Buffing Question

[Waterrazor]

I need to buff out the oxidation on my hull. I bought some 3M compound and want to buy a buffer but I'm not sure what is a good RPM range to get?<br />I don't want to spin it too fast and burn my gelcoat. Any suggestions?

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Buffing Question

The BEST buffer out there is a Makita. We have one. Its the one where you can adjust speeds as you want. It does wonders. Not that expensive though too!<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: Buffing Question

JAZZedBW, what is the rpm range on the makita and how much $?

 

[flashback]

Re: Buffing Question

I have a variable speed buffmaster from black and decker that i have used for years. I use an 8 inch rounder lambswool pad followed with a waffle pad to get rid of any swirl marks. as far as speed goes, i start out slow and then speed up as the compound is used up. The 3m compound is the best in my book, although i water it down a little. good luck...........

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Buffing Question

This website is something like the buffer that I have. The one that I have is on the big boat now so I can't tell you the model name . This website kind of resembles it. Thank you<br /><br />JAZZ<br /> <br /> http://www.makita.com/tools_Item_View.asp?id=233

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Buffing Question

I can tell you which brand NOT to buy... Craftsman... They make some good tools, but you cannot get any aftermarket backing pads to fit their machine because of the unusual thread size on the spindle and the selection of accesories for their machine is pretty poor.. ... No adapters are available either...<br /><br />Milwaukee... Dewalt... Porter Cable... They all make great machines...<br /><br />I run about 1500 to 1750 Rpm with the 3M Heavy Duty products... The directions on the bottle should tell you the optimum speed for the product..

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Buffing Question

Porter Cable is good. I restored my boat with one by sanding all the paint off. That sander has literally been to hell and back. Poor thing lol<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: Buffing Question

The one that I'm looking to buy is variable speed and I wanted to know what RPM to set it at for buffing the gelcoat with 3M compound?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Buffing Question

Which 3M compound? There are several...<br /><br />3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound (part # 05954),3M recomends 1500-2500 RPM..<br /><br />The directions on the bottle should tell you the optimum speed for the product..

 

[flashback]

Re: Buffing Question

Snapperbait is correct, the 3m super duty is the only product that i use other than the finese which is a very fine abrasive used with a waffle pad for taking swirl marks out (primarily on dark colors). the speed is right also, i think my wheel turns as fast as 3000 rpm. but I very seldom use it that fast........

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: Buffing Question

Thanks