Planning on getting rotary buffer...

C

CBlakeNS

New member
Right now we have some buffer I mean its aight but it doesnt even spin in circles but here are my questions.

First I dont need anything hardcore just something that will get the job done, what should I get?

Also if I dont know what im doing with the rpms it wont tear the paint up if I keep it low at like 1500 right or what???

And what type of pads are for what use, im just used to using a regular buffing pad, soft pad..... but what type of pads are there and what are there uses...and what do I need to know so I wont mess up paint.

Thanks everyone,
Blake
 
I found the Makita a lot less difficult to use and less powerful than my DW849, but others here find it similar.
Start with the softest pads, the flattest panels, and the finest polishes.
I use the Edge system (called Malco where I get them), which has 5 pads in the foam series (from heavy to light, black, yellow, green, blue, white). I haven't used the white, it is still on back order.
Always, always always start and stay at 1000rpm till you are comfortable. Move it up to 1400 when you're ready.
 
Definitely a Makita or Dewalt. Both great machines. Will run you 185- 225 depending where you shop. Both are variable speed.
You have wool cut pads, synthetic cut pads, wool finish pads, foam cut and polish pads, etc.,,,. Many to choose from. Wool pads will cut quicker than a foam pad, but they are messier to use and are much worse when it comes to swirl marks. Foam pad are cleaner in all ways, will not swirl as badly, but do not last as long as wool pads.
If you are going to do heavy cutting, I recommend a wool pad with an aggressive compound. 2000 - 2400 RPM. Do not apply to much pressure. And watch for corners. The paint is usually very thin on edges, if not careful you will burn right through it. Keep an eye on the build up of compound on the pad. Get yourself a spur and periodically clean the pad with it. Follow with a medium polish foam pad and a glaze or swirl remover of your choice.
Wax by hand.
Not very hard. But I still recommend to any out there who have not used a wheel before to spend a little time with someone who has prior to getting one. Let them help you out. Nothing like seeing it in person.
 
PEI Detail said:
I found the Makita a lot less difficult to use and less powerful than my DW849, but others here find it similar.
Start with the softest pads, the flattest panels, and the finest polishes.
I use the Edge system (called Malco where I get them), which has 5 pads in the foam series (from heavy to light, black, yellow, green, blue, white). I haven't used the white, it is still on back order.
Always, always always start and stay at 1000rpm till you are comfortable. Move it up to 1400 when you're ready.
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Very good idea PEI, I forgot to mention. Keep RPMs low unti you get a feel for the machine.
 
I just dont want to tear up my paint.....and I dont really get what all the pads do, I mean cutting meaning like? Sorry im a newbie to all this I just know how to do my buffer haha!!!

But is there one pad I can stick to do that will do the job and a rpm that wont burn the paint off????

Thanks for the replys!!
 
CBlakeNS said:
I just dont want to tear up my paint.....and I dont really get what all the pads do, I mean cutting meaning like? Sorry im a newbie to all this I just know how to do my buffer haha!!!

But is there one pad I can stick to do that will do the job and a rpm that wont burn the paint off????

Thanks for the replys!!
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Well Blake if you are just wanting something for light swirl & scratch removal I suggest a blue foam pad at low RPM's. I am speaking of the Buffing Edge foam pads. PEI mentioned the color scheme in his post. Blue is the soft polish pad. Will work fine. If that is all you are going to do I wouldn't even bother with the wool pads. But it will be valuable time behind the trigger so when a real piece of crap oxidized beyond color recognition comes your way, you will be ready for the wool and compound Grasshopper. :)
 
magicman411 said:
Well Blake if you are just wanting something for light swirl & scratch removal I suggest a blue foam pad at low RPM's. I am speaking of the Buffing Edge foam pads. PEI mentioned the color scheme in his post. Blue is the soft polish pad. Will work fine. If that is all you are going to do I wouldn't even bother with the wool pads. But it will be valuable time behind the trigger so when a real piece of crap oxidized beyond color recognition comes your way, you will be ready for the wool and compound Grasshopper. :)
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Thanks for the reply....sounds good, so basically all I need are foam pads soft ones and ill be set at like low rpms like 1000 will do the job and PEI said when I get ready move up to about 1400, does that mean when I get used to the buffer?

Alrighty and I mean right now im just basically doing my vehicle which has light swirls which need to come off soon, and occasionally ill do my parents and my friends so if its got heavy swirls and crap if I use some type of wool pad on the car with like 1200 rpm it will do the job? I basically get everything just all the type of pads like cutting and stuff confuses me haha!!! But I guess thats what happens when your a newbie, I just have a regular cheap buffer. Im about to go get pics of it! But keep the good replies coming fellas.
 
No, unless you have a car with lots of scratches and heavy oxidation you will not need a compound or wool pads. And when you get to that point you will be at a hell of alot higher rpm than 1400. When I am doing a 3 step recon job I am cruising along at 2200 - 2400 rpm's with a wool pad for compounding only.
 
Here are the pics of my buffer:

dscf00709od.jpg

dscf00710cy.jpg


It doesnt even spin around in circles so I know there is gonna be a biiiig difference!!!
 
CBlakeNS said:
Here are the pics of my buffer:

dscf00709od.jpg

dscf00710cy.jpg


It doesnt even spin around in circles so I know there is gonna be a biiiig difference!!!
Click to expand...
Uh, that is not a rotary buffer. That is an orbital.
 
I know I didnt mean it was a rotary buffer but thats what I have...

They dont work that well at all compared to rotary right??

Any other comments on buffers to get and pads Im starting to understand well :)
 
yes that orbital buffer is only good if even that apply wax only....i highly recommend a PC=portercable or G100 =porter cable orbital sander/polisher or cyclo...this will remove swirls and definately be better off the with that paper weight orbital imho....

g100

cyclo

your better off with either of these two machine which will improve the overall appearance of your vehicle you detail and they will give you a leway so you wont damage your vehicle paint compared to a rotary which paint can be remove in a flash.....first start with either of these machine then one you have you skills up to par then step up if you choose but the sweet thing is you will always need either PC or cyclo to comeback too....
 
Big reccomendation for the makita 9227c. Dwayne has a nice price on them after the discount (buy quick and get better deal with "naughty" code). I use a flexible eurothane backing plate also from dwayne and 7.5" VC Lake Country pads that yes again can be bougth from dwayne.

Make sure to practice, but once you get the hang of it you wont put it down!

Greg
 
No they don't. they are random, not rotary. And no, they do not work as well at cleaning paint. They are fine for appying and removing wax but that is about all. If you have a good cleaner wax they may remove very mild oxidation. But that is a 16lb GEM orbital, not that lightweight model you have. And will definitely not remove scratches.
 
Alrighty guys, cant wait to get a rotary buffer so I can get these swirls out and light scratches!!! I guess I can research more on the pads later.... so just a soft foam pad will work fine with the rotary and some swirl remover to remove swirls I hope!!
 
GregCavi said:
Big reccomendation for the makita 9227c. Dwayne has a nice price on them after the discount (buy quick and get better deal with "naughty" code). I use a flexible eurothane backing plate also from dwayne and 7.5" VC Lake Country pads that yes again can be bougth from dwayne.

Make sure to practice, but once you get the hang of it you wont put it down!

Greg
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Greg $195 is a good price. But you can get for $178 at Amazon.com. And they give you a tool bag and 2 pads as well. And Blake I would recommend the velcro backing plate system.
 
that Is not a rotory buffer. its a dual action polisher, same as the porter cable but for a hundred bucks less. also, looks to be a re-branded pc. same shape and everything
 
joyriide1113 said:
that Is not a rotory buffer. its a dual action polisher, same as the porter cable but for a hundred bucks less. also, looks to be a re-branded pc. same shape and everything
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Yeah the only thing im worried about is messing up the paint and the guy said that it wont burn the paint up but it will still remove swirls and light scratches.
 
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