I'm looking to purchase a buffer/polisher and quite honestly, I don't know a lot about the newer models that are on the market.

Which do you prefer; dual action or circular?

Which brand/model do you recommend?

 

Porter-Cable 7336, like this:
http://detailersparadise.com/View.as...1-122521261403

Dual action is the way to go... very safe and effective.

 

^^^ Yup, what he said

Mark

 

Not having used any other then ^^ above ^^ I can only compare to the manual method. The PCDA is much better! Plus when you buy it from DP it comes with a lifetime warranty. I had mine replaced after two years because it was starting to run very hot. Like in have to wear a glove kind of hot. Instead of repairing it they just gave me a new one.

 

Another option if you have access to a large compressor is to get an air-powered one.

 

yet another option for one to consider:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...dom+orbital.do

A lifetime warranty too ~ I've had mine for almost a year and enjoy it's performance ~ don't think it has harmed my finish in any way. I like their wax, polish, and other products too.
Griots has some decent packaged kits available with their orbital.

Brian

 

Is the technology not ripe yet for a battery-operated high-quality unit? I would think cable management is a risk and a pain (albeit small ones). Some of the newer lithium type battery packs seem pretty stout in the large sizes.

 

Like any car care product, the best buffer is the one that you learn how to use properly and safely. For the majority of people, that's a safe tool like the Dual Action Orbital Polisher. This comes in a number of different forms. The Porter Cable being the standard and most popular. A number of companies have come out with their own versions because it's next to impossible to make any money selling these polishers, so they come out with their own "better ones" made in China so they can control costs.

They all do the same work. What's more important is the pad choice and chemical system you choose. If you don't know the difference between a rotary buffer or orbital buffer, then you have no business starting with a rotary/circular buffer.

I sell the PC too outfitted with 3 custom mods that are exclusive to ShowCarDetailing.com. Btw, PC's are bulletproof. They never break down. The cord is more likely to need replacement before the motor.

Richard

 

There are no battery powered variable speed orbital buffers that can sustain the powered needed to polish paint to the best of my knowledge. As far as cords go, it comes down to technique as in throwing it over your shoulder to keep it off the paint.

Richard

 

OctaneGuy is so wise! You should get his One Grip for sure. It really does help with control and makes polishing less tiring.

 

I have always found that by threading the cord thru a belt loop at the back of my pants keeps the cord/hose out of the way.

 

Well yeah, if your wearing pants. I'm an over the shoulder kind of guy myself

Mark

 

WRT to the air recommendation

You'll need BIG compressor....not just abig one. Just an air DA sander needs significant CPM....a buffer is typically worse. You'd be talking a good 40 plus gallons minimum with a good pump....

 

Not so......my Craftsman 25 gal is more than adequate. Most DA sanders only req 40 cfm at 90psi

 

A Porter Cable 7424 is an excellent choice, I have been using one for years.
Use the white foam pad for fine polishing, velcro mounted, only use Lake mfg. pads, their foam pad material comes from Germany and is the best.
Use the black pad for the glaze and red foam for the wax.
If you want my specific recommendations for wax products, e-mail me and I will tell you where I get mine. rjodoin@carolina.rr.com
Happy Thanksgiving