HF buffer polisher

[jteck75]

I used to have a 70's vintage Craftsman buffer,it did an excellent job,and I was always pleased with it. It along with about 40% of my tools and equipment was destroyed last winter when my house burned back in Febuary, I am probably 98% back to where I was before the trgedy. And I am at the point that I am picking up smaller items on a peicemeal basis. Next on thew list is the buffer/polisher
I looked over thechineece polishers at sears and then I drove across gtown t HF and checked into the buffer polisher units that they were selling
I was just wordering what you guys would recommend, I'm not a prfessional car detailer,but I do like for my equipment and my costomers too feel like they had left my shop feeing like they ha a better car,truck,tractor,machine than they did when it showed up To end this .what is the best buffer for the money.

 

[crashbumper]

I bought the HF buffer on sale; $29.99 I think? I've done probably a dozen cars/trucks in the last 3 years, along with other random pieces.

With good compounds, pads, etc. It works well. Only problem I experienced was that the brushes for the motor would loosen over time, and caused it to not work or work intermittently. Was very frustrating until I figured out what it was.

After tightening them up though I haven't had a problem since then, over two years now.

#92623

They also have this unit, which I have not seen at my local store yet but it looks to be a step up.

#66615

Hope this helps!

 

[vc-onthepc]

as for good compounds what do you recccomend ? i might just buy that to test hell its only 30 bucks .. ive been dissapointed for alot more in the past ...

 

[jshillin]

as for good compounds what do you recccomend ? i might just buy that to test hell its only 30 bucks .. ive been dissapointed for alot more in the past ...

Go here and read: www.autopia.org

It is the Garage Journal of the detailing world. I would recommend some Menzerna, SIP and 106FF are great. You can also go Meguiar's, something like 105 and 83. Tons of choices...

 

[Rocket1]

Finally something I do know about haha...

I have to polishers one is a Porter Cable 7336… I've had it for years be I really like it. I just picked up a new Flex and I like it a lot... Hard to describe but it just feels different and the results seen to be quicker. Of course it cost a lot more.

I have bought both from Steve at Tropi-care.com. He is a great guy and willing to answer any questions you have. I've known him for several years now and I guess I'm spoild because he is local for me.

 

[sanddrag]

I think having both a Rotary and a Dual-Action is a good idea. I have the $30 Hf rotary and a Porter-Cable 7336 Dual Action. I really like the Porter Cable, and there's really nothing wrong with the HF, it works fine. Just be sure to throw out the pads that come with the HF, and I wouldn't use that backing plate either.

 

[the spyder]

Both offerings from HF lasted 6 months in a daily use enviroment at my friends shop. I would buy a Portercable for home use before you cant anymore (thanks Stanley...). I have a Dynabrade for my own use since I grabbed it off CL for ~$100

The by far easiest polisher/buffer/wax applicatior you will ever find. Anyone can pick this up and buff a car.
http://www.autopia.org/shopping/product/SUPER-VALUE-Cyclo-Polisher.html

 

[GSteg]

PC 7336 is nice but I reach for my Hitachi rotary long before I grab the PC. In fact the only time the PC sees any use is when I need to apply wax because it does a damn good job at it.

My friend bought the HF buffer and he says it bogs down sometimes. Not sure which one he bought but it was $30. Good machine to practice though.

 

[Danglerb]

My HF the bearing I think makes a rattling sound, but does work.

 

[thelews]

The Makita variable speed buffer/sander is tops. One speed buffers are worthless, IMO. Paired with 3M buffing/polishing products, it's hard to go wrong. http://www.coastaltool.com/a/makita/9227c.htm has a good price for the kit.

 

[Joe B.]

I have the HF version. I bought it to polish the rust stains out of the tiles in my shower. (I have very rusty water.) It worked fine on my shower tile but it seems awfuly crude and heavy to use on a car that you care about. This is one of those places that I would spend the extra money for a premium unit.

 

[autoace]

I bought the HF buffer on sale; $29.99 I think? I've done probably a dozen cars/trucks in the last 3 years, along with other random pieces.

With good compounds, pads, etc. It works well. Only problem I experienced was that the brushes for the motor would loosen over time, and caused it to not work or work intermittently. Was very frustrating until I figured out what it was.

After tightening them up though I haven't had a problem since then, over two years now.

#92623

They also have this unit, which I have not seen at my local store yet but it looks to be a step up.

#66615

Hope this helps!

I have the orange HF buffer, I only buff about 3 or 4 times a year, it has been fine. I bought alot of extra pads when i bought it. I think the total cost was about 45 bucks for the buffer and accessories.