What is the difference between a DA sander and a DA buffer ?

[theoldwizard1]

Or can a DA sander be used as a buffer ?

I am think about buying one, but my 2HP compressor can only do about 4 CFM @ 90 psi. Is that enough ?

 

[pepi]

I believe a DA buffer runs at a lower speed, both have the same mechanical action. I have a DA sander that I can adjust speed on the fly, however never considered using it as a buffer.

I use corded electric with a 10" pad for that. Dragging an air hose around buffing. I would think gets old fast, and would be a total PIA to keep it off the paint.

I also believe 4 CFM will not be enough for air tools..

greg

 

[Ecko1645]

the DA I use can be buff or sand. Simply change the pad from a smooth one or to a Velcro one. Velcro holds you buff pad and smooth pad holds your adhesive back sand paper. Im not sure about the answer on the 2hp compressor but I believe that would not be enough for the compressor to keep up. I recommend delco (think the no longer make them) master power, or dynablade for a da sander. All the info I have hopefully someone can answer better.

 

[sberry]

You need wayyyyyyyyyyyy more air. 3 or 4 times that.

 

[dnschmidt]

Actually, more like 5 times that. Buffing is a continuous use application. 7.5 hp 80 gallon or forgetaboutit. Electrics are WAY better for this application. The tried and true Makita rotary for most of the job followed by the new Makita PO5000C to remove the swirl marks.

 

[Olafur]

Actually, more like 5 times that. Buffing is a continuous use application. 7.5 hp 80 gallon or forgetaboutit. Electrics are WAY better for this application. The tried and true Makita rotary for most of the job followed by the new Makita PO5000C to remove the swirl marks.

I have never used electric buffer but I agree. They are air hogs, 7hp+ for piston compressor to drive them.

 

[rlitman]

You need wayyyyyyyyyyyy more air. 3 or 4 times that.

+1

My Dynabrade claims to use 16 CFM. Cheaper sanders may use more (often upwards of 20).

Anyway, 16 CFM can be achieved on a REAL 5 HP compressor, and my 7.5 HP 2-stage compressor has no problems at all running it, but at 4 CFM, you can forget about buffing with air.

Sure, you'll have the pressure to start the sander and run it until the tank drops in pressure, but unlike an impact wrench, you'll want something that can run a sander continuously.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You need wayyyyyyyyyyyy more air. 3 or 4 times that.

That is what I was afraid of !

 

[rlitman]

That is what I was afraid of !

As nice as it is to have a lot of air available, you can probably make do just fine without it.

Anyway, a cheap electric DA buffer is quite a bit cheaper than a good DA sander.

The former may only run for a few dozen hours before it burns out, while the latter may be designed to not need an overhaul until it's been through 5 years of work with your palm down at 8am and up and 5pm, BUT if you're not going to put it through that kind of work (or need the benefit of being sealed from water intrusion, etc), then the electric may do all you want.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So someone recommend a reasonably priced electric DA buffer !

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

Depends on your definition of "reasonable". I bought a Griot's Garage DA Buffer a couple of years ago and really like it. The motor is strong and doesn't bog down. It is $150 to $165 on their website, depending on the length of cord you want.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...MI5p-_tbm81QIVmVcNCh3mfAHNEAYYAiABEgJguvD_BwE

So someone recommend a reasonably priced electric DA buffer !

 

[rlitman]

So someone recommend a reasonably priced electric DA buffer !

I won't go as far as to make a recommendation. Just passing along the fact that I have only read good things about this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-62862.html

Though, as with many things from HF, you can probably find it for less elsewhere.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Variable-...030309?hash=item2ef8d25825:g:aCsAAOSw4CFY5bjX

If I were choosing between the two, I'd probably pick the HF one, because I'd have a store I could bring it back to. However, I think I'd like a D handle type more:

 

[sberry]

Yes, I was being thrifty, you can sand with a 2 stage comp with 12 cfm if you are thrifty. 5 up is really needed for body work, DA and sanders. Obviously 7.5 will work less.
It takes about 1 hp to make 4 cfm 2 stage.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Vast majority of buffers are rotatory motion and sanders are orbital.

Dewalt is pretty much a gold standard on electric buffers.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Makita is, by far, the most common electric wheel that I see. Don't know if I've ever seen anyone use a Dewalt wheel, come to think of it.

 

[dnschmidt]

Absolutely, DeWalt does have a presence in the polisher market as does Milwaukee but Makita owns it.

 

[aircommuter]

The best buffer is a Flex, it has positive orbiting so random orbit can't compare and it is electric.