I am thinking about getting an auto buffer. I was thinking about just getting an orbital buffer at wallmark for $20.

The one at wallmark is only a random orbital buffer. Is it worth the money to get a dual action polisher (random orbital and rotating??)


What is the advantage of getting dual action anyways?


I am thinking about getting it only for detailing work.

what do you guys think?

blau

P.S. has anyone use the 10" orbital buffer from wallmark?? Is it o.k.???

__________________
Silver Honda Accord, 2006
Silver G500, 2003
Silver SLK-320, 2002
Black ML-320, 2000
Bule Porsche 993 Targa , 1997
Silver Merkur XR4Ti, 1987

I think you need to be more concerned with the rpm's the buffer runs at. The big risk in the past with machine polishing/waxing was burning through your paint because the buffers went to really high rpm's. I think you don't want to go above 5-6k rpm's for polishing and 3kor so rpm's for waxing (these suggestions are based on the directions supplied with my Porter-Cable ROB from Griot's).

The dual action, I believe, would do a better job, with less work (applying polish/wax more thoroughly, in many different direcitons), but you could probably get equally as good results with a little extra time with a plain, ROB action.

I haven't seen the Walmart ROB, so can't comment on it's value. Does it have adjustable RPM's? Do pads for polishing/waxing come with? My Porter-Cable does an incredibe job and feels like it will last forever, and should for $200...

Regards,
- Ryan

__________________
'95 E420 - 'Shadowfax' 138kmi.
'92 Volvo 740Turbo Bard 193kmi
'74 240D - 'Ol' Green' 4spd Manual 104kmi. (sold )
'77 300D - 'Red' 223kmi (sold)
'75 240D - 'Bianca the Blue Bomber' (sold)

you can really damage the paint if you don't know what you are doing with a conventional orbital buffer, no matter what the RPM's are. However, with an random polisher, you would have to really try to damage the finish, they are very forgiving.

The Walmart variety is fine. It may not last as long as a $200 one, but you could buy 8-10 of them for the price of a Porter Cable. Those are really good for production shops or those who don't mind spending the bucks. Most of us will use a polisher once or twice a month, for that, one from Walmart will do just fine.

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)

I agree with Mr Bill

I have used both types of polishers, the orbital type is far more forgiving and the professional type yeilds better results.

If you choose the professional type it is very important to maintain movement of the polisher to prevent removing too much clearcoat. You should also stear clear of sharpe creases on the car where the paint is thinnest. Because the professional polishers spin at high speed they can create more damage in a short period of time. They will also remove a great deal of rubber/plastic from your trim if you accidentally touch them.

The orbital may require a couple more applications of the polish to get the results but its safer to use. The only downside I have seen to orbitals is that the foam pads tend to come loose or the cotton pads fly off. Hope this helps

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

now the only question is what type of wax should I use with my buffer.

I don't want to start a war on brand names. But I am just about clueless when it comes to using which wax with the buffer. I assumed the liquid type is not a good choice.

thanks

blau

__________________
Silver Honda Accord, 2006
Silver G500, 2003
Silver SLK-320, 2002
Black ML-320, 2000
Bule Porsche 993 Targa , 1997
Silver Merkur XR4Ti, 1987

blau,

It really depends on what your trying to achieve.

If your trying to reduce or eliminate those swirly marks on the black paint I would suggest using Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover which is a liquid polish. This will restore paint which is already in good condition without removing too much clearcoat.

If you just want to wax the car take a look at some other posts regarding this. I personally like Eagle One or Meguiars because I can easily get them at the local auto store and achieve great results.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

If you are not inclined to do the multi-step process of cleaning, ploishing and waxing, just get a cleaner wax. If you are going to go through the process, use a wax only.

IMHO, unless you are preparing a concourse, show car, anything on sale is O.K. You may experiment with a few as some do better on certain colors.

Stay away from waxes and polishes with a lot of polymers in them. For some reason German paint doesn't like them. Other than that, get polishing.

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)