M Danger

Hi all,
I need to get a buffer. I saw one in pep-boys figure they all prettu much do the same thing, and htis one was only $60 But I want the most quiet on i can find. does anyone have a feedback on any that you own or have used?

Spidey944

I actually got mine from Advanced Auto Parts, for like 40 bucks. It's a 10" random orbit buffer. Works fantastic! But these only work as well as the opperator that knows how to use them.

Stephenwz968

I'm a detailer by trade, and I can tell you that there are 2 that will do a good job of defect removal and won't risk you damaging your paint-

Porter cable 7424
and
Cyclo

Both are random orbital machines that you can use for polishing and for applying your Last Step Protectant.

Cyclo has 3 small pads, the 7424 has 1 6" pad...the cyclo is about 2x the price of the PC. I would recommend you check out www.autopia.org and www.autodetailingsolutions.com for products.

Rotary buffers are great at defect removal, but can burn your paint and cause holograms, you really need to practice with them before you would want to tackle a vehicle you really care about.

If I can help out further, please feel free to PM me.

Steve

500

I have a Porter Cable as well, excellent machine. I use Lake Country pads and prefer Menzerna polishes. Made in Germany and expensive, like a Porsche - but they are worth it. There are other good brands out there, that is just my personal favorite.

I also have a DeWalt rotary buffer, which I used for the first step after final wet-sanding (P2500). A rotary can do a lot of damage in the wrong hands, but is very effective for tough work. A random orbit (like the Porter Cable) is much more user-friendly and is the right choice for the majority of detailing work.

I bought mine as a great kit (with loads of pads) from Top-of-the-line detailing, a great vendor. Cost with the pads is $195:

http://www.topoftheline.com/porcabpolpac.html

DON'T bother with the cheaper random orbits. Some years ago I bought a Turtle Wax branded item for something like $50 and it won't do squat for tough re-conditioning, but may be OK for light polishing and wax application. You need some power in these...

GodSpeed

http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp

This is the one I use, Im very happy with it.

KuHL 951

Ditto on the Porter Cable. It's sized right for the infrequent detailer and with good pads is 'almost' impossible to do any damage with.

ELLSSUU

Add another vote for the Porter Cable.

M Danger

well I need to get some overspray off, that covers most of the car. speaking of which, what type of products should I use and does brand make much difference?

500

Depending on what the overspray is from (i.e. an aerosol can or activated auto paint) and how dry it was when it landed on the surface, you may be able to get a lot of it off with a clay bar.

UncleMaz

Buffer or polisher, how about Ryan Seacrest? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

M Danger

im not sure what it is exactly it kinda seems like primer, or residue from cleaning the gun.
clay baring a whole care would be a real pain.

ekeeton

Like was said, I'd try claying first. It's not that much of a pain.

Mike the Rookie

The porter cable 7424 is the machine to use! I think I got mine from Amazon.com for $109. That was years ago but you may still find a similar deal. It's relatively quiet, too.

ehall

the cyclo has two pads. It makes a bit more rpm, which is important in paint correction. It will live longer than you will.
www.optimumforums.org
ask all of the questions you want.

Van

What a good thread to come across. I ordered a Porter Cable earlier today after reading about it on Autopia: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/pc-7424.html

I have used the Sonus polish they recomend (by hand) and was amazed at how well it worked (though it took forever to do the car).