Cheap buffer -- Let me have it!

D

don_rapheal

New member
I am totally new to this thing called buffing/polishing. I have never even used one these tools on a car in my life. Would it be all wrong if I bought a cheap one a learned how to properly use one and in due time step up to a PC?





Here it is



That is the one I am thinking about getting. I have read that its pretty good, but of course not as good as the topdogs.



Let me know what you think. I am kinda strapped for funds right now, since I have so many other things that I'd like to buy for my car.



Thanks,

Jerry:xyxthumbs
 
The link you have is a link to a Rotary buffer, you do not want one of these if you havent used one before. The main polisher used by people on autopia is the PC. It is a random orbit polisher, it is near imossiple to damage the finish with a PC. On the other hand, a rotary buffer is very easy to damage the paint and should only be used after LOTS of practice. If you look on ebay you may be able to find a Porter Cable at a reasonable price.
 
Heh, that would actually be a step up from a PC as far as skill required to use it. That's a rotary buffer.. The PC is a random orbital buffer.



There are cheaper random orbital buffers than the PC.. I have a 7" Craftsman (got it several years ago) and I don't much care for it now that I have learned about the goodness that is a PC. Smaller motor that bogs down as soon as it even gets near paint. No nifty backing plate system that allows use of a variety of foam pads.



I'm now saving up for a PC...
 
Oh...wow! I sure am glad I asked first. So I guess I'll save up for a PC, but what do I do in the mean time? I want to get the swirl and scratches out asap. It just looks awful. I think the person who owned the car before me took it through those drive thru car wash and it got all scratched up and stuff. Help!?
 
You could try removing/minimizing the swirls and scratches by hand, but it takes a lot of elbow grease. There might be some other posts on removing/minimizing swirls by hand, but I don't know where. Try doing a search. Best of luck!
 
By hand I'd say your best bet is a polish with alot of oils and fillers in it....I don't think you're going to be able to break down most polishes by hand without having a heart attack ;)
 
don_rapheal - if you really catch the Autopian fever, you'll eventually end up with at least a PC. My recommendation is to save your money until you can get a PC with some good pads. It will greatly improve your prep work, which is where the majority of your car's great appearance will come from. The products themselves will get you that last 10% of improvement you're ultimately searching for



Save your $$ and invest in quality. Have patience. It will be cheaper in the long run.
 
I was poking around on Harbor Freight earlier - they have some random orbital polishers (which is what the PC is) by the same manufacturer in the $20-$30 range. Don't remember what size the motors were ---
 
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