller areas 3" pad on same only usually smaller.

If you plan to do a lot, cost of the machine is a lot to start, but cost of goop and pads grows to pass it.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I have a Flex with the forced rotation. It's pretty quick at correction compared to some of the smaller PC 7242 type machines, but costs a bit more. I don't think you can wrong with Flex or Rupes.

 

[MeentSS02]

RUPES seems to generally be considered the Gold Standard by detailing professionals...of which I am NOT. I think burning of paint has everything to do with operator's technique and little to do with the tool. You can quickly confirm or dispel my assumption with some Google searches and watching a couple of Youtube videos for tips and tricks. The Rupes machines are not cheap, much like a John Deere.

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/electric-tools/

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/pneumatic-tools/

Burning paint certainly does have something to do with technique, but it is also very much the tool. Anything with forced rotation can burn the paint, so that's something like a full rotary or a Flex 3401 (the 3401 being the lesser of those two since it is a forced rotation dual action machine). Random orbitals like the Rupes are extremely safe...about the only way you can burn the paint with one of those is if you are really trying. I guess you can also damage the paint if you drop the machine on it.

Keep in mind that the Rupes machines are a system, meaning they are designed to be used with their backing plates, pads, and polishes/compounds. I've never personally used one, but I don't like the idea of being married to a single source for pads/polishes/etc. if you want the best results. That doesn't mean you can't, it just isn't recommended.

I've owned a PC7424 since the early 2000s, and it still does a great job in most cases. I just picked up a Flex 3401 this year, and it is a much more powerful machine for sure. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Griot's machine to replace the 7424 - I'm not expecting night and day different results, but their newest machines have some very nice features that would be very nice to have.

Whatever you decide, see if you can find a machine with a 25 foot long cord. I ordered my Flex with one, and it is SO nice not having to drag an extension cord around. The Griot's machines also have this option.

 

[jchetty]

RUPES seems to generally be considered the Gold Standard by detailing professionals...of which I am NOT. I think burning of paint has everything to do with operator's technique and little to do with the tool. You can quickly confirm or dispel my assumption with some Google searches and watching a couple of Youtube videos for tips and tricks. The Rupes machines are not cheap, much like a John Deere.

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/electric-tools/

https://www.rupes.com/category-product/pneumatic-tools/

Maybe with Rupes does this hold true, but if you are talking about any polisher than no way.

A rotary tool will burn paint if you leave it on the edge to long. This is because the paint is thinner on the edges. If the OP wants an orbital that will not burn the paint, I highly recommend a dual-action orbital that was previously mentioned.

The only way to burn paint with a dual action orbital is with a super agressive pad and a super agreesive compound. So if you want a safe tool, make sure it is a dual action orbital. Anything that is rotary can burn paint very easily. Rupes does sell rotary polishers as well.

 

[MileHighRover]

Tons of dual action polisher out here. I'll throw another one in the mix - Griot's Garage. They have several and are built extremely well. Lifetime warranty. They have long throw polishers as well. Flex and Rupes is overkill for a DIY person that doesn't want to go full bore on the detailing. Keep it simple and affordable.

 

[BFHtime]

Definitely gotta checkout cyclo

 

[Retroman]

I have a Rupes LHR 15 and a Griots Garage G8 Mini. Covers the large and small area's Autogeek has some good value kits with quick shipping.

 

[king nero]

Makita 9227C is excellent

I've got the Makita PO6000C (similar but with orbital rotation or dual action or whatever it's called) and am very happy with it.

 

[Den69rs96]

I use Griots 6 inch and 3 inch polishers.

 

[Paycheck]

Flex beats Rupes, especially the new cordless units. But for DIY folks, Adams 15mm Swirl Killer is a great value and is backed by excellent customer service and warranty.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a Dual Action random orbit type, not a rotary!
Rotary will cut right through the paint if you’re not trained.

