Lookng for a Good/Inexpensive Buffer

[Cooker]

You can definitely tell it is getting warmer around here. I've been thinking alot about cleaning up the beast.

Now I'm considering buying a buffer/polisher to make the two/three step wax process a little easier. I stopped at Sears to see what they had to offer and they had a 6" for $30 and a 9" on sale for $40. I'm sure they aren't the greatest quality, but I'm only using this thing a couple times a year.

Even though the larger ones will cover more area in less times is seems like the 6" ones would easier to "work" an area.

Any comments on brands, sizes, and operating tips would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ryan

 

[EMDDIESEL]

IMHO, save your money, do it by hand. Takes more work but alot easier (and cheaper) then having to have burnt, swirl marked paint fixed. If you do still want an electric, remember, the slower speed, the better. Look for a variable speed model that has a very slow minumum speed, it will keep you out of trouble.

 

[Bud Fox]

If you want a good buffer buy a Makita variable speed so you can slow it down if you are nervous. Also they sell swirl mark remover to take care of the swirls- Just take your time or practice on an old POS. Another option would be a Dewalt orbital buffer which is much slower and easier to use for beginners. And if you dont take those two routes you can find a nice shaded area buy some wax remover take all the wax off the truck and apply a new coat of polish and/or wax. I just started using Zaino and it holds up very well so far. They also have clay sticks to remove tar etc. from the paint and there is no buffing required. If you have a dark colored truck and you are oxidized you need to buff it; just take your time and dont use a wool cutting pad maybe just a polishing pad . That way you will cut down on swirls and make sure you keep chemicals on the truck(try not to "dry buff") Hope this helps

 

[maint.man]

The main thing with a buffer is don't get in a hurry and don't put a lot of pressure on it, beacause if ya' do it'll take a paint gun to fix the mess you'll have. Not trying to scare ya' but just passing along a thought. Also when ya use one start at the top and go down, keep the cord over your shoulder and it'll stay out of the pad. The main thing with the swirls is to keep the pad clean . However make sure you get a good quality pad , the last one I bought came from a paint and body supply and cost me about 30 bucks. Last but not least don't hesitate to get some good way , any high quality will do but the cheap stuff will cause ya' more work than ya' want. Good luck!
Brent

 

[Okie-Go]

This may be off topic as what you wanted but I like the old fashioned hand wax. I am afraid of the swirly circle mark the automatic buffer sometimes leaves

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[Cooker]

That what I'm worried about too, that's why I was hoping to get a response from some of the members that have used an automatic buffer.

Maybe I'll end up sticking with the old fashioned method.

 

[JB @ C and L Machine]

A machine type buffer in the wrong hands can turn a great paint job into a real mess... just MHO... JB

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99 Black/Agate, Quad,Long bed,4x4, SLT,Auto,AD performance 2 stage propane system,Bully Dog step 4's,P-max 10,"True" 5 inch Jet-Hot Coated exhaust from turbo to Tailpipe(Over the Axle),Borla Shoot-out Muffler,Suncoast converter, BD valve body and pressure-loc,Mag-Hytec trans pan,Amsoil ATF-4,Mobil Super Delvac 1300,fuel line up-grade from lift pump to filter and from filter to injection pump,Auto meter Ultra lite gauges:Boost,EGT,Fuel Pressure,Trans Temp, Valentine 1, EZ-pass

 

[Shelby Griggs]

I have not tried it yet, but am thinking of buying a Porter Cable random orbital system. Griot's Garage sells this machine as well as all of the goodies. Not cheap, $199. 95 in the current catalog, but it appears that this might be a safe way to machine wax.

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 7745 miles as of 03-02-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Griots garage does have really nice stuff, a little pricey, but they dont sell garbage. I have confidence in anything i buy from them.

 

[TowPro]

It sounds like you are talking about a DA Polisher, not a buffer. I just bought a chicago Electric (10" I think, with 2 pads) from harbor Frieght for $19. 95 (on sale from $29. 95. ) just came Wed night. I have a 30' fiberglass camper I am going to try it out on next month!

Originally posted by Cooker:
You can definitely tell it is getting warmer around here. I've been thinking alot about cleaning up the beast.

Now I'm considering buying a buffer/polisher to make the two/three step wax process a little easier. I stopped at Sears to see what they had to offer and they had a 6" for $30 and a 9" on sale for $40. I'm sure they aren't the greatest quality, but I'm only using this thing a couple times a year.

Even though the larger ones will cover more area in less times is seems like the 6" ones would easier to "work" an area.

Any comments on brands, sizes, and operating tips would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ryan

 

[Cooker]

My quest for the "inexpensive" buffer ended. After further research, and borrowing a friends, I am deciding to go with a Makita variable speed polisher. The price is a bit scary at ~$190 but in the long run I think it will pay for itself plenty of times.

Milwaukee (sp?) also makes an almost idential unit and I am looking at both of them to see which may be the "best". In the end I'm sure it will come down to which I can buy cheaper as they are both quality tools IMO.

Thanks for the help. I'm glad I didn't buy the Sears "special" as I'm sure I would have burned the paint.

-Ryan

 

[maint.man]

For what its worth a good friend of mine uses a Makita professionaly and it's definetly a scary price but he says it's worth the extra money.

 

[Brandon]

btw the best buffer going has got to be "flex" brand 9" inch buffer, it is sweet
be careful with the polishers, they can leave swrils and always use the foam pads
Brandon

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Danelle's Dodge