Car Care Discussion Car Detailing Info, Wax, Wheel Polish, Interior Cleaning Tips for the Corvette

Orbital Buffer

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Old Apr 24, 2004 | 07:01 PM
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Default Orbital Buffer

What kind of buffer is the best to buy? I have mixed feelings about getting one and at almost 200.00 bucks, dont want to buy the wrong kind, ie orbital vs regular buffer. What does everyone think? :confused:
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Old Apr 24, 2004 | 07:04 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (ValiantSailor)

Everyone will tell you Porter Cable Orbital :thumbs:
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Old Apr 24, 2004 | 07:05 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (BWP 5P)

Everyone will tell you Porter Cable Orbital :thumbs:
:iagree: http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...23e+1082894172
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Old Apr 24, 2004 | 08:54 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (DsC5)

Thanks for the link DsC5. That is the best price I have seen for that buffer. I looked at one today in Car Parts Store here, it was 179.00 and not nearly as well equiped.... :cheers:
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 05:14 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (ValiantSailor)

I really like the Ryobi one I purchased from Home Depot. It was only $30 bucks. It has a 10" Diameter Orbital Random buffer.

Incredible results without the fear of swirl marks.


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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 09:08 AM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (REBEL03)


no swirls with the Porter Cable 7424 , might just help remove some. Forum vendor http://www.autogeek.net sells it for 129.99 and 10% off with couponcode "corvetteforum" on checkout. Not the worst price out there, and they are a supporting vendor. Ask Jason nicely and he'll probably include some samples (Wolfgang Concours, Pinnacle Wax)
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 06:36 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (Killrwheels)

Just ordered $300 worth of stuff from Autogeeks.com Been a long time Zaino user,but after all the raves of Wolfgang and Pinnacle I thought I'd give it a shot.Ordered PC buffer too!!!!
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Old May 2, 2004 | 12:17 AM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (Slammed Vette)

Is there anything wrong with the .85 - .95 amp, 10" orbital buffers at Pep boys/Checkers? :confused:
I got great results by hand, but I'm sure the speed and heat of this "cheap" buffer should help. It won't HURT will it???
Let me know, not looking to spend 300 on a buffer if I can help it.

BTW, the stuff you learn here, CF rocks!!! :hurray:
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Old May 2, 2004 | 02:14 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (TheJackel)

The smaller buffers you see at auto part and hardware stores do not work the best for removing defects. They are mainly a time & effort saver for applying and removing wax and/or a final polish. I have one and a Porter Cable 7424 and the PC whips up on it in the swirl removal area. Stick with the recommendations and get a PC well worth the extra money.
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Old May 3, 2004 | 06:31 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (Silver2002)

Silver.......Since my old Sears orbital is shot.......I took your advice and ordered a PC 7424 from Jerry at Coastal(Above)......Good price at $119. and by the time I finished ordering extra pads and a case it only came to about $180...........Griots Garage wants $199.95 for just the machine....... :)
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Old May 9, 2004 | 12:57 AM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (Silver2002)




Thanks for the info. My paint is in good shape for its age, but could still use some sratch removal (although NXT worked wonders). Guess I'll have have to give it more tought, hmmm......
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Old May 9, 2004 | 04:10 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (DsC5)

Everyone will tell you Porter Cable Orbital :thumbs: :iagree: http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...23e+1082894172
ordered the same kit i like it has the bonus kit included it will be here tues wil see how it works next weekend :D
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Old May 11, 2004 | 06:42 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (illmac77)

How many extra pads should you get? I usually replace the ones I use by hand after 2 waxes. I'm gonna put that PC on my birthday list for the wife!
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Old May 11, 2004 | 11:59 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (ValiantSailor)

If you know what you are doing get both. If you dont know what you are doing just get the Porter Cable Orbital.

In experienced and or educated hands the buffer is going to deliver superior results and in less time in terms of compounding or buffing.

The orbital will deliver very good results however it will take more time. The up side it is very difficult to damage the finish.

Orbital Pads

For a more aggresive cut use a Yellow or Green Foam Pad
For Polishing or Finishing Use a Blue or Black Pad

For wax/sealant applications The porter Cable Is The best thing going Its even better than a hand application. It delivers a uniform even application and will eliminate the chance of creating swirls marks in the finish.

I would however avoid using the Orbital with an aggressive pad(yellow) on dark colored cars i.e. Black. I have noticed on several cars where it has created small micro swirls. It is better to stick with the black or blue pads spend a little more time and rely on the compound/ polish to do the work.


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Old May 12, 2004 | 12:06 AM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (TLL)

I would however avoid using the Orbital with an aggressive pad(yellow) on dark colored cars i.e. Black. I have noticed on several cars where it has created small micro swirls. It is better to stick with the black or blue pads spend a little more time and rely on the compound/ polish to do the work.

Also be careful with too soft of a pad, I have tried using Menzerna Final Polish, a very light polish, with a grey finishing pad. It did not work at all. I don't think the grey pad has enough bite to let the polish do its job. The grey pad does work very well with nonabrasive products like Meguiars #7.
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Old May 12, 2004 | 12:36 AM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (DsC5)

Polish is another key point. Everything is a variable. Use an aggressive pad with a milder compound or a less aggressive pad with a more aggressve compound.

If you are using a milder pad you may want to step up the compound to somethng more aggressive.

Or it may just be a matter of giving the compound more time to work.

The Grand Cannon was not carved out overnight.
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Old May 12, 2004 | 01:40 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (DsC5)

This thread mentions PC7336
(http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=701348)
What's the difference?


[Modified by NelsonV98Vert, 10:41 AM 5/12/2004]
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Old May 12, 2004 | 01:55 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (NelsonV98Vert)

The 7336 is the same. Actually it is a little better since it has the 6" counter weights opposed to the 5" ones. :cheers:
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Old May 12, 2004 | 01:58 PM
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (agentf1)

Many thanks!
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Old May 12, 2004 | 04:50 PM
  #20  
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Default Re: Orbital Buffer (NelsonV98Vert)

orbital comes with to plates one for sanding and one with a foam pad. The foam pad/plate combo last about 5 minutes.

Get the 7336 just to have the sanding plate. Then purchase a new hook and look backing plate 6". Avoid the Meguiars Brand. The plate is too thin and the Velcro does not have enough cling and for what it is too expensive. Your foam pads will more arround too much. You can get a professional plate for the same money Aprox $20

The machine will make waxing your car fun.

Another note when applying a wax or sealer Lightly sprits your pad with a little water or spray wax. It will help your material flow more evenly
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