Help choosing buffer
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 4
From: Orlando FL
Help choosing buffer
I am so confused when trying to choose a buffer. I see the Porter Cable and Griot's Garage buffers and would like to know which is the best. Griot's is $129 and Richard swears by it. Autogeek likes the Porter Cable.
Any help?
Thanks,
Ken
Any help?
Thanks,
Ken
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,744
Likes: 2
From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
Go with the Makita BO6040. It is the best of both worlds, ROB but it spins like a rotary and has enough power to do some paint correction. A little expensive but worth it. I plan on getting one and probably selling my PC down the road. I mostly use my rotary anymore anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,287
From: Central Ma
Go with the Makita BO6040. It is the best of both worlds, ROB but it spins like a rotary and has enough power to do some paint correction. A little expensive but worth it. I plan on getting one and probably selling my PC down the road. I mostly use my rotary anymore anyway.
I have never heard of this buffer, but after looking it up, it looks very interesting.
I have a PC7424 and it lives up to it's billing. It's safe, but does require a lot of effort on a vette. I am still very happy with the PC.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
I would add we have also started offering the new Ultimate Detailing Machine at www.autogeek.net . It was built off the PC design, but added more power, slightly lighter, and less vibrations. While I love my PC, the UDM is getting alot of attention and worth a look.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Fairview TX
Scott,
Can you guys get the UDM with the heavy duty/longer cord? Doesn't the UDM come with the 5" backing plate, canvas bag and other things while the PC is just the machine in which case you need to buy the backing plate?
Thanks!
Can you guys get the UDM with the heavy duty/longer cord? Doesn't the UDM come with the 5" backing plate, canvas bag and other things while the PC is just the machine in which case you need to buy the backing plate?
Thanks!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 11
From: Lewes DE
the PC7424 (I believe the members above got the model incorrect - I'm not familiar with 7224) is tried and true - virtually fool proof. It's a great way to start. Autogeek sells it in kits that contain the backing plate, pads, everything you need to go right out of the box.
I really like my rotary also, but it's nice to be able to use the PC and know I'll never take any clear coat off with it. You really can get good results on clear coat of the vette with a PC and MIP or Zaino-PC fusion. -- as long as there is no deep scratching. That requires a rotary.
The other nice thing about the PC is that it is the "universal language" of detailing. You can go on any detailing board anywhere and post up a question about this machine, and you'll have hundreds of guys who've used it and can help you.
It's a little more difficult if you try to learn on a lesser-known machine - you may not have as many guys who are "speaking the same language" as you when you need advice.
The PC is a sure thing.
I really like my rotary also, but it's nice to be able to use the PC and know I'll never take any clear coat off with it. You really can get good results on clear coat of the vette with a PC and MIP or Zaino-PC fusion. -- as long as there is no deep scratching. That requires a rotary.
The other nice thing about the PC is that it is the "universal language" of detailing. You can go on any detailing board anywhere and post up a question about this machine, and you'll have hundreds of guys who've used it and can help you.
It's a little more difficult if you try to learn on a lesser-known machine - you may not have as many guys who are "speaking the same language" as you when you need advice.
The PC is a sure thing.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley California
If you do a search on the Griot's polisher, I rather imagine you will be able to pull up a comparison I wrote based on my ownership of both machines. About the only thing I would now add to the earlier review is that the Griot's cord is considerably shorter than the PC.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
I wont say anything bad about the Griots unit, just that it is rebadged. The PC , UDM, or even Cyclo would be my personal choice in Random Orbital buffers.
http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 11
From: Lewes DE
yes, that's what I suggest. Buy one of their kits and you'll be glad - much better than shopping for all the parts yourself. I'm in Delaware, and my GEEK stuff gets here in about three days usually. 
I like Griots - they really have some nice stuff, but the prices are a bit high, and it's pretty obvious that their polisher is just rebranded (when you see the pic in their catalogue). Griot's is also great in customer service, but not where I'd buy your buffer in this case.
I like Griots - they really have some nice stuff, but the prices are a bit high, and it's pretty obvious that their polisher is just rebranded (when you see the pic in their catalogue). Griot's is also great in customer service, but not where I'd buy your buffer in this case.