Car Polishers / Buffers
- Thread starter JohnS
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Underdog
Well-known member
I've got a Hitachi, same thing, you have to have an electronic speed control on them. small thumb wheel by the trigger.
Chris Adams
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- Oct 21, 2007
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Have a Porter Cable that I bought from Lowe's for a little less than 100 bucks. Then added the adapter that makes it the same as the expensive ones.
Spent more on the foam heads for it.
It has done about 60-80 vehicles. I use it more than most because I work one handed, so I even use it for removing wax where most people use just their hands.
Still works great. Wouldn't be without it.
I have been told some other brands were better, but I don't know how.
If it was lighter it would take more muscle to control it, unless it had less power.
If it was heavier it would be harder to use.
Spent more on the foam heads for it.
It has done about 60-80 vehicles. I use it more than most because I work one handed, so I even use it for removing wax where most people use just their hands.
Still works great. Wouldn't be without it.
I have been told some other brands were better, but I don't know how.
If it was lighter it would take more muscle to control it, unless it had less power.
If it was heavier it would be harder to use.
bmw wrench
Member
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- Aug 11, 2009
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- 23
I use a Pc 7424 and am very happy I use it on speed 4
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Most people looking for a DA usually go for the Porter Cable 7424. If you want to step up a little bit from that, I'd go with this one.http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/g110-kit-1.html. It just depends on what your price range is, and what you want to get done with it. 
Most people looking for a DA usually go for the Porter Cable 7424. If you want to step up a little bit from that, I'd go with this one.http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/g110-kit-1.html. It just depends on what your price range is, and what you want to get done with it.
I don't know, that looks like a step down. I have heard nothing but good things about the Porter Cables.
Speed-Racer
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- Aug 25, 2008
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- 731
Take a look at the Cyclo, at www.cyclotoolmakers.com It has been around for over 50 years, easy to learn how to use. It is hard to hurt the paint with this tool, biggest negative is price.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/72/cat/30
http://www.cyclotoolmakers.com/archives/Zivko_Cyclo_04sm.JPG
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/72/cat/30
http://www.cyclotoolmakers.com/archives/Zivko_Cyclo_04sm.JPG
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GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
The Dewalt is an 849 (mine is built like a tank) and is my go to early in the day. When it gets too heavy, out comes the Makita 9227C. I like the lighter weight and the soft start...
To finish a soft paint or the lighter jobs, try the Porter Cable 7424
To finish a soft paint or the lighter jobs, try the Porter Cable 7424
M3Pilot
Well-known member
I really like my PC.
boiler7904
Well-known member
I've got a PC 7424. Pads and backing plates cost more than the machine. I wouldn't have a problem getting the new PC 7424 XP. Reading at Meguiars online, a lot of guys have had problems with durability of the G110.
ADS (www.autodetailingsolutions.net) is a great place to buy detailing products. They're competitive on price and the service can't be beat. Rick is a stand up guy that understands customer service. My first order had a couple of problems - wrong backing plate shipped, no sprayers for chemical bottles. Exchanged a couple of emails with him and had the correct items 3 days later. He's earned future business from me including a second order a couple of days after the first. One thing I like about ADS is that they offer samples of the Mirror Glaze and Detailer Series products so you can see what works for you without buying large bottles of product.
ADS (www.autodetailingsolutions.net) is a great place to buy detailing products. They're competitive on price and the service can't be beat. Rick is a stand up guy that understands customer service. My first order had a couple of problems - wrong backing plate shipped, no sprayers for chemical bottles. Exchanged a couple of emails with him and had the correct items 3 days later. He's earned future business from me including a second order a couple of days after the first. One thing I like about ADS is that they offer samples of the Mirror Glaze and Detailer Series products so you can see what works for you without buying large bottles of product.
Thanks for sharing that.
I haven't been over to the Meguiars Forum in a while and was unaware of the issues with the G110. I like ADS too, that's were I bought my G100 and all my Meguiars Products(except car wash). Have they said anything about the PC xp over on Meguiars?WNYflyer
Well-known member
I have the Porter Cable (PC) 7424 also for mild correction to my cars. A great website for more information than you could ever want about buffers and just as importantly the pads, is corvetteforum.com under Forums/Car Care Discussions which is sponsered by Autogeek.net which someone else already mentioned.
The PC 7424 has worked great for me the few times I have used it but my cars didn't need a whole lot of correction.
The PC 7424 has worked great for me the few times I have used it but my cars didn't need a whole lot of correction.
boiler7904
Well-known member
Thanks for sharing that.
As far as I know, there aren't any problems and people really like the new unit since it has more power than the old one. Hard to tell on durability since it's only been out for a few months.
I've even started buying car wash through them. A gallon on that site is about the same as I would pay locally for a half gallon. Just have to plan things out in advance a little.
Talking about polishers is making me want to clean, polish, and wax my truck. I did my wife's Escape a couple of weeks ago with the intent of doing mine the next weekend so she couldn't complain that I never detail her's. Plan backfired. Now I don't have time to do my truck.
Racecarl
Well-known member
I polish a lot of aluminum (big truck tanks, headache racks, ect) so I bought a DeWalt 849. I really like it, even though it is quite heavy. I have used it to buff out paint and it works great!
