Best Buffer?

[Sanssord]

I am looking to purchase a random orbital buffer. I'll be using it with 3M Super Duty to hopefully remove oxidization and restore the shine to the gelcoat of a boat that has sat unused outdoors for about 5 years. Then of course I want to use it for waxing/polishing on a regular basis.

Does anyone have recommendations as to the best setup (buffer, pads, etc.)? I'm looking at a Craftsman 10" right now, but it only has one speed - 2800 opm (orbits per minute). And value for cost is a consideration too. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[New_Blue]

Re: Best Buffer?

I purchased the Porter Cable 7424 a few years back and I remember that the reason I got it was because it seemed to get favorable reviews and seemed to be easy to find pads and accessories. It definitely feels and operates like a more industrial model.

I have a link to the place I bought it below....


http://www.coastaltool.com/a/port/7424_car_buffer.html

 

[wewefirex2x]

Re: Best Buffer?

I have the porter cable also and this one from harbor freight takes less work and is faster.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623

 

[Sanssord]

Re: Best Buffer?

Thanks for the input. So far I have two votes for a straight spinning buffer. I would have thought that using a random orbit would be better for this sort of work. Anyone have any thoughts on pros/cons of each?

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Best Buffer?

Might want to try before you buy-rent or borrow first.

I've used a few cheap ones that are painfull to use long term because of vibration.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Best Buffer?

Yeah I bought one of those cheapies and now find myself doing it the old fashion way. I may look to outfit my grinder with a buffing pad... Should do the trick.

 

[redfury]

Re: Best Buffer?

The random orbital buffers are crap IMHO. You don't see detail guys using them when they buff out paint on cars, why should you?

 

[arks]

Re: Best Buffer?

My next-door neighbor is a bodyshop manager. A few years ago he let me borrow one of his buffers to work on my boat. It worked so well I bought an identical one from ebay.
It's a 9" variable speed Black and Decker "Buffmaster". I picked it up for about 30 bucks. I use it on all my cars, too.

 

[New_Blue]

Re: Best Buffer?

The reason I chose the random orbital buffer was because it doesn't generate the surface heat that the other direct drive buffers generate.... I would suggest that you do some research on the pro's and cons before making a purchase...

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Best Buffer?

The reason I chose the random orbital buffer was because it doesn't generate the surface heat that the other direct drive buffers generate.... I would suggest that you do some research on the pro's and cons before making a purchase...

That is true about the heat but after you learn to operate the tool correctly heating up and burning the paint is not a big problem.
Besides, which tool do you think does more work in the shorter time frame? The one that generates heat.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Best Buffer?

I have the variable speed buffer, works great. But like even you said it generates some heat if you are running a high speed and stay too long in one spot. AND it will remove the decals in a heart beat if ya aren't careful. So a little practice makes perfect. And you want to get a quality buffer. The $20.00 or $30.00 ones ya can get at Wal*Mart usually don't last too long. They work pretty hard when you get to going.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Best Buffer?

I know of no one that uses a random orbital buffer, they may work OK on wax, but that's about it, there may be a couple very good quality ones for commercial use, but it's not what you need.

Buy a cheap HF buffer and get on with life, for the amount you'll use it, it will be fine.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Best Buffer?

I just bought the $34 one at HF to use it as a sander too. Problem is that it's 7" and I haven't been able to find hook and loop sanding discs that size at the normal hardware stores. I was planning on using it for roughing up the hull between glass coats. I'll check the supply houses tomorrow. Just be careful when you buy from places like HF and make sure whatever it is you buy uses commonly available parts - if that's something you'll need in the future.