Buffer/polisher

[taterdog]

Im looking for suggestions on a variable speed buffer. I don't know much about making cars look good and im tired of putting this purchase off.

I suppose i would need one for general vehicle buffing, with a budget of about $100 I can be flexible if its within reason and worth it. Does anyone have suggestions?

 

[Monte]

only higher priced suggestions

 

[taterdog]

How high?

 

[daveblank]

Dewalt. But, over $100.

 

[taterdog]

Ok. I have a budget of $200....go

 

[Monte]

How high?

about that high:

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/flex-polishers.html

 

[shoot summ]

When I bought a VS grider/buffer about 4-5 years ago I talked to a local tool repair shop. He said the Dewalts were in for repairs constantly, and the Porter Cables were never in. I shopped around and bought a PC and have been very happy with it. Looks like they don't sell it anymore though....

 

[taterdog]

about that high:

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/flex-polishers.html

Alright. So lay some knowledge down on why those are better. I was never a believer in the more it cost the better it is theory. But if its legit then good.

 

[rkevins]

Lowe's had a Porter Cable 6" var.speed # 7346sp for $ 129 in store a while back, the people on Meguiar's online thaught it was a good buy also check detailing supply sites

The price online today is $134

 

[Monte]

Alright. So lay some knowledge down on why those are better. I was never a believer in the more it cost the better it is theory. But if its legit then good.

I searched through all kinds of car polishing forums in Germany, UK and USA so the result was that most people ended up with either the Flex, Festool or Porter Cable models (sometimes other models of course from Makita, Meguiars etc.). But the majority ended up with these brands. The further result was that people who owned the PC and bought the Flex too said that the Flex is an upgrade (less vibrations etc.)
The only complaint which you will find about the Flex or Festool is the price. Everything else speaks for these 2 brands.
Naturally both brands are more expensive because they are "Made in Germany" the competitors not.

 

[Danglerb]

http://www.autopiaforums.com/

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?67-The-Dual-Action-Polisher

Price of the polisher is the base admission ticket, expect to be buying a LOT more stuff.

OTOH some time spent in a few of the detail forums and you should be able to tell a good detailer from a not so good detailer.

 

[GSteg]

You need to determine what kind of buffer you want. You have rotary buffers and dual action (orbital). Each one has its advantage and disadvantages.

For beginners, you'll be happier with a dual action since it's hard to mess up. The only con is that it takes forever to remove scratches, and your hands may become numb after a while.

Rotaries can do some damage (heavy swirls, halograms, paint burn, etc) if you do not use the proper technique. However it doesn't vibrate like a dual action, and you can correct paint defects much faster. I started out years ago with a Porter Cable but I got tired of the vibrations. Moved up to a Hitachi rotary and would never go back.

Whatever you do, I would highly advise against the Dewalt. It's about 1-2 pounds heavier than the competition and doesn't feel as balanced. 1 pound may not be a lot, but when you're doing lower side panels, fatigue will kick in. The weight and balance makes all the difference in the world. The Dewalt is a heavy sucker.

I've used the Flex before and while it's a good machine. The Flex dual action buffer has power and it delivers where as some Porter Cable will bog down. Their rotary buffer are nice too. Lightweight at around 5lbs, but you pay the price for it. With that being said, I have no reason to switch from my Hitachi. Technique > equipment.

If you just want a decent buffer and you're not OCD about it, a Porter Cable dual action (7336, 7424,...) is pretty much the standard.

 

[homesale]

Cyclo Polishers are the best but they are over $300:

http://www.topoftheline.com/cyclo-polisher.html

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I'm sure much will be said, but I bought this from HF and could not be happier:

It did a great job on my vehicles and motorcycle. I also used it to polish a guitar I refinished with excellent results. No burning or swirling. It's also a great sander. Heck, I've also been using it with a wire brush head and a 7" grinding wheel and it's got pleny of power. Note that this is the red one with the digital speed control - HF sells a cheaper black one I can't vouch for that one. I really like the variable speed.

Use a 20% off coupon and get it for @ $48.00. I think I bought mine with a coupon for $39.00.

 

[socalbodydude]

I'm going to chime in with my opinion. Some of those flex & porter cable buffers do not look like anything I would want to use. The handle on the back is a big deal. you want the slimmer style grip with a trigger for control and comfort.

