B737GDog

Just curious how many of you detailers out there polish and wax by hand and how many use an orbital buffer. I am considering purchasing a porter cable and wonder what the pros/cons are other than the obvious issue of time. Any suggestions on proper use and is it worth the $$?

Jim V

Assuming you are speaking of the Porter-Cable 6" dual action sander-polisher I've got one that I purchased at Lowe's for $109 (sander version); the polisher version is the same unit w/polish bonnets and a different counter wieght.
I use it for polishing with Meguier's foam pads.
As a polisher it's exlnt, a bit slower than a rotary for taking out scratches/swirl marks but very gentle. You'd have a hard time burning paint with it.
As a sander it's every bit as capable(if not better)as a pro quality air powered DA.
Overall an excellent unit with alot of guts and one of those tools everyone should have around.

928GTS

I have the same thing as Jim from Lowe's for the same price. I use it to apply wax and it's awesome. Went to a Meguires demo at the local dealer with our PCA group and that's how the pros do it. The wax goes on very evenly and smoothly and comes off quickly with just a nice cotton rag. I can wax any of my cars faster than I can wash and dry them with fantastic results!

Randy

tdelarm

So the bottom line here is you are saying this orbital buffer is ok to use on the car? And if so, then maybe I'll pick one up.

Tim Delarm
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Thom1

Hi Sharks,

How do you operate the Porter Cable type of polisher? I tried an old Black and Decker random orbit polisher. I used a synthetic wool bonnet with Meguiar’s polish. The stuff splattered all over everything. So I put that polisher back in the closet. Is the Porter Cable a variable rpm, or low rpm? What is a good rpm level? Do you use foam polishing pads? Do the foam pads provide for lower spatter than synthetic wool, terrycloth, or wool bonnets? Which types of bonnets and pads provide good results? What determines spatter – rpms and/or pad type? Do you use most any kind of car wax or polish? Do you use hooks like Velcro to attach bonnets?

I have a pretty good compressor. Are there good air powered random orbit polishers that offer better value and performance than the electric models? I like the idea of keeping costs close to, or under $109.

What model numbers, makers, and costs are good for electric or air powered random orbit polishers?

Are there any websites with operating instructions and polishing methods? Are there good sites for buying a polisher?

Thanks in advance for any tips or answers.

Christmas is right around the corner. Guess what I want. I asked for that last year, but did not spec. it out well enough for relatives to get the right one. So, I got a very nice DVD player instead. From that life’s instruction book: “If you don’t tell anyone what you want for Christmas, you probably won’t get it.”
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Thom1

Hi Again Sharks:

Where did you find foam pads, and other supplies to use with the model 7336? What were the costs to get the Lowes model up to automotive polisher utility?

I found some info on the sander. See below.
<a href="http://170.224.4.200/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=51472-000041735-7336" target="_blank">http://170.224.4.200/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=51472-000041735-7336</a>

Porter-Cable Random Orbit Sander
Item #: 51472
Model: 7336
$109.00

Amps: 3.7 Amps
Orbits Per Minute: 2500-6000 OPM
Paper Type: 6"
For random, swirl-free sanding action
3.7 Amps, AC only
Electronic variable-speed dial with a range of 2500 to 6000 OPM
Spiral and bevel gears
100% ball bearings
Includes 80G disc, 100G disc, 120G disc, 150G disc, wrench, and manual
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B737GDog

I think I will purchase mine from <a href="http://www.properautocare.com." target="_blank">www.properautocare.com.</a> They have a kit you can buy that has several different bonnets including microfiber bonnets. Problem for me is I use paste wax(P21s,Souveran,Blitz) so I will use the porter cable for polish/glaze/SMR. Should make the polishing step much easier.

Paul Schmucker

Hi guys

I have had much success with the products from Griot's Garage. They're a little bit on the spendy side, but they work fantastic. They recommend and sell the Porter Cable unit, along with pads and waxes. Check them out at <a href="http://www.griotsgarage.com" target="_blank">www.griotsgarage.com</a> --they'll send you a free catalog.

I've ordered a lot of stuff from them--they've got great service. And, when I went to the Monterey Historics in August, I saw a lot of teams either sponsored by or using their products. Anyway, my $.02.

Paul Schmucker
'88 S4 5-speed

Thom1

Thanks a lot guys:

I have some bad news for people that have given serious thought to investing in an orbital polisher. People have provided links to the properautcare.com site. This site gives detailed instructions for using the Porter Cable 7424 model. The site also explains the use of all the associated products you could ever want for professional detailing. They have most of the products in stock. The 7424 model is on sale for $130. It is recommended for detailing on countless other automotive detailing sites. Unfortunately, the 7336 turns out to be same model except for add ons. The basic flaw with the 7336 is that it is missing the white foam polishing pad. It looks like the 7336 would be a good investment for $109. Then you can buy separate foam pads for polishing and waxing. This usually requires the purchase of a foam polishing pad or two to adapt to automotive basics. The more sophisticated options require the Velcro/hook and loop backing pad, and several levels of foam pads.

I went to my local Lowes today to see if the 7336 model they carry uses the Velcro pad. No, it turns out that it uses the adhesive pad. Anyhow, they were out of the 7336. So, they had substituted the 7336SP for the same price. This model comes with the 7336 sanding package. It also has a threaded nonvelcro white foam polishing pad in the box. So, for $109 Lowes would have me to walk out the door with something like the more expensive 7424 polisher including the 7336 sanding option. Do you think I asked them to make sure they had the right price for the 7336SP model?

Thanks again guys:

You pointed me to a site that gives detailed instructions and products for the polisher I really wanted. You made me spend more money on another toy. I spent the $109 for the 7336SP. I spent $5 more on Mother’s cleaner wax. I spent another $5 on 2 microfiber cloths. That should about do it for paint that is already in pretty good shape.

Here are some notes and links that helped to make my decision. There are other tempting products and instructions for different levels of detailing:

Looks like the advanced pads will work with the 7336 model. See: <a href="http://www.properautocare.com./adfoampadfor.html" target="_blank">http://www.properautocare.com./adfoampadfor.html</a>

Also see the white threaded Porter Cable pad for $6.95. See:
<a href="http://www.properautocare.com./repporcabfoa.html" target="_blank">http://www.properautocare.com./repporcabfoa.html</a>

I just bought a couple of Turtle Wax microfiber cloths for $5 at AutoZone. Don’t know about the microfiber cloths, 3 for $14.95. See:
<a href="http://www.properautocare.com/vipmicdetclo.html" target="_blank">http://www.properautocare.com/vipmicdetclo.html</a>

<a href="http://www.properautocare.com/remswiruspor.html" target="_blank">http://www.properautocare.com/remswiruspor.html</a>
Remove swirls using a Porter Cable 7424 polisher.

<a href="http://www.properautocare.com./bufpol.html" target="_blank">http://www.properautocare.com./bufpol.html</a>

Now, does anyone have some helpful hints for the use of the 7424 or 7336???
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Jim V

I had to check the P/N on mine it's the 7336, If you are going to do any automotive sanding you'll want the 6" stick on pad option, sanding discs are cheap at the local autobody supply house as this is the standard size DA paper.
The velcro-type discs with the holes are aimed more toward wood working (as are Lowe's & H.D.).
I've not used any other brand polishing pad but the Mequier's as thick and the foam wraps up around the plastic backing pad, which prevents accidental contact to the paint surface and gives an edge for polishing concave body lines.( I've got an '02 Dodge P/U - think hood to fender line)
As far as spatter you may be using a bit too much product; I always apply to the paint surface then "smear" the polish/wax around the area I'll be working with the unit before putting power to it, this keeps the spatter away.
On a last comment many of us may not be as familiar with the Porter-Cable brand; they are top-notch high quality products as good as or better than any other top tier power tool.

Thom1

Hi Jim and other Sharks:

Thanks for the tips. I would still be polisher-less without the good help.

Does anyone else have words of wisdom about the use of a polisher?
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928GTS

Here in Dallas we have a Meguire's distributor that has everything you could ever want for car care. When you go down to your local Pep Boyzzz they only have a tiny fraction of available products.

This distributor sells wholesale and they also have a store front for retail sales. They sell the small bottles (Pep Boyzzz size), 1 gal, 5 gal and 55 gal drums of every product they sell and the prices are great. They also have tons of accessories, etc.

They sell a disk that fits into the Porter Cable that has velcro on it. You then stick a foam pad on it (they sell multiple types of pads depending on what you're doing.)

They have a big catalog and the guys are extremely helpful (they actually understand the concept of service!) I could find their number if anyone is interested.

Another thing I learned at the PCA detailing session was to use the finishing detail spray after drying the car. After spraying it on I wipe it down with a micro fiber towel and then after it dries completely, I go over the car one last time with a clean micro fiber towel and the results are amazing. Its what you get when you pay someone $100.

Randy

Drewster67

For you polishing freaks (I admit, Im one of them), you may be interested in this product(s) from two brothers in Jersey.

<a href="http://www.zainobros.com/" target="_blank">http://www.zainobros.com/</a>

I have yet to use any of their products but a good friend of mine swears that this stuff makes Mcguire products second rate.

Read the Home Page and judge for yourself - I have stuff on order so I'll post the outcome and pics of my detail once completed.

Incendier

Thom:

Best advice I can give - don't push. Let the weight of the buffer do the work.

Thom1

Hi Sharks:

Thanks for the good tips on how to use the polisher.

I just got the Mequiar’s Autumn 2002 catalog. They list an 800 #: 800-545-3321 and website: <a href="http://www.meguiars.com." target="_blank">www.meguiars.com.</a> They show a dual action polisher for $226. Man does it look like my Porter Cable 7336 with a Mequiar’s tag on it. Turns out that it is a 7335. Therefore, it has the 5 inch weight set, not the 6 inch installed. It comes with a 5 inch Velcro backing pad, and a 6.5 inch polishing foam pad.

You can also get 2 polishing pads and one finishing pad for $25. They will throw in the Velcro backing pad too for $33, or just the backing pad for $17; these last 2 options are not listed on the site or in the catalog. Sounds like some great deals!

Their website also has better deals on Meguiar’s products than I have seen elsewhere!!!

However, my 7336 does not come with the $2-3 5” weight. I think both weights come with the 7424. So, I will probably get some 6” products from <a href="http://www.properautocare.com." target="_blank">www.properautocare.com.</a>
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