Buffer/polisher

[el jefe]

After doing my own topside and cabin polishing by hand, with 3M, Meguires, and Star Brite products, over the years, I have come to the conclusion that a buffer/polisher is probably going to save me some time and muscle ache. Any recommendations on brands and hints and suggestions on use (pads, cleaning pades etc). Thanks.

[NightFisher]

I use a small 6” buffer polisher I got from West Marine to apply my wax.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...285&storeNum=4

A friend of mine has one just like it and he uses it to buff the wax out too. I use a variable speed 7 inch sander-polisher by Makita (9227C) to buff my boat out.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/makita/mak08-02.html#9227c

I kind of waffle back and forth on which of the pads is best. I do not like the 743403-A polishing bonnet but the 743405-A waffle foam pad works pretty good. I find that if I go back over the boat with the 192629-7 bonnet for compounding it really brings the shine out.

[Garett]

A brand of polisher is really up to you. There is a wide price range of polishers on the market. For doing your boat every so often a WallyMart unit is more then enough. Personally, I own a Ingersoll-Rand 314 Air Angle Polisher model #314 (7"). I'm comfortable with this air tool (I also have the compressor), so a set variating speed is not a concern for me.

For stripping and cleaning fiberglass you want to use a higher RPM; something in around 1,700. For waxing you will want to use around 700 rpm (this speed is important). This puts you into a polisher that has two speeds. Consider the weight of the unit you buy; it really gets heavy after awhile.


Pads come in a varity of materials; spounge, synthetic, wool and then there is Lambswool pads. Stay with the lambswool pads; they have just the right amount of bit - lots (speed the job up - less work time), so be carful. Because a lot of bit in one spot will increase the percentage of burning the gel coat or even going through the gel coat; not good! Milwaukee sells a really nice universal fitting lambswool polishing pad. The pad I buy is: Catalog no. 49-36-1450, which is white wool. (I think the yellow wool has more bit then the white wool). This pad is 7 1/2" x 1 1/2" thick pile; very nice pad, but there is cheaper out there. Well looked after, they will last you a lifetime. You could concider two pads, one for compound/restore and the other for the wax/polish. You will want to also buy a pad "rake". Sorry I don't have a brand or model # for you (every bodyshop supply retailer will carry). They look like 3 or 4 cowboy boot spurs on a handle. Yes, a screwdriver will work; hard on the pile of the pad and, if the screwdriver catches, the screwdriver will be catapulted from you hand like a missal. And this action is also hard on your shoulder and wrist.

Once bitten, twice shy

[This message was edited by Garett on 05-02-03 at 01:08 PM.]

[Garett]

This is what the wool pad cleaning tool looks like:

http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/pro_de...uk&dir=catalog

Once bitten, twice shy

[Megabyte]

quote:Originally posted by el jefe:
I have come to the conclusion that a buffer/polisher is probably going to save me some time and muscle ache. Any recommendations on brands...

Chief,

I have a Sears Craftsman orbital buffer that makes quick work of my boat. It's not a high-speed tool like the Makita, but it won't burn thru the gel coat either.

Also check out this THT thread: previous buffer thread
Do a search and I think you will find similar threads.

[This message was edited by Megabyte on 05-05-03 at 01:44 PM.]

[RingLeader]

Makita 9227c is the best. Its variable speed too.


http://www.classicmako.com

[Ocean Breeze]

I saw a show "Ship Shape TV" on Sunday that was about boat care. It went into buffers, polish & compounds. Look up when it is on in your area and check it out. It was interesting.

[Mumblerone]

RingLeader...has it right! quote:Makita 9227c is the best. Its variable speed too.
Amazing machine! 'Mumbler' has never looked better. Almost ready for launch; if it ever stops raining.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...