Weber1
Well-known member
Anyone have a favorite?
Car Buffer & Polisher
- Thread starter Weber1
- Start date
c5golfguy
Well-known member
http://www.autogeek.net/po.html
Can't go wrong with that Porter Cable. Talk to Megan pronounced Mee-Gan if you want it.
ps.. No affiliation with Auto Geek, just know the folks down there.
Can't go wrong with that Porter Cable. Talk to Megan pronounced Mee-Gan if you want it.
ps.. No affiliation with Auto Geek, just know the folks down there.
scooby074
Well-known member
Makita 9227. Be warned, its not as idiot proof as the DA like the Porter Cable.
Stewie 03
Member
+1 on the Porter Cable 7424. I have used it for a few years on my 2003 Ford Lightning with great results.
BWS
Well-known member
Most of the pro shops around here use Makituh.Mine is Dewalt,I just like the feel of the Dewalts better......and most of my woodwackin sanding stuff is P.C.They all work,think they're all made in China by now...if theres anyway you can try thm,even if its just in the store?Now if you want to really get a bunch of diff opinions ask about compounds.....Presta here,mainly for the smell!BW
bry@n
Well-known member
If your not familiar with using a wheel, then I would go with the PC as everyone has recomended. They are great and easy. Many companies make good pads for em.
You'll need a backing plate and a weight if you go uyp in pad size also.
You'll need a backing plate and a weight if you go uyp in pad size also.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I do alot of detailing and have four machines. A Black & Decker rotary, Makita 6040 (forced roation/orbital) Porter Cable 7336...and recently got the new Porter Cable 7424 XP (?).
My go-to machine was the 7336, but this newer version 7424 is indeed a step above. I bought mine from another site that calls their version the Ultimate Detailing machine. They were having a sale and the warranty was better. But..it's the same machine. My PCs have been real workhorses.
I can remove minor swirls with a cutting pad and Zaino's Fusion, and even if it takes two passes, I feel it's better than just being more aggressive the first time.
Applying polishes and sealants is a breeze too. I cannot imagine working with one of these machines.
I had considered one by Flex (Don;t recall the part number) but it was triple the cost of the PC and since it uses a different pad size, the myriad of pads I had amassed for my PC would not fit.
My go-to machine was the 7336, but this newer version 7424 is indeed a step above. I bought mine from another site that calls their version the Ultimate Detailing machine. They were having a sale and the warranty was better. But..it's the same machine. My PCs have been real workhorses.
I can remove minor swirls with a cutting pad and Zaino's Fusion, and even if it takes two passes, I feel it's better than just being more aggressive the first time.
Applying polishes and sealants is a breeze too. I cannot imagine working with one of these machines.
I had considered one by Flex (Don;t recall the part number) but it was triple the cost of the PC and since it uses a different pad size, the myriad of pads I had amassed for my PC would not fit.
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
I would put another vote in the plus column for the PC 7424 polisher. If you are new to detailing, it's hard to beat for a foolproof polisher that will still get the job done. I still use mine for applying waxes and sealers and for those times when a little "finesse" is needed for stubborn paint.
Once you become more skilled, the rotaries are great to get a job done in less time and, with some of the newer polishes, the rotaries are the only way to get enough heat to break them down and get a swirl free finish.
Once you step up the rotary polisher I like the two I settled on, a Dewalt 849 and a Makita 9227C. As mentioned above there are a ton of choices including the forced rotary/orbital machines like the Flex and the Makita 6040 but if you poll most pro detailing shops, you will find the 849 and the 9227 in the bulk of them.
The Dewalt 849 is built like a tank, is the heaviest machine I have but the weight helps control it with the pads that I use on that machine (3M wool pads for heavy correction). It has a thumbwheel for speed adjustment (wish the PC’s was located in a better spot) for easy speed variation on the fly, easy to replace brushes and will last forever.
The Makita 9227C is lighter, has a soft start that I like and mine is setup for foam pads that I use more than the other two combined. It's quiet, relatively vibration free, has the "soft start" that gradually gets the machine up to the RPM range and also has the thumbwheel speed adjustment.
Buy quality machines and they will always have a place in your detailing kit. Start with a PC or equal to learn and then step up in power as you feel comfortable.
Once you become more skilled, the rotaries are great to get a job done in less time and, with some of the newer polishes, the rotaries are the only way to get enough heat to break them down and get a swirl free finish.
