Tim (or anyone experienced with this this particular buffer):

I am just confirming a couple of details before I commit. The unit in question is the "Basic Porter Cable 7424 Polisher" correct?

Do you personally use a variety of pads in one session of waxing/polishing, etc? The reason I ask is because I am contemplating the velcro-backed plates they offer for "quick change" applications. But if you think one pad should suffice (per session) then I will just save a little money there. Also I noticed a number of pads they offered are only used with the velcro-backed plate so again, I would like to know what you use and what you recommend.

Also, what pads do you recommend for a dilemma such as mine? And after the swirl marks are taken care of, what pads would you recommend for basic upkeep of the shine for a "weekend enthusiast?" Lastly, I was told that Meguiar's makes a #9 polish that is used specifically to remove swirl marks. Should I apply this for my current situation and then move to the #2 for regular "maintenance?"

I basically would like to know what pads I should purchase from that site along with the buffer, and what waxes I should use now, and at a later date.

P.S. This may sound stupid but I still apply the wax by hand correct? The buffer only buffs the wax out?

Sorry about the barrage of questions but I am not familiar with these things and want to know a little more before clicking the "Purchase" button. Thanks in advance.

On a final note, I actually found a cheaper price but I am not sure it includes the same things:

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/....htm?E+coastest

or

http://www.properautocare.com/basporcab74p.html

The former includes the "hook and loop" velcro backing and pad but I do not know what the 6" counterweight is. It seems that the nature of the site is focused more towards home-improvement tools rather than the latter site. Thus I suspect the counterweight might be used for sanding applications rather than polishing/buffing. But again I would like to be more sure of this.

And the buffer is easy to use? I was told that some will burn off the clearcoat if not held at the right angle, etc. and are a handful to use. I hope this particular one isn't the case.

You can reach me at cyntaxx@yahoo.com or simply reply here. Thanks.

 

i like the velcro backed bonnets as they change very easy. i like to use 3m perfect-it III machine glaze part #05937 with a dark gray wafle pad. if it is a dark color i always go over it with 3m imperial hand glaze part #05990 then wax it. this will get you incrediable results and done right will leave next to no marks.
i have a snap on variable speed buffer max speed is 2700rpm's if i remember correctly and i love it. if you use any buffer be ready with a soft tooth brush to get all the compond out of the cracks.
Don

 

out of the cracks of the unit or of the truck?

 

the truck, like where the tail light meets the body,all the door jams. its not bad and will clean them at the same time. i have lots of brushes to get to all the hard to get spots but a soft tooth brush will work just fine.
Don

 

oh haha thats what i thought. yep i do that...

 

Wow. I think that's the most questions I've ever seen in a single post.

That is the correct buffer. It is nearly impossible to burn the paint or make swirls because the pad moves up and down and side to side, not in a circle. The counterweight is required and included. You will be amazed at how easy and safe it is.

I bought mine from properautocare simply so I could order the pad kit at the same time. A little more expensive that way, but I like one-stop shopping and think that the properautocare Web site is top notch and deserves support.

You will need a different pad for each product. The properautocare kit comes with yellow, white, and gray pads. They have a medium, fine, and ultrafine cut, respectively. Yellow for swirl removers/cleaners, white for polish and cleaner/wax, and gray for wax.

I use Maguires products exclusively. I don't know whether they are the best, but they are available everywhere and go on/come off easily. Others may disagree, but wax debates are about as useful as oil discussions. Get a quality carnuba wax from anyone and I'm sure you'll be fine.

I used one coat of #1 cleaner. Left the residue on. Then used two coats #2 polish. Left the residue on except for the last coat. Then used two coats of #26 yellow carnuba wax, once again leaving the residue on except for the last coat.

The properautocare kit also includes two terry bonnets which are used to remove the residue. NO HAND WORK REQUIRED! Just a little detailing to remove in the cracks, etc.

I would just use the products above, then assess the swirl mark situation for the next major polish session. 3M makes a good machine polish, so does Maguires. See the Maguires Web site for details.

It took me about six hours to do the above, but the next time will be just wash/wax. Let the machine do the work.

I think that answered all the questions. If not, please let me know.

 

haha, I apologize for the questions once again. Do you recommend the velcro-backing/hook and loop? i may end up picking up the buffer from coastal tool then the pad kit from properautocare...

i think the unit from coastal tool comes with the velcro backing as well as a 6" counterweight....

wow it took you 6 hrs? that is dedication sir!

 

Griot's

I would try these guys, serious car care stuff, cool magazine, and the Porter Cable random orbital.

 

Yes, everyone's 7424 pads have a Velcro back. Note that properautocare has two pad kits--make sure you buy the right one (there is a version for 7424s bought from other vendors).

 

Thats why I love working at a detail shop.... I can do all this for free!!!!!!!