I have the PC 7336 which is the same as the 7424 but with a 5oz counterweight as opposed 6oz. It was a good tool for mild job but for the heavy stuff, I turn to my Hitachi SP18VA rotary. It does everything faster and better than the PC. In fact, I only use the PC to apply wax and that's about it. I sprung for the Hitachi over the Dewalt because of weight issue. the Hitachi is about 1lb lighter which doesn't seem like much, but by the end of the day, you'll definitely notice it.
If you plan on detailing, the Porter Cable should be the BARE minimum. Anything less than that, you're just wasting money/time.
If you plan on detailing, the Porter Cable should be the BARE minimum. Anything less than that, you're just wasting money/time.
I've had a PC 7424 for years and it's a great starter machine. If you want something that has more power, but is easier to learn than a rotary, check out FLEX 3401. It's a great machine, good power/correction ability and easy to use. It is a little more money, but you can get more correction, faster than with a PC. I also have a Hitachi Rotary, but don't have to grab that often because I can not most things out easily with the Flex. If you really want to learn about these machines, check out autopia.org Just be careful, because you will end up spending thousands on detailing supplies before you know it. I have 6 gladiator wall cabinets full of detailing equipment/supplies.
I have a B&D Buffmaster (rotary), a Makita 6040 and a PC 7636.
I use the PC the most by a long shot. And yes...I do ALOT of detailing. And...alot of black vehicles.
Here's why. The PC is the most controllable for me. While the B&D is great for heavy correction, and the Makita (with it's orbital and forced rotation) is kind of "in between", I have found that for cobwebbing, and minor halograms..the PC with a cutting pad works well. I prefer Zaino's Fusion for polishing these defects out. It may take two passes, but it usually works very well.
A heavier pad with a less aggressive polish is what I have found to work very well.
Another note is that I have found Meguiar's Soft Buff pads to last the longest. I know lots of folks like Laky County pads...but these (at least in my use) do not hold up as well.
One final (I promise) note is about the Lake County Pad Cleaner. It looks like a 5 gallon Homer bucket but it has a series of spurs and a big wheel to draw up the cleaning fluid. I place the dirty pads on the rotary...run them inside this cleaner...and they're done. A HUGE time saver.
I use the PC the most by a long shot. And yes...I do ALOT of detailing. And...alot of black vehicles.
Here's why. The PC is the most controllable for me. While the B&D is great for heavy correction, and the Makita (with it's orbital and forced rotation) is kind of "in between", I have found that for cobwebbing, and minor halograms..the PC with a cutting pad works well. I prefer Zaino's Fusion for polishing these defects out. It may take two passes, but it usually works very well.
A heavier pad with a less aggressive polish is what I have found to work very well.
Another note is that I have found Meguiar's Soft Buff pads to last the longest. I know lots of folks like Laky County pads...but these (at least in my use) do not hold up as well.
One final (I promise) note is about the Lake County Pad Cleaner. It looks like a 5 gallon Homer bucket but it has a series of spurs and a big wheel to draw up the cleaning fluid. I place the dirty pads on the rotary...run them inside this cleaner...and they're done. A HUGE time saver.
DevilYellow
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- Sep 15, 2009
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- 1
I love my FLEX. It doesn't take much to correct swirl marks. Plus I like the forced rotation, you know its running an orbital motion. When I've used a PC it seems that its just "jiggling".
Anyone looking into the FLEX should check out www.carcaredepot.com and the coupon code to save 15% is FLEX15
Yeah, I wish I would have bought the FLEX DA instead of my g100. It does good for what it is but I just need a little more sometimes. If I were to do it again and had some money I would buy this Kit- http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/flex-kit-3.html
PC 7424
I have one, and am just a casual detailer...still learning how to use it...
it's pretty safe, can't burn the paint...and if you use progressively more aggressive polishes it works well
just did a 25 year old car and came out pretty nice...only a little 'pink' on the pads, since the car is not clearcoated...it could have used one more step, but it's good enough for me
I have one, and am just a casual detailer...still learning how to use it...
it's pretty safe, can't burn the paint...and if you use progressively more aggressive polishes it works well
just did a 25 year old car and came out pretty nice...only a little 'pink' on the pads, since the car is not clearcoated...it could have used one more step, but it's good enough for me
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I like the Flex XC3401VR . Excellent all around machine. It has much more power than the Porter Cable 7224/7336.,
Check out this forum: www.pakshak.org Lots of info there. Real nice people on the forum for help.
The online shop sells some great microfiber towels and supplies www.pakshak.com
Check out this forum: www.pakshak.org Lots of info there. Real nice people on the forum for help.
The online shop sells some great microfiber towels and supplies www.pakshak.com
djd99
Well-known member
I have used my dads old air polisher for several years and decided to look into an electric so 8 years ago I went with the makita 9227CY and been very happy with it. My brother in law has been doing body work when I was in diapers and highly recommended this machine. He's a lead body man at one of the largest gm dealerships in michigan. I have been very happy with this machine as it's done at least 60 cars. Good luck on your research. Don
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=589
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=589
PistolWhip
Well-known member
I have a porter cable 7424 and love it. I'm not a pro detailer, but if saw my car you'd thnk I was.
mjozefow
Well-known member
I like my Makita quite a bit.