 

[Shipfittin]

I'm a proud owner of a PC Dual Action polisher. No problems with it at all, have had it for years, love it. I highly recommend the Meguiars pads that you can swap out on them with the velcro backing.

 

[MOPARINMYCAR]

I have a makita and I'm very happy with it what I would suggest is that you vist a good tool shop and ask to handle a few different makes as these machines do tend to get heavy after a liittle while and they also have different types of handles try to find the one that you feel most comfortable with

 

[socalbodydude]

Most body shops use Dewalt buffers. Made in USA.

 

[3 at 8]

I've been loking for something to polish my car as well; and while I dont have anything yet it seems the PC 7424xp has quite a popular following. Theres some You Tube videos on it too.

 

[socalbodydude]

Also, the backing pad is pretty important. I would upgrade to a 3M or similar backing pad.

 

[worknhard]

I have the Makita 9227 VS and love it... seems to be a quality machine, priced near $200.

 

[canuckian]

I'd recommend the flex machines but if they're out of your price range, porter cable makes some solid units or you could keep your eyes peeled for a lightly used Dewalt.

 

[truckdriver]

http://www.autopiaforums.com/

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?67-The-Dual-Action-Polisher

Price of the polisher is the base admission ticket, expect to be buying a LOT more stuff.

Very true. I dont do paint but I easily have more money in supplies than my Dewalt cost and I polish aluminum. It is still cheaper than a polish shop. I bought a truck with diamond plate drom rack on it and was quoted $600 to polish it. I used over $100 in wheels and rouge to polish it.

 

[homesale]

From the videos below it looks like the Cyclo Polisher takes less time than the Porter cable 7424 to remove swirls.


Cyclo Polisher video - removing swirls on dark paint:

Porter cable 7424 swirl remover video:

 

[FJF]

I have a Makita rotary and the Flex and PC (Porter-Cable) DAs. As for recommending one over another, much depends on the user's comfort level with the tool, and most importantly, with the process itself. I'd strongly suggest reviewing the applicable polishing tutorials, watching some of the videos, and assessing one's own expertise:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/115376-internet-resources-newbs.html

As a rule of thumb, a novice is best off with the PC. Then, there's pad and polish selection and the technique, itself, that will make or break the project.

 

[Hammer1963]

I've had a Snap-on for over 20 years and have used it weekly since then. Yes it is expensive, but it is hard to beat. Yes I realize that's out of your price range, so check for a used model. My guess is that it's made by Souix

 

[taterdog]

Thanks for all the information everyone im somewhat drawn towards the porter cable 7424xp. Mostly on a price point and its following. Ive been procrastinating for a few years over buying one and its time to do something. Im not too concerned with the pricing of accessories and detailing materials like anything it just comes with the territory. I will probably order the PC or find one at a local store next weekend after i return from vacation. im fairly excited for the chance to learn a new skill

 

[anotheroldguy]

I like a variable speed buffer/polisher. 9 amp motor or larger. I like a unit with a handle that can be moved to either the right or left side. It should feel balanced in your hands. It should have a fairly long power cord. I have had my Makita for at least 25 years with no problems. I would not make a statement saying most body shops use a "so and so" buffer as it would be very hard to prove. I think the old PC machines were great. I really don't know anything about the new light case versions. Just my 2 cents.

 

[pipsters]

I own a PC 7424XP. In fact, I used it today for the first time.

My impression:

• The pad jiggles, it does not rotate in a circle like a rotary, when any pressure is applied. Therefore IMO it really isn't a DA polisher. I really just vibrates and oscillates slightly while doing so.
• If you don't apply pressure, the pad rotates quickly spinning the material off
• It did a good job removing very light scratches, without overdoing it.
• Incredible amounts of vibration

I'm already looking for another unit. That Flex 3401 looks really nice, but $300 is just a bit too much, at least right now. I'm thinking of looking at a Rotary unit because it would super smooth to do the bulk of the work. The issue with the rotary is it will swirl, so then maybe hit the finish with the PC7424XP quickly when done to remove any light swirling. I think the PC unit is a good unit to have for the $$, but seems better to light swirl work that you can knock out quickly. I don't even want to waste my time/money on more cutting compounds with it.

