Buffer

[Crazy 13immer]

Up until now, I've always just hand washed/waxed ect.. my cars. I've been thinking about picking up a buffer, but the reason that I don't already have one is that I'm leary about using it wrong and messing up the finish. I know that they are great when used properly, but without having ever used one before, I don't want to be back here posting a horror story. What kind of buffer should I get.. orbital ect... and how should I practice? I'm not a real pro, but this is a passion of mine and consider my jobs as any professional would. Thanks for the advice

 

[Lowejackson]

Welcome to Autopia.



I would recommend the PC. It is very easy to use and can give great results. You can damage the paint with a PC but it does require some serious effort. Once you have started to use it you will wonder why you did not buy one sooner.

 

[cwcad]

Up until now, I've always just hand washed/waxed ect.. my cars. I've been thinking about picking up a buffer, but the reason that I don't already have one is that I'm leary about using it wrong and messing up the finish. I know that they are great when used properly, but without having ever used one before, I don't want to be back here posting a horror story. What kind of buffer should I get.. orbital ect... and how should I practice? I'm not a real pro, but this is a passion of mine and consider my jobs as any professional would. Thanks for the advice

Well if you are like me and have no experience in buffing I suggest a PC. You can purchase same from some of the sponsor vendors on this site. One can buy a whole package with all that is needed to get started in working with an orbital polisher.



There are tutorials in the use of the PC on this site. It certainly is not a rotary but it will not cause harm on your vehicle unless the PC is purposely abused.



Take your time, use common sense and enjoy the results of the process that the use of the PC will bring to your detailing.

 

[Mike-in-Orange]

I was in your same situation up until a few weeks ago when I finally bit the bullet and picked up a Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher. Imagine my trepidation the first time I set pad to paint and turned that thing on!! All I can say now is I love the darn thing and can't imagine how I ever got along without one!