I have always polished my cars by hand but was thinking about going to an electric buffer. I saw a craftsman 10 inch buffer with the pads for $45.00 at Sears. Is this a caplable machine? Thanks in advance for any advice

 

IMO, I dont see how you can really do any correction on a vette clear by hand, so buying a machine would be a great idea. You've got a bunch of choices here.

PC 7424- very popular DA. Very easy to use, and you really cant mess the paint up. However, I have seen people burn paint using a 4" pad on speed 6. Not sure how it happened, but apparently he did it.

UDM- This is basically the updated version of the PC. Its supposed to be a little more powerful. But reviews have said there isnt much of a difference. I believe there is also a newer version of it coming out soon.

Flex XC90 VRG- Basically this is the PC on steriods. Its a lot more powerful and will correct finishes faster from what Ive read. However, its also more expensive.

You've also got other machines such as the G100 and the new Megs polisher. But I havent read much about these. Seems like they are basically the same as the 7424's and UDM's.

Another choice is the Cyclo. This is a dual head orbital machine. Pretty expensive and not as popular as the PC and UDM.

Next step up is the rotary. I dont recommend getting one until you've gotten a lot of experience with a DA.

If I was buying another non rotary machine, then Id go with the Flex. I think high speed DA's like the Flex will be getting very popular. I think people will start going with those instead of the PC's and UDM's. Hope this helps.

 

If you mean the orbital buffer, I wouldn't waste my money on it. They're more novelty than functional.

If you mean the Craftsman rotary, I'd look elsewhere as well. I don't think it has the standard 5/8" spline to accept a velcro backing plate and the speeds are limited. You need a machine with several adjustable speeds, especially on the slower end.

I'd either get a cheap one like the one Harbor Freight sells for $30-$50 or get a good one like a Makita for about $175

 

The previous posters hit the nail on the head. Save your money on the Sears buffer and purchase one for a little bit more money that will actually be of value to your corvette and it's VERY hard clear coat.

I own the Porter Cable RO buffer along with a Hitachi rotary. The rotary has a bit more of a learning curve to it so it's best to start with a RO buffer. Both are good tools to own and I use both when the need is there.

 

I have and would recommend a PC. The UDM seems like it would be worth looking into. A rotary is a totally different machine. Great tool in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, but dangerous in the hands if you don't.

 

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html

some sound advice above ....

 

I have a waiting list of vettes to buff out as their owners bought a buffer and thought they could buff, I've been buffing and painting for over 30 years and am amazed at what a untrained "buffer" can do to a paint finish. If you really want to learn how to use a buffer buy the best buffer you can, go to a junk yard , buy a fender, hood, anything and practice on that. If you think you got the hang of it than maybe you can buff yours out. The main thing is practice, practice, practice. Dont use your Vette as a practice ground, good luck....G

 

good point but what would you recommend the PC OR UDM ?? and what is the best witch kit is the best value ????

 

I highly suggest the kit with the Menzerna polishes as they are considered the best by most, and easy to user for hobbist and novice alike. As for machine, it really is mostly personal preference. I have both, and still reach for my trustee PC most.

 

The Porter Cable 7424 is a good choice for learning. I 've tried them before and they do a good job for minor inperfections, minor swirlls, ect.. without to much risk of burning the paint which is very easy to do. Also as the previous poster said buy a whole kit with everything at one time. A lot of them come with a video which is helpfull. Mcguires has a couple of good deals going now check out there website. Autogeeks offers some good deals and remember you get 10% off , type in "corvetteforum where discount code goes. Good luck....G

 

Hib Halverson recently did an interesting review of the Cyclo polishers:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...polishing.html