Are all random orbitals created equal?

I

imported_NT2SHBBY

New member
So I bought a Random orbital buffer from Harbor Freight tools about a year ago. I tried using it before winter and I felt that my own elbow grease actually worked out better. Maybe it was the cheap sheepskin pads that I bought or maybe I was using the wrong speed or maybe I'm just better off using my hands. All that happened was the wax would spin all over the place (everywhere but where I wanted it to go :rofl )



I am just wondering are all orbitals created equal or is the PC that much better?



btw for reference my orbital is 7", got it from here: http://www.harborfreight.com/







thanks,
 
You sure you got a 7" orbital? I could only find 2 7" rotary polisher/sanders. There's a HUGE difference between orbital and rotary.



Sheepskin isn't good for applying wax, IMHO.



Get yourself a couple Microfibre bonnets, and maybe a terry cloth bonnet for extreme cutting.



Trouble is going to be finding 7" bonnets. I've seen 5-6" bonnets, and 10" bonnets, but I can't remember seeing 7".



I've got a cheapo $25 Turtlewax brand 6" orbital I bought years ago at Home Depot. I don't think they even carry it anymore, but there are several others around at that price. When in doubt, check Sears Craftsman line. Matter of fact, looks identical to this one at Harbor Freight, except mine's green, and that one's only $15!



I'm positive a PC is a better tool. You can vary the speed, and change out the pads. Foam pads are a lot more versitile than bonnets. But is it 4x better? I dunno. I think that's a personal decision.



Some day, I'll get a PC. Until that day, my TW orbital is performing yeoman service.



If you did end up with a rotary... It's a much more powerfull and difficult tool to use. Do a search on rotary, though, and you'll see a lot of positive comments, as well as tips on how to use it. You might want to consider an orbital, even a cheapo orbital, for wax application/removal.
 
:doh !!! That there's a rotary, and I hope you didn't do any permanent damage to your black car using that and your "cheap sheepskin pads".
 
I'm 99% sure that's a rotary.



FWIW, cheapest price I've found on the bare PC is at Lowe's - $109. Check with some of the other on-line places for pads and backing plates you may need. It may be that when you add up everything, thier "kits" (PC + accessories) may be cheaper.



I'm not saying a rotary isn't usable. Do a search. There are many more experienced Autopians than I! :bigups
 
Setec Astronomy said:
:doh !!! That there's a rotary, and I hope you didn't do any permanent damage to your black car using that and your "cheap sheepskin pads".
Click to expand...





no, I stopped using it when i saw wax everywhere but on the car :doh
 
Arved said:
I've got a cheapo $25 Turtlewax brand 6" orbital I bought years ago at Home Depot. I don't think they even carry it anymore, but there are several others around at that price...I'm positive a PC is a better tool. You can vary the speed, and change out the pads. Foam pads are a lot more versitile than bonnets. But is it 4x better?
Click to expand...

No...its 40x better! :woohoo:
 
Alfisti said:
No...its 40x better! :woohoo:
Click to expand...



What this man said! :bounce



If the PC wasn't worth the price, we'd all be rushing down to walmart for their $20 buffer. There's a reason we all plop down well over a hundred bucks for them. :)
 
with the right backing plate and pads a rotary is a better tool than a PC-but you have to be careful and keep the machine moving. Use it for polishing and do wax application by hand.
 
well guys, you'll be happy to know I jumped in and bought a 7424 with the SFX polishing kit from autopia..... (took advantage of my 10% for joining)





i got my fingers crossed
 
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