Buffers

rockford33

rockford33

New member
I just joined this list and had a quick question. I currently own a Craftsman 9" Orbital buffer. I do recreational detailing (my cars, parents, girlfriend, etc.), but I am fairly fanatical about getting the best look that I can. I have been looking into getting the PC 7424, but I am wondering if it is worth the money? Would the results be much better than my current orbital? Or would my money be better spent getting a high speed rotary (and learning to use it on a junkyard hood), and then using my Craftsman to do the final waxing and polishing? Thanks for the advice and I look forward to everyone's input and experiences.

Thanks,
Neil
 
Hey Neil welcome to DC...... I am a real fan of the GEM buffer. I have had them for years and love them. I think that the Porter Cable is a good machine, but not worth the money. I felt light weight, and cheap to mee. I think it is cool on the sides of the car, because my GEM gets heavy. I GEM buffer is rebuildable too, like the brushes in the motor and bearings. The Porter Cable machine reminded me of a angel grinder..........lol. As far as high speed, I have a DeWalt. I think your Craftsman is fine for what you use it for.
 
I began with Sears....then bought a Porter cable ....then a Rotary..
I wouldn;t change that for anything...
jeff
 
I had the craftsman ( my first .
I then bought the PC, used the PC a few times and the results was a lot better. You gave access to high quality pads for cutting, polishing, finishing, etc. The PC has variable speeds and does a LOT better job, IMO.
I have since sold the craftsman and have not regretted it for one minute.
I also have purchased a makita rotary a while back. It is a GREAT machine, but both have their place.
IMO, PC over craftsman for applications, rotary over PC for paint corrections
 
I think the PC is great for the enthusiast. It is lightweight and very forgiving. It gives the auto perfectionist a ton of options when it comes to using different pad and compound/polish combinations without the user having to worry much about burning the paint.

In my part-time detailing work, I tend to stick to the GEM orbital and my Makita rotary. I agree with Wayne, rotary for correction and orbital (for me the GEM) for waxing. I grew up using the GEM so it is just a personal preference over the PC.

That said, I guess I just confused you even more!

Go buy the PC, you will not regret it.

Matt
 
I have the PC and use it for all my jobs (just about). It is a great machine and well worth the price. NOW, if you are just doing the cars you described, keep your orbital, it will do a fine job, the PC won't help you any. You only need a rotary if you have some deep scratching that you can't get out with what you have. A rotary requires alot of learning time and you won't use it much.
My final thought? Take your girlfriend out instead of spending money on anything.
 
Thanks for all of the quick input!! I looked at the GEM, and it is a little more than I was wanting to spend. Found the PC for $120, with 6" hook&loop backing pad and 6" counterweight. One reason I have been looking to replace the Craftsman is bonnet choice. I haven't found many bonnets (foam, wool, etc.) to choose from, either locally or on the web, other than terry cloth. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places. I also like the adjustable speed on the PC. It seems like you guys have mixed reviews on whether I would get better results or not with the PC.

Thanks,
Neil
 
I don't know if you guys have had different results with cheap buffers than me. I was not able to remove any slight imperfections (swirls, light scratches) with the buffer, It did however help with one thing, speed. With slight imperfections I always had to do it by hand. The PC is not a rotary, but it can make a difference with a neglected car and can really work a polish into a car. I don't really work on cars that are neglected enough to warrant use of a rotary so for me the PC is great.
 
I was just looking around, and found the Vector Circular Polisher. $99 for a rotary (less than the PC 7424). Anybody have any experience with this polisher? It is being sold by classic Motoring Accessories.

Thanks,
Neil
 
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