I read the postings and understand that PC 7424 might be the best.
Without too much arguments about "you get what you pay for", what would be an inexpensive polisher that would be safe to use, what should I look for?

It seems that there are plenty of polisher for about $25.
Ebay has some TurtleWax ones. What would be the recommended diameter (I guess 6-8") and I read that foam would be less aggressive.

Again, I do not want to spent $100. If nothing else is safe, I will just continue by hand.

Thanks.

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

I'd say save your money and buy the Porter Cable 7424 for $120.00. Consider it a long term investment rather than a short term fix.

There are plenty of good hand polishes available which work well, use them until you have the $$ for the 7424.

I remember using the Sears Orbitals and getting very frustrated with it. The bonnets don't stay on, udated bonnet materials are not available, it's difficult to find foam polishing pads for these orbitals and they don't have enough power. They also don't have a speed dial so your stuck with one or two speeds.

IMHO only a good tool will provide good results, save your money!

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

hello
if you are talking about just applying a finishing liquid type wax say carnuba. i bought a 15$ refurb wen electric random orbital off ebay. light fast easy to use. i use a dimpled 3M foam 7" applicator pad. i use as my finishing wax hi-temp bahama mama liquid carnuba. you don't need much to apply a finishing wax.

now if you are needing to cut the finish first you need a variable speed polisher. autozone for 49$ (they look like a grinder but they are not!!!!!!!) i'm not talking about those 2 hand polishers with bonnets either. don't bother unless you want to swirl your finish. i've seen them run as little as 39$ in harbor freight up to 149$ for a makita.

on these you'll need the proper foam applicator i use the white or light tan. black for heavy and green for lite. you'll need a liquid i use hi-temp again HT69 perfection. it's a one step polish but i use it cut with. (be sure to mask off edges so you don't go thru the paint).

now if you find the ht69 is hard to apply or just looks lousy you might need to clay it first. you'll just have to see.

the advantage with the foam and the variable speed polisher is that you apply the wax and remove it all at the same time with the same foam pad.

take a look at my 72 350sl paint's not bad looking for cheap enamel. no clearcoat there.

good luck on your job. you might try to find a paint supplier and ask as many questions as he'll take.

craig

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Thanks Much!
Craig

1972 350sl Red/Blk 117k
1988 420sel charcoal/Blk 140k
1987 420sel gold/tan 128k
See My Cars at:http://mysite.verizon.net/res0aytj/index.html

Pound it to fit then Paint it to match!

There is only First Place and Varying degrees of last!

Old age and deceit will overcome Youth and Enthusiasm every time!

Putting the square peg in the round hole is not hard... IF you do it fast enough!

Old enough to know better but stupid enough to do it anyway!

I read in another board that the Porter Cable polisher is the best for the money

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Flash Gordon

2003 E500 BlackOpal/Charcoal

2004 Infiniti G35X

Just got my Porter Cable from Amazon for $109 ( it was a "Gold Box Special") and the hook and loop disc. Now it's off to Griots for the red and orange pads . . .

BTW, if you have solid kitchen countertops, like Corian or similar, the Porter Cable is great for taking out scratches and for renewing the shine, which makes for a happy wife.