Can I use any buffer?

[Ryan6900]

I am new to detailing and I want to buff my vehicle. I have VERY LITTLE exsperience with a buffer. It is my understanding that I need a "Dual Action" buffer so I dont burn the paint right? At least until I get experienced. Can I use any kind of buffer as long as it has the speed dial? One from Wally World, Lowes, etc...? I prefer to keep the cost under $100 if possible.

[mc2hill]

The two-handed ones at Sears, Lowe's, etc. are really just wax spreaders. They do not have a powerful enough motor to do any correction. You CAN by a Porter-Cable DA at Lowe's - it is sold as a sander, but is the same thing as a 7424XP. They run about $130 without any usable pads.

[Setec Astronomy]

The Wally World buffers aren't going to do it (unless you're lucky enough to be near one of the stores that's carrying the Meguiar's G110, but it seemed kind of pricey there). You're going to have to spend ~$250 to get into buffing by the time you get the machine, some pads, and chemicals.

You could try ebay/Craigslist if you want to shave some bucks off...you'll want a Porter Cable 7424 or 7436 or a Meguiar's G110 or a Griot's Garage 6" and there are a few others.

[Mike Phillips]

Read this before you buy anything...

The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/794/WaxSpreader02.jpg




Then read this as it really does a good job of explaining the big picture...


The Free Floating Spindle Assembly - The Story Behind The Story... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-rotating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html)


Faster and more effective at removing swirls compared to working by hand
Besides being safe, it goes without saying that the speed and effectiveness were and still are very important reasons that people accustomed to working by hand switch over to working by machine. Typically, as a person uses the Internet to do research on how to remove swirls out of there car's clear coat finish they discover these things called discussion forums and after a little targeted reading they learn about the Porter Cable Dual Action polisher, commonly referred to as the DA Polisher.

To see how safe these tools really are, check out this video where I place extreme pressure to the back of my hand using a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher

Pushing down as hard as I can (http://www.palmbeachmotoring.net/ascg-videos/porter-2-15-10-sc.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/824/FreeRotatingSpindleAssembleyScreenShot01.jpg (http://www.palmbeachmotoring.net/ascg-videos/porter-2-15-10-sc.html)




:buffing:

[Mike Phillips]

New to Machine Polishing?

How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/22263-how-choose-right-polisher-your-detailing-project.html)

Video: How to pick the right polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/25695-show-car-garage-video-how-pick-right-polisher.html)


:xyxthumbs:

[Setec Astronomy]

Yeah...what Mike said...