Buffer

[cowchaser]

Looking to get a new buffer for my cars. I grew up working in grandparents detail shop so not new to high speed buffers. Just never bothered with what brands he had. Just was taught how to buff cars and didn't worry to much about the rest. Long hours and small pay. That was our parents way to keep us out of trouble during the summers. All the grandkids had to work for grandpa.

I know a lot of people like the porter cable one, but I just don't think that one is more for me. I would like a 8 to 10 inch buffer, but not sure what brand. I do know how to use them very well. So if you have a buffer or have any insight on them let me know what you think is a pretty good one out there. It's been a good 15 years since I last buffed a car and not sure what the better products are out there. If anyone can help with that also. One of the cars I plan on buffing has pretty dull paint so I am sure I am going to have to use a compound on it, which if you know anythng about buffing then it most likely is going to leave swirl marks. Anyone know of any good swirl removers? Are the new swirl removers used with the buffer? We use to have to hand wax it to remove the swirls.

I know this is a tool forum and figured a buffer would be classified as a tool.

 

[Az Scooter]

Sioux is the cream when it comes to buffers, most new guys do not even know they exist. They are big, heavy, and built like tanks. I don't even know where you would find one anymore. I hear DeWalt and Makita make nice rotaries, as well. The little Porter Cables are way cool, and very effective. With the new compounds and pads out there, their performance rivals any of the rotaries in all but the worst cases.
You would be amazed at the new technology at polishing cars out there. If you have anything newer than 20 years or so, it is likely clear coated, and that requires some technique, as well. You could go to www.detailcity.com for a detailing forum, and there are others out there, as well. Those guys are up on the latest trends, and a little research will teach you how and why you should use foam pads instead of the wool that we grew up with.

 

[cowchaser]

Thanks az scooter. Yeah, I was an old school wool pad as well. They worked well, but technique was a need to learn thing. I will say I burned a few along the way. Luckily he shop mostly detailed for the used car dealer lots and they were real forgiving on burns. The thing I hated the most was washing engines. Can't tell you how many soft plugs gramp had to have repair.

 

[Jayincali]

I have the PC and works very well with 90% of the details. I have a 7" pad that I use on it and still has plenty of power. There is another buffer that is between a PC and high speed that is called a Flex, believe its made in Germany and has really good reviews. If your set on a high speed buffer then I would probably look at a Makita first or a Dewalt.

As for cutting coumpounds, I internet order all my supplies as the OTC products don't cut it for me. Nothing wrong with OTC for the weekend warrior that wants his cars lookong good. I use Poorboys, Menzerna, Pinnacle, 4Star, Klasse and a few others. You can go to autogeek. net for a wide variety of products.

Also, if you are waxing by hand to remove swirls, you're actually just filling them in and hiding them. Wax has zero cutting properties, strictly gloss enhancement and protection. Polish and a cutting pad is the only way to remove swirls. If you want to check to see if your using a filler wax (which most people use as a one step wax/polish) wipe down an area with some rubbing alcohol and shine some light on the panel.

 

[bolecailey]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/

I suggest going there and reading the threads and FAQs there. I just went through this and ended up going with the Flex 3401. It will do just about anything the porter cable will do but is powerful enough to do severe paint correction with the right pads and compounds. I will say from what I have read however, you can do a lot of correction with the porter cable with Meguiars 105 and 205 compounds. I went with the Flex over the PC because people usually end up upgrading to it at some point for added power and additional correction capability. I would do some reading on the forums and see what you think meets your needs. What kind of cars are you going to be working on? Most people don't use the big pad high speed buffers on anything that doesn't need major paint correction. The smaller dual action buffers are much lighter, easier to get into tight places and can do major paint correction with proper pad and compound selection.

Cole

 

[bolecailey]

I have the PC and works very well with 90% of the details. I have a 7" pad that I use on it and still has plenty of power. There is another buffer that is between a PC and high speed that is called a Flex, believe its made in Germany and has really good reviews. If your set on a high speed buffer then I would probably look at a Makita first or a Dewalt.

