Help me pick a buffer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 286
From: Houston Texas
C5 COTM Coordinator
Help me pick a buffer
I'm currently looking for an ideal multi use buffer that could help me cut some time and still get great results. Right now i'm currently treating my paint and bare alluminum CCW's by hand. Sometimes it can be a real PITA.
I've see many people at shops who proffesionaly polish alluminum use a buffer to restore wheels along with different compounds. The finish is unbeliveable.
Can anyone point me towards a good buffer that will work well with the body of cars but also be handy to use on wheels? I'm currently on the autogeek site and there is many choices....
Any insight or personal experience would be appreciated.
-Maxx
I've see many people at shops who proffesionaly polish alluminum use a buffer to restore wheels along with different compounds. The finish is unbeliveable.
Can anyone point me towards a good buffer that will work well with the body of cars but also be handy to use on wheels? I'm currently on the autogeek site and there is many choices....
Any insight or personal experience would be appreciated.
-Maxx
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,098
Likes: 1,602
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Autogeek has a buffer package with the Griot's 6" DA with the pads and polishes you need. I like the Griots DA because of the added torque of the unit which is very nice when doing correction work . I'm sure Autogeek can set you up with exactly what you will need. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 8
From: Denton Texas
It also depends how much you want to spend, yes the griots is great but the rupes is much better. Will work faster with less, if money isnt an issue def get the best polisher on the market!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 326
From: Houston TX
I use a flex and that works for me on the body. Buffing wheels is a whole different story. I think you may be better off using drill attachments for that if you want to leave your wheels on the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1
From: Farmingdale NY
St. Jude Donor '06
I have a PC and a Flex 3401. I got the PC first and barely use it now that I have the Flex. It may cost you a few bucks more, but the difference in ability is well worth it.
I agree with the other poster that suggested drill attachments for wheels. Lot's of tough places to get in to on wheels.
I agree with the other poster that suggested drill attachments for wheels. Lot's of tough places to get in to on wheels.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: San diego
iam in the same position looking a good polisher and from what I read griots is the best for its price 117 on ebay.... Rupes if money ain't an issue and you want the best..... its like a top of the line italian sports car!! That's what I see after hours of the Internet over the past week..... It's all just personal preference in the end!!
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Just remember the buffers you are discussing are large and bulky. For wheel polishing specifically you might get away with the smaller 3 inch Griots buffer. Now if you are paint polishing then the Griots, Flex, or Rupes are indeed the best choices.
We carry them all and guarantee the best pricing.
http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html
We carry them all and guarantee the best pricing.
http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I have three good options and my go to polisher is a Flex.....
~ Makita 9227C - rotary for the big jobs...(stays on the shelf)
~ Flex XC 3401 - stronger than an orbital....
~ PC 7424 - random orbital for just about anything......
The Flex makes the job a little quicker. It's got a little more power and once you get used to the feel of it, the PC stays in the bag....
That said, I still love my PC and it can do wonders with good pads and polish.....
~ Makita 9227C - rotary for the big jobs...(stays on the shelf)
~ Flex XC 3401 - stronger than an orbital....
~ PC 7424 - random orbital for just about anything......
The Flex makes the job a little quicker. It's got a little more power and once you get used to the feel of it, the PC stays in the bag....
That said, I still love my PC and it can do wonders with good pads and polish.....
Last edited by Dave1; Jul 22, 2013 at 02:37 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1
From: Farmingdale NY
St. Jude Donor '06
I have three good options and my go to polisher is a Flex.....
~ Makita 9227C - rotary for the big jobs...(stays on the shelf)
~ Flex XC 3401 - stronger than an orbital....
~ PC 7424 - random orbital for just about anything......
The Flex makes the job a little quicker. It's got a little more power and once you get used to the feel of it, the PC stays in the bag....
.....
~ Makita 9227C - rotary for the big jobs...(stays on the shelf)
~ Flex XC 3401 - stronger than an orbital....
~ PC 7424 - random orbital for just about anything......
The Flex makes the job a little quicker. It's got a little more power and once you get used to the feel of it, the PC stays in the bag....
.....
The PC gets very little use these days, the Flew is my "go-to" for cars, and the Makita with wool pads does wonders on the boat.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 42
From: Pewaukee WI
I have a PC and a Flex 3401. I got the PC first and barely use it now that I have the Flex. It may cost you a few bucks more, but the difference in ability is well worth it.
I agree with the other poster that suggested drill attachments for wheels. Lot's of tough places to get in to on wheels.
I agree with the other poster that suggested drill attachments for wheels. Lot's of tough places to get in to on wheels.
I also have both, the Flex is a great product! Learnt on the PC and it is still a great tool.the Flex is my go to polisher now
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
You guys with the Flex should start to consider the Rupes buffer. I was very attached to my Flex for the past several years. Now that I have started to use the Rupes it is getting to be my go to buffer.
As for starting buffers, consider the Griots. Its an amazing tool for the cost. Best part it uses all the same accessories as the PC and PC-XP. I would also caution buying used as you have no warranty and the cost of these machines is quite low. If one happens to break you want to be able to get a replacement or help with repair.
As for starting buffers, consider the Griots. Its an amazing tool for the cost. Best part it uses all the same accessories as the PC and PC-XP. I would also caution buying used as you have no warranty and the cost of these machines is quite low. If one happens to break you want to be able to get a replacement or help with repair.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1
From: Farmingdale NY
St. Jude Donor '06
The Flex suits my needs enough right now that I can't really justify buying a third random orbital. What I find I could really use next is a smaller version rotary. Something with the power of my Makita 9227 with smaller wool pads to get those harder to get at areas above the rubrails of my boat.