 

[tncumminsguy]

Flex, rupes or the ever reliable and great first time buffer Porter Cable DA. I had a dealing business and abused the porter cable, brother uses the same one on his flip cars at the dealer

 

[Ralf11]

just put a foam pad on your random orbit sander

 

[majorbanjo]

I recommend the flex 3401.....I've had mine for about 7 years and it's been amazing....

 

[M6erfan]

Flex beats Rupes, especially the new cordless units. But for DIY folks, Adams 15mm Swirl Killer is a great value and is backed by excellent customer service and warranty.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a Dual Action random orbit type, not a rotary!
Rotary will cut right through the paint if you’re not trained.

I just looked up that Adam's polisher, gets some pretty awful reviews.

I use a Porter Cable 7424 R.O. It's fine but something like a Rupes or Flex R.O. will work faster (longer throw, more power). And cost more.

 

[ZRX61]

PC7424 here with 3 & 5in pads.

 

[mikegt4]

I recommend the flex 3401.....I've had mine for about 7 years and it's been amazing....

x2
I just finished compounding, polishing and waxing the deck and cabin on my Farr 740 sailboat using my Flex 3401 and Marine 31 products. The results were outstanding especially considering that the boat hasn't been waxed in at least a decade or two. The Flex made short work of it.

 

[finn]

I have never in my life recommended a HF product, but bought their red random orbital polisher a couple of years ago based on recommendations posted here and it works well. The one I bought has been replaced by another red one of their new line, at a slightly higher price, whatever they call it. The replacement was on sale for $59 a few weeks ago.

Like I said, I am not a HF fan, but this thing works.

 

[MeentSS02]

Having used a Flex 3401, I would not recommend it if you are new to polishing. It isn't hard to use, but it definitely isn't as forgiving as something like a PC7424. Mine tends to pull a bit on curved surfaces, so you have to really watch what you are doing.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have a LED light that uses the M18 battery and would love a trimmer with it.

The trimmer with the Quick-Lok system is fantastic. String trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw: if you buy everything they become about $125 each.

 

[bigtater]

The trimmer with the Quick-Lok system is fantastic. String trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw: if you buy everything they become about $125 each.

Local plumbing store is having Milwaukee days on Weds. I'm really considering one with a discount.

thanks everyone for your opinions on polishers its given me a lot to think about.

 

[MeentSS02]

Bumping this one back up - just took delivery of two Griot's polishers to replace my old as dirt (but still functional) PC7424. One is the G8 (2-3" mini polisher), and the other is the G9 (5-6" polisher).

So far, I've only used the G8, but man, what a nice little polisher. Much quieter than the PC7424, more powerful, runs cooler, and smoother. I'm hoping the G9 is similar. The removable power cord is also nice...I got the 25' cord so I don't have to drag around an extension cord like I did with the 7424. The cord fits both the G8 and G9, so all I have to do is pull the cord out of one when I need to use the other.

 

[M635_Guy]

Bumping this one back up - just took delivery of two Griot's polishers to replace my old as dirt (but still functional) PC7424. One is the G8 (2-3" mini polisher), and the other is the G9 (5-6" polisher).

So far, I've only used the G8, but man, what a nice little polisher. Much quieter than the PC7424, more powerful, runs cooler, and smoother. I'm hoping the G9 is similar. The removable power cord is also nice...I got the 25' cord so I don't have to drag around an extension cord like I did with the 7424. The cord fits both the G8 and G9, so all I have to do is pull the cord out of one when I need to use the other.

It's been a few years, but I used to own a business that made a custom polish/wax system. It was based on the PC 7424, and since it was a tiny business and the buffer was such a major part of the expense and results, I tried lots of other buffers.

I always came back to the 7424. The feel and balance of that tool was awesome. I have the Flex XC 3401, and it's a fantastic tool. Most of the buffer/polishers I tried had more power, but I don't think more power is always better when it comes to these kinds of things. That's dramatically impacted by the pads and (especially) the characteristics of the polish.