As for cutting coumpounds, I internet order all my supplies as the OTC products don't cut it for me. Nothing wrong with OTC for the weekend warrior that wants his cars lookong good. I use Poorboys, Menzerna, Pinnacle, 4Star, Klasse and a few others. You can go to autogeek. net for a wide variety of products.

Also, if you are waxing by hand to remove swirls, you're actually just filling them in and hiding them. Wax has zero cutting properties, strictly gloss enhancement and protection. Polish and a cutting pad is the only way to remove swirls. If you want to check to see if your using a filler wax (which most people use as a one step wax/polish) wipe down an area with some rubbing alcohol and shine some light on the panel.

He beat me to it LOL. I don't think a DIY detailer needs a high speed buffer with the compounds available now unless you are doing RVs, big boats, etc.. I would agree on the suggestion of a Makita or Dewalt if you decide you need a dedicated high speed buffer, but I don't think it is necessary with todays compounds.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I am a little biased but I like my old Dewalt 849 (built like a tank but a little heavy) and the newer Makita 9227C (loop handle model). The Makita is lighter and has a good soft start feature. I would be hard pressed to chose between them.

Another option is the forced rotation orbital Flex machine that several guys swear is great but I never have used one. If either one of the others ever dies, I might try one of the Flex machines.

I still use my PC for eliminating holograms if I get in a hurry with the rotary or for applying sealers and wax. They are still a great machine but I hear they are made differently now.

 

[bolecailey]

I am a little biased but I like my old Dewalt 849 (built like a tank but a little heavy) and the newer Makita 9227C (loop handle model). The Makita is lighter and has a good soft start feature. I would be hard pressed to chose between them.

Another option is the forced rotation orbital Flex machine that several guys swear is great but I never have used one. If either one of the others ever dies, I might try one of the Flex machines.

I still use my PC for eliminating holograms if I get in a hurry with the rotary or for applying sealers and wax. They are still a great machine but I hear they are made differently now.

I have the forced rotation FLex 3401 and it is awesome. Plenty of power for correction and small and gentle enough for everything else.

 

[Scout Driver]

Add my opinion of the DeWalt 849. Mine has been run 10-12 hours a day for a week at a time. Tough machine (a little heavy!). I've gotten excellent results with mine. Most of my work has been tractors and farm equipment. If you will be doing jobs that require a lot of heavy polishing, stain removal, or heavy oxidation removal, the DeWalt will be a great choice.

2000th post for me!

Scott

 

[mrholeshot]

I'm a fan of the Porter-Cable. I have a lot of time on mine. I also have a cheap Craftsman unit I use on the boat. That Craftsman has been with me for about 10 years. It's the one that comes in the bucket and gets thrown on sale for 29.95

 

[RAYJAY]

I have the PC and works very well with 90% of the details. I have a 7" pad that I use on it and still has plenty of power. There is another buffer that is between a PC and high speed that is called a Flex, believe its made in Germany and has really good reviews. If your set on a high speed buffer then I would probably look at a Makita first or a Dewalt.

As for cutting compounds, I Internet order all my supplies as the OTC products don't cut it for me. Nothing wrong with OTC for the weekend warrior that wants his cars looking good. I use Poorboys, Menzerna, Pinnacle, 4Star, Klasse and a few others. You can go to autogeek. net for a wide variety of products.

Also, if you are waxing by hand to remove swirls, you're actually just filling them in and hiding them. Wax has zero cutting properties, strictly gloss enhancement and protection. Polish and a cutting pad is the only way to remove swirls. If you want to check to see if your using a filler wax (which most people use as a one step wax/polish) wipe down an area with some rubbing alcohol and shine some light on the panel.

I will 2nd that on the PC and the Makita, lakes pads are about the best out there, there new wool foam is great, and yes i was a one speed wool guy also,

I use Poorboys on all my cars its just a great product and price wise its not bad

also a great forum is detailcity.org

http://www.detailcity.org/

Jeff

 

[spencejm]

I have the PC. I really like it cause I really don't have to worry about burning my paint. I've got an 82 911 and really don't want to pay to have it repainted!

Joe