Once you step up the rotary polisher I like the two I settled on, a Dewalt 849 and a Makita 9227C. As mentioned above there are a ton of choices including the forced rotary/orbital machines like the Flex and the Makita 6040 but if you poll most pro detailing shops, you will find the 849 and the 9227 in the bulk of them.
The Dewalt 849 is built like a tank, is the heaviest machine I have but the weight helps control it with the pads that I use on that machine (3M wool pads for heavy correction). It has a thumbwheel for speed adjustment (wish the PC’s was located in a better spot) for easy speed variation on the fly, easy to replace brushes and will last forever.
The Makita 9227C is lighter, has a soft start that I like and mine is setup for foam pads that I use more than the other two combined. It's quiet, relatively vibration free, has the "soft start" that gradually gets the machine up to the RPM range and also has the thumbwheel speed adjustment.
Buy quality machines and they will always have a place in your detailing kit. Start with a PC or equal to learn and then step up in power as you feel comfortable.
c5golfguy
Well-known member
The FLEX is an awesome machine, but good entry level you can't beat the PC.
I like ZAINO products as well as the Pinnacle and Adam's products. Adam that started Adam's waxes is helluva nice guy. Adam's and AutoGeek have great online forums with a wealth of information on them.
I like ZAINO products as well as the Pinnacle and Adam's products. Adam that started Adam's waxes is helluva nice guy. Adam's and AutoGeek have great online forums with a wealth of information on them.
smooth72
Well-known member
I have Makita orbital, Flex and a PC. The pc is a great polisher and you can't mess up paint job. The flex is much stronger for a da and it comes closer to an orbital. If you get an orbital practice on something besides your car. You could pick up a fender or something from a body shop. You can burn through the paint real easy.
Lots of great info here. Watch out detail can become addictive.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/ http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php
Lots of great info here. Watch out detail can become addictive.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/ http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php
I can't believe nobody's mentioned Autopia.
www.autopia.org
It's to detailing what Garage Journal is to garages.
www.autopia.org
It's to detailing what Garage Journal is to garages.
hicketts
Well-known member
Great thing with the Porter Cable is, it can double as a regular Hook and Loop sander. All you have to do is switch out the pad and your in business. I bought mine as the "5 inch 8 hole sander" in order to get the dust collection system. Every thing is the same between the two even the counter weight. Just keep it clean and it works great.
I second autopia thats where I got the buffing and polishing heads from.
I second autopia thats where I got the buffing and polishing heads from.
Speed-Racer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2008
- Messages
- 731
Take a look at the Cyclo. This product has remained unchanged for over 50 years. Really good professional machine that is easy to master and a great choice for a beginner. It cost a little more than some of the other machines, but it is worth it. Autogeek.net has many reviews and discussions about the Cyclo, it has a very strong following.
www.cyclotoolmakers.com
www.cyclotoolmakers.com
akdiesel
Well-known member
I agree with the Cyclo products. As mentioned they are expensive but my fail safe routine is "You get what you pay for".
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
hades02
Well-known member
Autogeek.net
I have a flex DA. It buffs as good as a rotary with
the safety of a DA. It is not as fast as a rotary but
is much faster than the Porter Cable. It is more expensive
than the Porter Cable. Edge makes an adapter to use
their smaller pads for spot buffing.
Autopia.org is another good site but it is geared more towards
high end cars and high end detailers. Guys that spend thousands of
dollars on a small tub of wax and hand rub the wax in.
Hope this helps
I have a flex DA. It buffs as good as a rotary with
the safety of a DA. It is not as fast as a rotary but
is much faster than the Porter Cable. It is more expensive
than the Porter Cable. Edge makes an adapter to use
their smaller pads for spot buffing.
Autopia.org is another good site but it is geared more towards
high end cars and high end detailers. Guys that spend thousands of
dollars on a small tub of wax and hand rub the wax in.
Hope this helps
bry@n
Well-known member
detailcity.com is another site.
KINGY2
Member
another vote for PC7424 XP ......great machine .
Dual action go with Porter cable 7424 or 7336. The 7336 has the larger counterweight on it, so that would be the one to get (you can buy counterweights for different size pads for $5 or less). I have this and use it.
Polisher variable speed rotary, I would get Dewalt. I don't have this, but did some research and this was the one I would have chosen.
Polisher variable speed rotary, I would get Dewalt. I don't have this, but did some research and this was the one I would have chosen.
Cobra4B
Well-known member
Didn't read the thread, but the Porter Cable w/ the 6" head and velcro pads is what me and most buddies use.