 

[pioneer1]

PC 7424XP

PC7424 here with 3 & 5in pads.

Pc here...

 

[dnschmidt]

Don't mix the terms dual action with random orbit. A true dual action machine has forced pad rotation caused by a planetary gear. The pad's going to rotate no matter what. The PC mentioned often above is a random orbit machine and is an order of magnitude less aggressive and as far as I'm concerned only useful for applying wax. The original dual action machine used as a polisher was the Festool Rotex. There are now many such tools with my favorite being the new Bosch. The reason I like the new Bosch is that the pad rotation is the same as a rotary (clockwise) whereas most of the other dual action machines (with the exception of the Rupes) rotate counterclockwise.

 

[mille755]

I say go with a rotary buffer. They are not that hard to learn how to use, I learned how to use a rotary non variable speed black and Decker from the 70's that probably weighed 15-20#s when I was 16. Did I burn some edges on things that had been clearcoated the day before...yes. But with modern variable speed buffers, you can slow down the buffer when you are near an edge. Also always be aware of what direction the pad is spinning and how you are angling the tool so that you are effectively buffing away from the edge, not into the edge. I loaned a coworker my rotary and explained to him how to use it and told him to watch a video and he buffer both of his cars which are a 10yr old Lexus and Acura and he succeeded, no burnt edges. I consider this dude to be kind of a kludge and he picked. It up first try. I feel the fear of rotaries is overblown. If you are buffing large farm equipment you are going to want to use the tool that will get you done as quickly as possible. Also I know this is the place for Ocd, but isn't buffing farm equipment overkill?

 

[mille755]

The DeWalt rotary is what I would recommend.

 

[That Impression]

just put a foam pad on your random orbit sander

Is there any more information going this route? According to my research some have stated that a palm random orbit will not have the power to remove swirls compared to a dual action polisher. I have a Festool ETS 125 and have been pondering if it can be used for this manner, or would I be better served purchasing a dedicated polisher?

 

[M635_Guy]

Burning paint certainly does have something to do with technique, but it is also very much the tool. Anything with forced rotation can burn the paint, so that's something like a full rotary or a Flex 3401 (the 3401 being the lesser of those two since it is a forced rotation dual action machine). Random orbitals like the Rupes are extremely safe...about the only way you can burn the paint with one of those is if you are really trying. I guess you can also damage the paint if you drop the machine on it.

Keep in mind that the Rupes machines are a system, meaning they are designed to be used with their backing plates, pads, and polishes/compounds. I've never personally used one, but I don't like the idea of being married to a single source for pads/polishes/etc. if you want the best results. That doesn't mean you can't, it just isn't recommended.

I've owned a PC7424 since the early 2000s, and it still does a great job in most cases. I just picked up a Flex 3401 this year, and it is a much more powerful machine for sure. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Griot's machine to replace the 7424 - I'm not expecting night and day different results, but their newest machines have some very nice features that would be very nice to have.

Whatever you decide, see if you can find a machine with a 25 foot long cord. I ordered my Flex with one, and it is SO nice not having to drag an extension cord around. The Griot's machines also have this option.

I agree with this post - I've owned the 7424 and Flex 3401 for over ten years, and they're both excellent with a high safety factor. It seems the Flex is a lot more expensive now. The Flex has a far higher safety factor than a direct-drive buffer.

 

[eaglefan1]

If you want a machine for your own vehicles, not a boat, Griots is the ticket. Lifetime warranty. I have the older style GG6 and a Flex 3401.
The Flex is a swirl eating monster, workhorse, money maker. Never stalls and is always rotating. On super soft paint it needs a little more technique to finish out then the Griots but it can be learned easily.
Rotary in the wrong hands can do more harm than good.
After a drill purchase from HF, they will not get anymore of my money. If I have to save more that's ok. Never again

 

[ZRX61]

The DeWalt rotary is what I would recommend.

Saw a guy throw a fender across the shop with one of those