Please help with buffer purchase

[DavidM]

I am looking to purchase an electric buffer/polisher. Does anyone know a reasonable one that works well? I am told to go with the orbital type to avoid swirls. Looking for one to mainly compound or polish my hull before waxing.

[RichardB]

Based on a recommendation in the vendor forums (http://thehulltruth.com/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=16) I just purchased the Porter Cable 7424.* It works well, isn't as heavy as some other polishers, is random orbital, is relatively inexpensive ($100 vs $200 for some) and is manufactured by a quality company.

Take some time and do a search and see what other's recommend.* Also, do yourself a favor and visit the vendor forums.* The BestBoatCare.com - Detailing & More*forum is a great source of info for boat cleaning, polishing, waxing and overall care.* He also has good prices on the best boat care products.

[Weekend-Hooker]

I went a round with the same issue, what I found was orbital is generally a slower RPM, which scratches the idea of applying compounds, quality well that speaks for itself if you plan to use it buy good quality. I have orbital and a variable speed the orbital...hell I would give it away,the buffer/ polisher I ended up with is a Makita 9227C which is a 0-3000 rpm, and it has a top horseshoe style top handle, which helps when trying to apply more pressure and it also uses an adapter for the Velcro style pads which I like much better I don't have to go chase down the cotton pads that sling off.The only issue with the high speed is you better do some learning because at RPM you can smoke into the fiberglass if you're not careful, but if you learn the tricks you can make a rock shine like new money!

[offshore27ns]

Get the Dewalt 0-3000. It is the best. Orbitals are way too slow.

Cheers

[Mumblerone]

I'll second the Makita 9227C.* They can be dropped from 15' and survive too!* Great pad system.* The also get 'heavier' the longer you use them!* *

[pistol1]

I suggest getting the Makita 9227C as well. It works great.

[fishin_Guy]

Just bought the Makita 9227C . It has adjustable rpm's just as detailing products do. The pads are hook and loop and are a 3 second change with no additional tools. Made detailing my boat alot easier.

[Mist-Rest]

For compounding yes, any of the high speed units are the right ones. It's a great work out and they do get heavy. For wax the PC is one great tool. Don't consider any pad system that does not have hook and loop.

[mattup]

Porter Cable 7424

[Not So Deep!]

Purchased a Makita 9217SPC years ago and have used it to grind, cut, sand, and polish everything I own. Fantastic piece of equipment. (Paid $225)

Scott

[scratchandskiff]

I have the Makita also. Keep it slow until you learn how to use it especially on the edges.

[Megabyte]

Makita for me...
http://www.mytoolstore.com/makita/ma...?source=google

[SIM]

The Dewalt or Porter Cable(same tool) 0-3000 variable. Right around $220 through McMaster. We get typically a*2 years*out of them before they crap out. They are used heavily though.

An orbital machine*is used for apply wax.........they work great for that.......and its about all they are good for imho......

Andy

[Vectorfisher]

I just bought the Milwaukee top of the line polisher. I have detailed cars,trucks, for my dads business and have always used the Makita they work great are light weight. I have noy used the Milwaukee yet (waiting for bottom paint to come off) but it is heavy and a bit bulky, I do like the detachable cord that it comes with. Will report back once I actually use it.

[tg]

The detachable cord does sound like a great feature (from one who caught the cord on my Makita more than once )

[SIM]

Vector,

That*Milwaukee is a great tool...very well built.....but you will become very "Buff" from using it. (its a little heavy)

Andy

[Capt Lou]

I went through this delema this winter. I decided this year was not the year to buy one so I talked to friends and found one who had one I could borrow. The cost was much better I was going to rent one from my local HomeDepot for about 20 bucks for the day, so there is another option.

Either way the results are wel worth the time and effort. Shining like new with a little sweat.

[Raider Ron]

They are all about the same!!
As a matter of fact, lots of them are made by the same company and sold as either Dewalt, Black & decker, Chrftsman, ect.....
Best to spend the money and get a variable spead one so you can dial in the rpms
I have a Milwaukee, a Dewalt w/variable speed, and a few (very old) (very heavy)Black & decker ones!
The older Black & Decker (Atleast 50-60 years old) were indistructable buffers !
Todays new light weight, plastic buffers are meant to be thrown away when they break!
Poilshers are a whole different machine used to wax or polish using an orbital motion at low rpms!
I do auto body work, so I know a bit about using buffers!!!

1 more tip!
Most compounds and polishes are sold as both automotive and marine type, there the same products!!! of course, when they put the "marine" name on the can, it cost double!!!

[Frank007]

You want a RANDOM orbital buffer. They produce a better finish with less likelihood of burning or other problems. Quality buffing pads make a difference too. You can look at Griots Garage (http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp) for quality supplies.

Porter Cable is far and away the polisher/buffer most often recommended on car sites (polishers doubtlessly see more use on cars than on boats). The same Porter Cable machine comes under a number of different model numbers - 7424, 7435, 7436 - depending on accessories. Here is a link - http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...bce+1081421375
. It is also sold at Lowe's.

I have one and am very happy with it.

Makita and DeWalt tools are fine too, so they may suit your purposes also.

[mattup]

Griots is a damn rip off
Coastal tool def has the best price for teh 7424 . the pad the comes with it sucks though