What's the difference between a Rotary and RO Buffer?

[boarderx]

I've been reading about the PC7336 for a few weeks here and decided to check it out today. To my surprise the pad end rotated. I was under the impression that it acted like a sanding machine and just sort of vibrated. So, my question is, what is the difference between a random orbit buffer and and rotary? The speed of the rotation maybe?

 

[BradE]

Rotary buffers spin in a pure circle. Random Orbital move in a figure 8 motion under load.

 

[JasonC8301]

A Random Orbit/dual action polisher like the Porter Cable moves in a off center motion. It feels like its vibrating but its actually moving in a tight figure 8 motion. This motion means it generates less heat so you don't have to worry about burning or removing the paint from a car.



A rotary buffer on the other hand is a much more pwoerful machine. The buffer head/pad moves in a clockwise manner with no random orbit or figure it motion. Its liek attaching a foam pad onto a drill. the will generate a lot of heat and without proper technique or patience you will burn the paint, remove the paint, creat new swirl marks, or possibly pop off a piece of molding or trim.



The PC is a good polisher it will make all but the worst finishes better. The rotary polisher in the hands of a experienced user will make the most neglected finishes look new again, but some cars just need a new paint job.



If you have a newer car, or a well taken care of car, the PC will make everything move along faster and with better results.



Jason

 

[porterdog]

To my surprise the pad end rotated. I was under the impression that it acted like a sanding machine and just sort of vibrated.

The action of an RO when the pad is against something is very different than it is when it's in free air. Check it out again and hold the action end against your thigh; you'll see it's _really_ different than a rotary.



Robert