In the end, I hate to admit it, but I might just pull the trigger on the Flex unit. The forced turning of the head means it will cut, and the orbital action means it won't hologram. Can't ask for much more. PC 7424XP is around $115 plus $50-$100 for the rotary, plus two different sets of pads, you're looking at almost the same cost in the end probably.

This isn't to say the PC didn't work for me. It did, and it did a fine job with the light stuff. I haven't tried the heavier stuff yet, but I'm not sure I will now, due to it not rotating therefore it won't cut. Plus, the time savings using the Flex without having to using the PC at the end might be worth it.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought a used Cyclo off CL on a spur of the moment thing, and so far I've paid more for pads and bonnets, etc. than for the Cyclo itself, and I am still buying goop.

OTOH the Cyclo is the most idiot proof and I haven't heard of any actually wearing out, totally rebuildable.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Here's a similar thread I created a little while back with same question: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101308&highlight=buffer

I ultimately ended up choosing the Flex 3401 and I'm glad I did. I'm with pipsters...I've used the PC many times before and would notice that it just jiggles in place when I'm trying to remove defects with some pressure. But apparently its 'designed' to do that when pressure is applied. You will not be able to bog down the Flex at all, it will just keep spinning.

I would suggest throwing down the extra money and going for the Flex.

Here is just one pass with Flex + Klasse AIO on heavily swirled black paint:

Also, I am just a weekend warrior doing my own cars.

 

[CamarosRus]

Porter Cable 7424XP Orbital is absolutely the best tool for an "amatuer" paint polisher. READ all the misc body detailing web sites and you'll READ, whereas this buffer is the most recommended for not screwing up your finish. Yes the FLEX may be better, if money is no object.

I've been buying everything from www.detailedimage.com. Using LAKES COUNTRY Velcro backed 6.5" Foam pads in misc colors/grits, along with a variety of polish, sealer, and wax.........

 

[homesale]

cyclo vs. flex: which is better?

 

[taterdog]

I own a PC 7424XP. In fact, I used it today for the first time.

My impression:

• The pad jiggles, it does not rotate in a circle like a rotary, when any pressure is applied. Therefore IMO it really isn't a DA polisher. I really just vibrates and oscillates slightly while doing so.
• If you don't apply pressure, the pad rotates quickly spinning the material off
• It did a good job removing very light scratches, without overdoing it.
• Incredible amounts of vibration

I'm already looking for another unit. That Flex 3401 looks really nice, but $300 is just a bit too much, at least right now. I'm thinking of looking at a Rotary unit because it would super smooth to do the bulk of the work. The issue with the rotary is it will swirl, so then maybe hit the finish with the PC7424XP quickly when done to remove any light swirling. I think the PC unit is a good unit to have for the $$, but seems better to light swirl work that you can knock out quickly. I don't even want to waste my time/money on more cutting compounds with it.

In the end, I hate to admit it, but I might just pull the trigger on the Flex unit. The forced turning of the head means it will cut, and the orbital action means it won't hologram. Can't ask for much more. PC 7424XP is around $115 plus $50-$100 for the rotary, plus two different sets of pads, you're looking at almost the same cost in the end probably.

This isn't to say the PC didn't work for me. It did, and it did a fine job with the light stuff. I haven't tried the heavier stuff yet, but I'm not sure I will now, due to it not rotating therefore it won't cut. Plus, the time savings using the Flex without having to using the PC at the end might be worth it.

Thank you for your review. I may reconcider my choice.

 

[Monte]

 

[trbomax]

I have used an air buffer for the last 20 yrs. Infinetly variable speed and only wieghs 1 lb. dont know if they even make them anymore.

 

[MastoidPress]

Normally I would reccomend American made National Detroit, however their website has been down for over a month. They seem to be really flaking out

http://nationaldetroit.com/nationaldetroit.com/index.html/

 

[Danglerb]

Whats going to work best for you depends on the you and the car, and how the tools suit both. If your into detailing, its a DEEP well, if your not, maybe keeping to a budget is a good idea.

I would not overlook the Griots or Maguires polishers either, but here is a link and a picture of the Cyclo (still what they use to polish Air Force 1).
http://www.cyclotoolmakers.com/why_choose_cyclo.php

 

[Monte]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/up5prd3kZ6Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[WHT]

Cyclo Polishers are the best but they are over $300.

That's what I have been using for the last four years. If they are good enough for Air Force One, they are good enough for me. Works very well and manufactured in the U.S.A..