What is the difference between a buffer & grinder (hand held)

[fred d]

I have multiple 4-1/2" grinders.
I also have a 7"inch grinder.

What is the real difference between a buffer and a grinder?
RPMs? Variable speed?
I'm wanting to get a buffer to be able to buff vehicles paint with. Can I use something I already have, or do I need something different?
Why?

If I decide to buy a buffer, electric or pneumatic?
Why?
I have a Quincy compressor with a 80 gal tank if I go pneumatic
Thanks in advance

 

[JDweld98]

To my understanding buffers don't spin in a perfect circle like a grinder would. They move a bit to help avoid getting circular patterns and gives you a more consistent looking polish. Hopefully that makes sense... I'm not always the best at describing things. [emoji16]

 

[Monte]

you need a buffer/polisher. Grinders are too fast.

 

[larry_g]

There are a couple of auto detailing/polishing threads on this site. They have lots of good information and some specific tool recommendations. Search them out.

here is one member http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=96545

here is a thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178198

There are lots more put the search term; polish+paint+detail site:garagejournal.com in google and they will pop up.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[creativecars]

In a word... speed
The grinder version of similar tools will spin twice as fast as the polisher.

Electric or pneumatic will both work well, I prefer air as I have a better control over speed by modulating the trigger, and still have enough torque to keep the pad moving.

Too fast will burn the paint off quicker. Practice on something that does not matter because once you burn off the paint there is no good fix with out refinishing.

 

[DTE]

I do not do much work any more but I have wet sanded and buffed hundreds of cars in the past. I still have 2 Makitas and for me they are very smooth, variable rpm ( plus as mentioned above you can control the speed by bumping the trigger also ) they have a really smooth trigger that allows you to start the machine slowly or wide open. And it will last for years.http://makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=9227CY

 

[2oolhound]

Looking at it from the other direction buffers don't have the amperage. They'll bog down and stop if you try to grind with them. Just thought I'd mention it because a lot of people try to sell buffers as grinders.

 

[DTE]

I have never done it myself but I see where a lot of guys do the sanding with a DA, I always done my work by hand with water and a small 3M rubber sanding pad . not a block

 

[wesst]

In a nutshell, one wax on, one wax off.