Orbital buffer
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 44
From: Richmond TX
It's ok for spreading wax at best. If you are looking for any paint correction, that buffer will not work. The PC 7424XP (which I have) or similar is a good choice. Griot's Garage, Meguiar's, etc have similar DA style buffers.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Thanks for the reply, firebug10. Not looking for paint correction, just polishing. I have been waxing/polishing cars for many years, and always by hand. Now that I'm nearing 81, I'm looking for help.
I have one of these:
, but it becomes heavy after a short period, and I'm concerned about doing more harm than good.
The orbital works fine for me, and it seems to have an improved
effect on the shine, when compared to my 'hand' shine.
I was just wondering if it is my imagination due to my effort, or if a machine shine is better than a hand shine.
I have one of these:
, but it becomes heavy after a short period, and I'm concerned about doing more harm than good.The orbital works fine for me, and it seems to have an improved
effect on the shine, when compared to my 'hand' shine.
I was just wondering if it is my imagination due to my effort, or if a machine shine is better than a hand shine.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 44
From: Richmond TX
The machine does not get tired, so I believe you will see better results than by hand. The second picture you posted looks like a rotary buffer. They are heavy and can damage the paint quicky if not familiar with it's actions. I started off with a buffer like you posted in the first post years ago. It seemed to do ok with applying wax and removing it. Polishing is a different story. Polishing "cleans/clears" the surface and gets it ready for wax/ sealant, etc. If you are just "waxing" and you are happy with the results of the orbital, then I would stick with that. The orbital will not damage the paint unless you drop it on the car. The DA buffers are great tools, but if you are doing no correction then the orbital will be fine. I don't know of any cons with the orbital, because it doesn't do a whole lot except apply/remove wax. The pro is, it doesn't tire like your arm does. I can only hope that I'm as active at 81 as you are!!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Thanks for the informative replies, firebug10.
I waxed and buffed the vette today using the orbital. A quick clean-up rub with microfiber towels left a very nice shine. Very pleased with the results. Thanks for the help.
I waxed and buffed the vette today using the orbital. A quick clean-up rub with microfiber towels left a very nice shine. Very pleased with the results. Thanks for the help.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Those big headed buffers have no speed adjustibility and no real power for polishing. They are best used for wax application and perhaps to help with removal as desired. Becareful as alot of them are sold with wool pads and often leave more marring.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
No paint marks, just a nice shine. Without benefit of a scientific measure, I think the 'shine' achieved today was an improvement over hand-polishing with a microfiber towel. Although, the microfiber towel was used as a finish rub.
I learned that a heavy application of wax is not the key to a deep shine.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
A wax or sealant may add a little to the final outcome of your finish, but true paint polishing will indeed add the most and bring out additional gloss and reflection. The wax or sealant becomes protection and locks in all the hard work.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 5
From: Schererville Indiana
The last few days I've been disappointed in my 2 1/2 year old PC 7424xp. I only use it for personal use on my three cars and I just noticed the spindle assy has quite a bit of play in it. The failing part is just a bearing with the threaded receiver for the pad/disc but it costs about $45 plus shipping. The 7424xp has a three year parts warranty but get this - it doesn't cover NORMAL WEAR. WTF!
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
The last few days I've been disappointed in my 2 1/2 year old PC 7424xp. I only use it for personal use on my three cars and I just noticed the spindle assy has quite a bit of play in it. The failing part is just a bearing with the threaded receiver for the pad/disc but it costs about $45 plus shipping. The 7424xp has a three year parts warranty but get this - it doesn't cover NORMAL WEAR. WTF!