Polisher recomendations?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Polisher recomendations?
Anyone using a polisher they think does a great job?
I just pick up my first vette and want to keep her spit shined and noticed a few small surface scratches that could easily be buffed out.
Thought I would ask the vetteheads on what they are using before i just get online and buy a polisher!
Thanks for the help!
Michael
I just pick up my first vette and want to keep her spit shined and noticed a few small surface scratches that could easily be buffed out.
Thought I would ask the vetteheads on what they are using before i just get online and buy a polisher!
Thanks for the help!
Michael
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I use a Dewalt like this one along with the polishing kit. Works like a champ.
http://eastwood.resultspage.com/sear...35&submit.y=13
http://eastwood.resultspage.com/sear...35&submit.y=13
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Porter Cable makes about the best one and Autogeek.com runs deals on them all the time. Griots has a nice one also they sell in a kit. It's actually got a fan to cool the pad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
I am a huge fan of the Dewalt, and im in the business of detailing and painting cars. We have burned through a lot of polishers but the Dewalt keeps holding on strong. I have also heard Porter Cable was top notch but I havent had any experience with them.
The number one thing is to make sure you know what you are doing before picking up a high speed buffer/polisher. Its super easy to burn through the paint and go from Wowww to Ahhhhh Shiat!
The number one thing is to make sure you know what you are doing before picking up a high speed buffer/polisher. Its super easy to burn through the paint and go from Wowww to Ahhhhh Shiat!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
This one from Harbor freight isn't bad for the money. I bought one and it did the job for me, just be careful and use the right grade compound for the job.It is now priced at $29.98 and is item number 92623
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search
Last edited by Red 69; Jan 15, 2007 at 09:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
here's the important part: throw the foam pads that come with the buffer in the garbage can - they're junk. the wool pads (if they still include them) are ok but don't last long....
Buy a 3M dark foam pad - that's really good stuff but almost as expensive as the buffer
HarborFreight also sells the velcro backing pad separate, they're only $5 on sale
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
The beauty of the Harbor Freight model is it is both a buffer and polisher. It has a range of 200-3300 RPM. For the paltry price of under $30 bucks you get both and it comes with a backing disk and enough pads to get you started polishing or buffing. This is just my opinion and I have no interest in HF.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
I just bought a polisher kit for the drill, it's a small backing plate that screws into a 3/8" mandrell.... comes with four pads, (2 foam and 2 wool pads), $20 and gets all smaller jobs done.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
The beauty of the Harbor Freight model is it is both a buffer and polisher. It has a range of 200-3300 RPM. For the paltry price of under $30 bucks you get both and it comes with a backing disk and enough pads to get you started polishing or buffing. This is just my opinion and I have no interest in HF.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: Ashley Michigan
foam doesn't cut very well. this is like what I use... http://cgi.ebay.com/JESTCO-Aluminum-...QQcmdZViewItem I don't have that exact kit, but that's the supplier I use. It works great for aluminum rims and for small areas. I believe that you're looking for something like this instead of a buffer. I use these on my die grinder and they work amazing. I used to polish my aluminum rims by hand, and this cut the time dramatically and I get much better results.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
I think we have two different tools here......
a) a polisher, by this I tend to think of the porter cable unit, for applying wax or polish onto the car. Easy application, reduces swirl marks etc etc.
b) a buffer, commonly a variable speed unit used for the finishing of paint. With wool or foam pads, used with variable grades of buffing compound, from heavy to remove scratches to a final glaze. I have the makita, excellent results with it.
Nick
a) a polisher, by this I tend to think of the porter cable unit, for applying wax or polish onto the car. Easy application, reduces swirl marks etc etc.
b) a buffer, commonly a variable speed unit used for the finishing of paint. With wool or foam pads, used with variable grades of buffing compound, from heavy to remove scratches to a final glaze. I have the makita, excellent results with it.
Nick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
I just bought a Porter-Cable 7424 and it is both a polisher and a buffer.
Coastal Tools has the best price that I could find ($109):
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...htm?E+coastest
Coastal Tools also offers the following case ($20):
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...2d1+1168923201
And I'd also suggest purchasing a foam pad kit such as the following ($100):
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html
Coastal Tools has the best price that I could find ($109):
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...htm?E+coastest
Coastal Tools also offers the following case ($20):
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...2d1+1168923201
And I'd also suggest purchasing a foam pad kit such as the following ($100):
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html
Last edited by VCuomo; Jan 15, 2007 at 06:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Hey Guys, Thanks so much for the feedback!
Yea I just need to work out some small things that I suspect my car cover did...
Did'nt realize car covers scratch the paint.... thought they were to protect the paint! POS......
Again, thanks I think I'll go with the porter cable.
I used to buff cars in highschool for a local dealership so I'm not afraid of burning the paint. Just need to get the feel for it again! Its been 15 years.... Damn I'm getting old....
Yea I just need to work out some small things that I suspect my car cover did...
Did'nt realize car covers scratch the paint.... thought they were to protect the paint! POS......
Again, thanks I think I'll go with the porter cable.
I used to buff cars in highschool for a local dealership so I'm not afraid of burning the paint. Just need to get the feel for it again! Its been 15 years.... Damn I'm getting old....
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
This one from Harbor freight isn't bad for the money. I bought one and it did the job for me, just be careful and use the right grade compound for the job.It is now priced at $29.98 and is item number 92623
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...unction=Search
Last edited by carl a; Jan 15, 2007 at 10:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
Also, if you're using a lambs wool pad, be careful of things like wiper arms and aerials - you'd be surprised how easily and quickly a buffer can remove them from the car for you!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
This site has all you need to know about buffing. I converted an old 3/4 HP electric bench grinder into a buffing machine. Their kit for about $110 covers just about any metal you need to polish.
http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm
http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm