who makes best electric buffer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ethan · #1 03-29-2006, 08:25 AM

Who makes or sells the best buffer?

Is a random orbital buffer better than a manuall hand buffing, is it just easier or does it enable the proper polish to do it's stuff better on swirl marks?

If I were to practice on another car with a rotary buffer is a rotary buffer a better tool for polishing and waxing?

I chk'd the Meguiars site and saw no electric buffer, did I mess up or is Meguiars selling an electric buffer?

My car is an eight years old black specime and I wanted to give it a killer detailing.

I also chk'd out Griots and (I think) Autopia for buffers, I wanted to get a really good machine.

TX76513 · #2 03-29-2006, 08:44 AM

This can turn into a oil thread real quick - You can purchase a very good high speed electric buffer with adjustable speed settings for <$40 including pads. My favorite to use is a pneumatic, size and weight come into play especially when you are doing many cars. I have a good air supply which is a must as they consume some volume.

James L · #3 03-29-2006, 11:27 AM

Porter Cable - $125+
Griots Garage - $125+

These are the RANDOM ORIBITAL varible speed types, that will not heat up and burn paint.

TX where is this less than $40 electric buffer?

TX76513 · #4 03-29-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James L

Porter Cable - $125+
Griots Garage - $125+

These are the RANDOM ORIBITAL varible speed types, that will not heat up and burn paint.

TX where is this less than $40 electric buffer?

Harbor Freight variable to 6000rpm includes two bonnet set ups including hook/hoop and extra set of brushes.

Once experienced you won't worry about burning paint - that is a Newbie problem, I agree.

Hatterasguy · #5 03-30-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James L

Porter Cable - $125+
Griots Garage - $125+

These are the RANDOM ORIBITAL varible speed types, that will not heat up and burn paint.

TX where is this less than $40 electric buffer?

Agreed, Griots has a new one out this year thats pretty nice and cheaper. $120ish I think. The also sell air powered buffers if you have a large compressor and want to go that route.

Jim Anderson · #6 03-30-2006, 06:06 PM

Consider claying as an additional first step.

manny · #7 03-30-2006, 06:06 PM

TX76513

Is THAT you aircompressor in your Avatar?

danwatt · #8 04-01-2006, 02:47 AM

I am a pro detailer, and my main tool is the Makita 9227. For everybody else, I will recommend the Porter Cable 7428, also known as the 7336. Lowes carries them in stock. The Porter Cable will do about two-three cars a day, finally dieing after about two years. Not bad at all for a power tool that only costs around $100. Meguiar's sells the G100, a rebranded Porter Cable. Main difference is that Meg's offers a lifetime warrenty. I can say that you won't ever need to use that warrenty for enthusiast use, but the piece of mind might be nice.

The Makita 9227 I use is a lot more powerful than the Porter Cable, but also dangerous in the wrong hands. Contrary to what somebody else posted, even the most experienced detailer will burn paint from time to time.

sLoweredK300e · #9 04-01-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwatt

Contrary to what somebody else posted, even the most experienced detailer will burn paint from time to time.

I second this. I have yet to use a weighted random orbital to do the entire process.

I use teh high speed to cut, and glaze, and an 11 lbs. random to apply liquid wax. then apply carnuba wax by hand.

The liquid wax with the random orbital will remove/hide any swirls you created with the high speed buffer. and with a black car you will have some swirls no matter how good you are.

peace up

pmari · #10 04-08-2006, 01:03 AM

I burned up 2 of those harbor freight Variable speed rotory's before I got to glazing (like 1 hour each).

The Wen 945 Variable speed circular buffer for $80.00 is a good tool for the price. Matched up with 3M's finesseit convoluted foam pads and matching glazes/waxes. The newbie is on their way to a professional finish with little fear of screwing things up.