Quick question: hand buff or machine?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 284
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From: Irmo South Carolina
Quick question: hand buff or machine?
I am getting older and really don't look forward to hand buffing wax off of my car anymore. It is safe to use one of those buffer ***** like the one made by Mothers, right? If so, are you using your regular drill, or a special buffer machine? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
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From: Ventura County, Calif
There was another thread about this today. Generally not recommended, mostly because most of those ***** are not intended for paint. There is an add in the new Motor Trend for Mother's new Powerball 4Paint. It just doesn't seem like a practical tool to me (JMO of course). If you are contemplating machine polishing I think a Porter Cable 7424 is the best investment, but a lot more money than a ball. Good luck. 
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,794
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From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
You might want to try a different wax. There are many waxes out there that don't require much effort to buff off.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Baltimore MD
St. Jude Donor '08
If you are only applying/removing wax I would do it by hand. If you are removing swirls or scratches I would look into a DA buffer. Check out http://www.autogeek.net for some good info.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 743
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From: Papillion NE
I have read a number of car care boards and am convinced that unless you know what you are doing and buy the "right" kind of orbital polisher....it can become an orbital "sander" and really screw up your paint job. I passed a perfectly nice black Infinity the other day, that looked liked a giant carp because of the circular swirl marks that someone had imbedded into the finish with a polisher.
I am a "hands only" wash/wax guy! The exercise keeps us young and fit!
I am a "hands only" wash/wax guy! The exercise keeps us young and fit!
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: SIOUX FALLS SD
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If you have a C-6 I wouldn't use a power buffer. Clay bar the car and follow up with a good wax and then use a quick detailer. Dont forget to use the m/f towels too.
I like to spend Quality Time with my Vette !
Burning Brakes
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From: St. Louis MO
Pro
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From: Fort Campbell KY
Team Owner
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From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: St. Louis MO
it does however seem like a lot of people do not know when to use a claybar or not
a good way to find out is this.....
spray some quick detailer or a soap/water mix onto a small area, then take a sandwich bag and put it over your hand, then see if you can feel the contaminants on the paint through the sandwich bag
Last edited by POACHR; Apr 3, 2008 at 11:59 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Boca Raton Inlet, Atlantic Ocean (Floridas east coast)
I put Zaino Z2/Z5 on with an 8" orbital and micro fiber pad, then remove it with a MF towel by hand , works awesome. (the orbital will not remove the Zaino even with a 100% cotton pad)