What buffer/polisher do you use?
 

I'm looking for opinions on different buffers out there. I'm think of picking up a porter cable 7424, it seems like it's one of the best so far from what I've seen. Does anyone here happen to have one? I'd like to know how easy is it to use and if it's relatively safe to use, even if your not some professional detailer. Anyways, what do you all use?

Yup the PC is the DA buffer of choice by many. You can get professional machine results from it but dont risk burning through your paint like with a rotary.:twothumbs

Get it, you'll never regret it.

Dewalt, had it for 3 years, never failed me once. Speed adjustable, verrrry durable.

Then new Ultimate Detailing Machine from autogeek.net has more power than a PC and is still safer than a rotary. I own all 3 machines, but I do this full time.

I have a makita and the new Ultimate detailing machine also and have used PC as well.

Even though the Makita is something only for pros, it's the only machine I really use and it isnt that hard to learn on.

How do you like your UDM??

Porter Cable here...

I have had a normal rotory when i used to do it for a living.. its faster, but you can achieve the same result with the PC and be safer.. just takes slightly longer

When doing it for a living.. Time is Money

When doing it on your own car.. just take your time.. buy a PC

Don't mind me, but don't buffers "all" leave swirl marks??? I really hate those marks.

no. my brother got a $20 buffer from pep boys, and it works awesome. no swirls at all, because it doesn't spin in circles... it kinda wiggles back and forth :lol:

I only brefiely tried and and liked it. Im gonna try it out today on a car so we shall see how it works. I use my makita to buff after Im done wetsanding when I do a repaint.

So does it leave "wiggle" marks or any other kinds of marks? I would cry if the paint job gets screwed up once the car is done.;)

no, it doesn't leave anything. it actually does a very, very good job. when he said he got it for 20, i was thinking i'll do it by hand like i always do. but the lil fucker worked damn good.

I use a little palm sundance polisher I got from cdn for $15.. and it actually does a pretty good job, I must say. But I have only heard VERY good things about the 7424

I'm going to be picking up the UDM this month, since I've been hearing nothing but good things about it.

ok there is NIGHT and DAY difference between your $20 polishers and the porter cable..

the Porter cable is able to apply polishing compound and smooth out the clear coat

The $20 ones are only good for applying wax, they dont have enough power (heat generation) to properly use rubbing compound and WILL leave marks.

What are you looking for? The $20 ones are a great replacement for doing wax by hand.. but if you are serious about detailing and actually removing scratches, get the porter cable.


no, the porter cable wont if used properly (i.e. right pads, compounds, and put on in the right order.)

I use it on my Black SS camaro... and trust me, if there was even one flaw i would hit the ceiling.

You will get those swirl marks if you only use a rubbing compound and nothing else.. its like sanding.. first rough then progressively smoother untill its like glass. And depending on how bad your car is will determine how rough you start.

What's the cost like on the PC

I got mine at lowes for $95 about 2 years ago

I've seen them anywhere from 89.99 to 129.99

Then you need to spend about another 30 or so on the proper pads.. If you need to know, what/where.. PM me

i got a no-name random orbital 10-inch buffer from auto zone for $40 and it's worth it's weight in gold, finish comes out so smooth with no swirls or streaking or haziness i love it.

No offense to anyone with the cheap buffers..

but you dont know what you're missing with the porter cable.

go to www.autopia.org for countless reviews from detailing professionals and ametures alike.

here is a great site for homework Autopia

umm.. look up one post from yours

Any PC will be fine..

awesome, I missed it.
its good to know people appreciate their cars.