MattSteele
Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 7
+1 on the Porter Cable. If you do research on any car detailing site, you'll see a high degree of mentions because it's effective (produces great results) and safe (i.e., won't burn your paint).
Rocket1
Well-known member
I've had a Porter Cable for years and its always been good. I picked up. New Flex almost a year go and l love it. the rotation feels different than a PC and the trigger is variable so I can control the speed when I start or going around an area that I need to be careful. I still use my porter cable but I keep the small back plate on it for the 4" pads
The newer Porter Cable 7424 XP has more power and bit more speed than the older versions. The previous models, 7424 and 7336 were the same, except for a different counterweight.
One tip I have found was that using a more aggressive pad, with (for example) Zaino's Fusion allows a bit more cut without getting too aggressive.
I regularly remove cobwebbing and "swirls" with this combination on the PC.
Back on topic...the new XP model works great with the counterweight supplied. I use 6.5 or 6" pads and it's very smooth.
One tip I have found was that using a more aggressive pad, with (for example) Zaino's Fusion allows a bit more cut without getting too aggressive.
I regularly remove cobwebbing and "swirls" with this combination on the PC.
Back on topic...the new XP model works great with the counterweight supplied. I use 6.5 or 6" pads and it's very smooth.
cashishift
Well-known member
I have a PC.. while it takes awhile.. it also takes awhile to save up to fix the paint you burnt with a rotary.
If I need rotary work, I'll have a friend do it, or take it to another friend who owns a shop.
If I need rotary work, I'll have a friend do it, or take it to another friend who owns a shop.
cravingspeed
Active member
How does the Porter Cable 7424 XP compare with the meguiar's or Griot's machine?
Griot's Garage
Well-known member
To avoid any bias, I'll give you the "on-paper" (advertised) information I've compiled about the 3 different machines. I've used all 3 of them, done side-by-side testing, and have quite a bit of experience with them, so feel free to ask me any questions. From the testing I did, what is on paper translates to paint, so you can be confident in what you read.
~derek
Motor
PC 7424XP: 4.5 AMP
Meguiar's G110: 4.2 AMP
Griot's Garage: 7 AMP
OPM (Orbits Per Minute) - All have adjustable speed settings from 1-6
PC 7424XP: 2,500 - 6,800
Meguiar's G110: 2,500 - 6,500
Griot's Garage: 2,500 - 6,800
Weight
PC 7424XP: 5.5lbs
Meguiar's G110: 6lbs
Griot's Garage: 6lbs
Warranty
PC 7424XP: 3 Year
Meguiar's G110: 1 Year
Griot's Garage: Lifetime
Price
PC 7424XP: $149.99 (backing plate not included)
Meguiar's G110: $149.99
Griot's Garage: $129.99
Makita variable speed rotary and Porter Cable orbital. Great prices for both at www.coastaltool.com
It's funny this thread comes up again....
I just did a vehicle that I don't think was ever polished, and while my 7424XP is my usual "go to" machine...I wanted to get the job done quicker.
It gave me a newfound appreciation for my Makita BO6040, which has forced rotation and orbital motions. The forced rotation is like a rotary, except it spins slightly off center. I hadn't used the Makita for awhile as I was less than thrilled with the pads I had for it. But...I had to try again and I'm really glad I did.
I managed to get a good feel for the Makita this time and was thrilled with the results. The job went much quicker....and I did finish by applying the last step with the smaller, lighter PC. But, I'm sure the Makita in the orbital mode would have been fine too.
The Makita has a digital speed control, so it "ramps up" to speed as opposed to starting up right away.Now, I'm gonna look into some new pads for the Makita. Oh yeah, I got my eye on that new style pad washer too.
I just did a vehicle that I don't think was ever polished, and while my 7424XP is my usual "go to" machine...I wanted to get the job done quicker.
It gave me a newfound appreciation for my Makita BO6040, which has forced rotation and orbital motions. The forced rotation is like a rotary, except it spins slightly off center. I hadn't used the Makita for awhile as I was less than thrilled with the pads I had for it. But...I had to try again and I'm really glad I did.
I managed to get a good feel for the Makita this time and was thrilled with the results. The job went much quicker....and I did finish by applying the last step with the smaller, lighter PC. But, I'm sure the Makita in the orbital mode would have been fine too.
The Makita has a digital speed control, so it "ramps up" to speed as opposed to starting up right away.Now, I'm gonna look into some new pads for the Makita. Oh yeah, I got my eye on that new style pad washer too.