Compounding w/ Orbit Polisher

[john graham]

All threads i've read so far point to using a rotary for the compounding process. Is it possible to use an orbit polisher/waxer for compounding? My car (bought it used) has some scratches from its previous owner's "very prehistoric" cleaning practices (a rag & tub of water) and I want to find a more efficient way of removing scratches. I could do it by hand but that will take me quite a long time to accomplish.



I was thinking of getting a machine to help me with my paint maintenance duties, however I'm hesitant to purchase a Rotary because of the price and the risks involved.



I came across a Black & Decker KP600 Waxer/Polisher and am interested. It costs a fraction of what i would need to spend for a rotary unit.



Help! Will appreciate feedback from those who know.



More power to all autopians.

 

[imported_doug]

You can absolutely compound with an orbital - but not a unit like the B&D. it is effective ONLY for applying and buffing non-abrasive products. The overwhelming choice here is the Porter Cable orbital, which is a powerful and heavy duty unit that works well at removing swirls while remaining far safer than a rotary.



An orbital will never generate the heat a rotary is capable of - which means some compounds won't break down properly - stay away from aggressive machine rubbing compounds.



Plenty of info on this forum about using the orbital. Try the search function on specific topics.

 

[imported_BretFraz]

I agree with carguy. I've been a user of those large orbital buffers for years and switched to a PC about a year ago. It made a world of difference in terms of polishing effectiveness and performance.



You can use a big orbital with aggressive polishes but it will never provide the results of a more serious machine. So I guess it comes down to a performance vs. price vs. results thing for you.