Hi Guys,

When I detailed my F150 a while back(thanks again to Intel and others for great advice) I bought an Orbital Buffer from Walmart(not their advice!). Didn't think there would be any difference in brands so I got the cheapest. I think it was harder to do than by hand!

I'm looking for a decent polisher and buffer to buy. The Walmart brand sucked. Whats out there and for how much?

I wish I would have kept the one my dad had from the 50's. It was heavier than hades and had two heads on it. It worked great but I remember the lights dimming in the garage whenever I turned it on.

I really want to make waxing and polishing easier as I have a bad back. After a weekend of detailing by hand (like I did) I'm stoved up for the rest of the week.

Also, is there somewhere I can go to learn the correct way to buff with a machine? Or does someone have some handy hints written down? When I was polishing with the buffer I bought, it seemed like a real pain to get the stuff off. I'm talking about applying Mequiars Pro Swirl Remiver and Polish and Wax. Can't remember the numbers but the pro line. Should a guy use a machine to apply wax?

Sorry to make this so long. What I need is a decent buffer and instructions on how to apply the different products.

 

There is a big differnce in the buffers availible in the market. The cheaper ones just don't have the power (read: current) to work. Modern compounds use heat to melt the paint a little and get rid of swirl marks. You need pressure against the paint to create the heat, and the power to keep the buffer spinning.

So, without any more details, check out this great thread.

 

WOW APT!!! Thats a great site.....just what I was looking for. I'll check it out later.....I'm at work and have to look over my shoulder as to not get busted! Thanks Again!

 

DC,

Somewhere on Meguire's homepage there is a link to a small movie that shows how to use their "special" porter cable random orbital polisher. It's a very helpfull little video (if you have high speed access). As far as the "special" porter cable goes....it's just Porter Cable Orbital Polisher #7424 and you can find it much cheaper elsewhere online.

Then if you go here:
http://www.topoftheline.com/porcaborpol.html

You can buy a velcro pad holder and velco pads (the pads have a description for each color and if you contact the site they will answer any questions)

Now here's my little testimony...I did the above without ever having used a buffer/polisher in my life. I actually thought that they were used for taking OFF the wax instead of applying it.
Anyway, after watching the Meguire video, I thought I would try it, and it really is that easy. I can spread a coat of liquid wax on my truck in less time than it takes to wash it. And taking it off is soooooo much easier because the wax is spread so thin when it's applied.

Chnkbone

PS - one coat of "polish" before the wax eliminated almost all of my swirl marks.

 

I like the DeWalt DW443 for a good orbital. It is what I use.