when looking at polishers, I find Random-Orbit Polisher, Variable-Speed Polisher, Cordless Polisher...

whats the difference, and what Do I need for my car to buff off wax and sealant?

I hear we shouldnt buff in cirlces, just straight lines, true or false?

thanks,
sam

 

If you are just wanting something to buff off wax then basically any random orbit will work. However, if you spend the extra money for a Porter Cable DA you will have a machine that can handle a lot more. Don't waste your time with a basic random orbit cheapy is what I'm saying.

Buffing in any direction has the potential to leave swirls, scratches, marring, etc. Using a high quality microfiber towel will lessen the chances. So no, it doesn't matter if you buff off your wax in circles or straight lines as long as you are using a good towel with some common sense.

 

Rotary Polisher:
A high-speed polishing machine (Porter-Cable 7428, a Makita, DeWalt, Metabo, Hitachi, etc, which are all fine high-speed rotary machines) that have a direct-drive with selectable speed control that maintains a constant speed under varying loads conditions.

Used mainly by body repair / paint shops or very experienced detailers to rectify more serious paint film surface imperfections using a Velcro baking plate, foam pads of varying coarseness and an abrasive compound or polish to remove swirl marks, scratches and paint defects, using their high (revolution) speed and friction heat to enable compounds to abrade the paint film surface that require more power /speed than a random orbital buffer can provide.

Random orbital buffer:
A US power tool company, Porter-Cable established in 1914, began manufacturing an electrically operated Variable-Speed Random-Orbit Polisher in the 1990s for the wood-working industry, now one of the most popular tools used by professional and enthusiast automotive detailers alike. Often known by the companies initials PC (Porter-Cable) but also called a ROB (random orbital buffer) or DA (duel action) polisher

The random orbital buffer gets is name from the action of the buffer (or polishing head) This operates by the shaft rotating and spinning the back plate on an orbit radius or an eccentric offset (or throw) of 5/32-inch as opposed to a revolution on a direct-drive system, and within this eccentric orbit it also rotates in very small circles

The random orbital buffer operates with a variable speed, user adjustable, from 2,500 – 6,000 orbits per minute. (Speed # 1-5 also have a half speed setting) The application of detailing products with a random orbital has the advantage of ensuring an even pressure and constant contact speed, mimicking free hand motion but at a far greater speed. By allowing the weight and the random motion of the machine do the work, thus ensuring that the product is applied in a thin even layer, and will allow products to get embedded deeper into the paint film surface's porosity.

Alternative random orbital buffers - Flex X1107VE, Bosch Gex 150 Turbo, Festool Rotex - RO125, Makita BO6040 Polisher (alternate between circular or dual-action modes)

 

Product Directional Application:
•Polish- these products contain abrasives and should be applied in straight-line motions (Forget what Mr. Miyagi was teaching the Karate Kid) circular motions will cause circular directional marks (swirl marks) When an abrasive is applied by hand the pressure applied is uneven and the reflected light highlights the paint films surface peaks and valleys differently.

•Sealant, Glaze or Wax- these products are all non-abrasive so direction of application won’t cause directional marks to the surface.

•Machine application-although a machine applies product in circular motions the pressure applied is very even (unlike a hand application) so the light is reflected evenly.

•Optimising light refraction - apply product in ‘direction of airflow’, paint horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising the surface light refraction as paint is applied in a side-to-side motion not circular, it also highlights the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle