New to using a buffer.

M

mk3f.t.w.

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The cars:
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So I have never used a buffer. I'm new and not sure what compounds, polishes, waxes etc to use. I do the basics to keep the car clean: wash, clay bar and body shine, wax, Polish wheels.

Any tips or advice is appreciated. The buffer I was given is a basic craftsman, but it's better than nothing.

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It's only slightly better than nothing. Good for applying wax if that. There are a ton of threads on polishing and on Youtube.
 
You can also check out Mike Phillip's book on detailing here on Auto Geek.
 
Here's an article by Mike Phillips regarding the style of buffer you have: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html But this is one case I don't agree with Mike as IMO they would make it more difficult to spread wax or sealant than doing it by hand.

If you really want to take your paint to the next level you need to get a PC, Griots or Megs buffer designed to remove swirls. Even the Harbor Frieght 6" Orbital buffer will do a good job if you want to keep the cost down (about $50).
 
Thanks! ^ I have some reading and some research to do!


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I'm going to get laughed at...ask me if I care.


I say it's better than nothing for sure, and it's certainly better than using your hands. Sure, they're not ideal polishers for today considering there are much better polishers made and offered today.

I have an old two handed version of a Craftsmen orbital 10". If it was fitted with a Velcro backing plate so that different pads could be put on it would be a beast on large panels even for compounding. It would be great for AIO's, or cleaner waxes. Pretty tough to use it in smaller areas, but great on large panels.

Some here feel they're boat anchors (they are still being made by manufacturers today), and while I understand their reasoning for stating such when compared with more modern polishers, sometimes you have to use what you have. I understand that.

The only problem with posting about it on a forum like this is that most either can't or won't help you because they use more modern tools or they don't sell pads/bonnets that will fit what you have, though AG may offer at least bonnets to fit that machine. If you search online you can still find pads and bonnets to fit that machine.

Some here say they're aren't powerful. I disagree 100%...at least with regard to that old machine I have because all 290lbs. of me has tried to stop it and I can't...rotating or oscillating. It has tons of power. If only the smaller versions of that polisher had as much power.

If I had pads to fit my machine it would be a joy to use on large vans and RV's. Then again, both arms would get tired compared to using my G110v2 and my rotary. Modern polishers (PC7424, Griots, G110v2, etc.,) have so many more advantages though.

Try Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, then Ultimate Wax.
 
Aren't the orbital polishers/"wax spreaders" a shorter stroke than other DAs? I'm not even sure it would be called stroke with these since they just kind of vibrate around. I think the lack of "stroke" is what makes them not effective for paint correction, not necessarily a lack of power.
 
MIsnowman said:
Aren't the orbital polishers/"wax spreaders" a shorter stroke than other DAs? I'm not even sure it would be called stroke with these since they just kind of vibrate around. I think the lack of "stroke" is what makes them not effective for paint correction, not necessarily a lack of power.
Click to expand...


Not mine. Think Dyna-brade dual action rotary attachment type of stroke...which I have. No...my Craftsmen has a huge throw.
 
Hoytman said:
Not mine. Think Dyna-brade dual action rotary attachment type of stroke...which I have. No...my Craftsmen has a huge throw.
Click to expand...
Will it reach the trash can?:props:
 
Hoytman said:
I'm going to get laughed at...ask me if I care.


I say it's better than nothing for sure, and it's certainly better than using your hands. Sure, they're not ideal polishers for today considering there are much better polishers made and offered today.

I have an old two handed version of a Craftsmen orbital 10". If it was fitted with a Velcro backing plate so that different pads could be put on it would be a beast on large panels even for compounding. It would be great for AIO's, or cleaner waxes. Pretty tough to use it in smaller areas, but great on large panels.

Some here feel they're boat anchors (they are still being made by manufacturers today), and while I understand their reasoning for stating such when compared with more modern polishers, sometimes you have to use what you have. I understand that.

The only problem with posting about it on a forum like this is that most either can't or won't help you because they use more modern tools or they don't sell pads/bonnets that will fit what you have, though AG may offer at least bonnets to fit that machine. If you search online you can still find pads and bonnets to fit that machine.

Some here say they're aren't powerful. I disagree 100%...at least with regard to that old machine I have because all 290lbs. of me has tried to stop it and I can't...rotating or oscillating. It has tons of power. If only the smaller versions of that polisher had as much power.

If I had pads to fit my machine it would be a joy to use on large vans and RV's. Then again, both arms would get tired compared to using my G110v2 and my rotary. Modern polishers (PC7424, Griots, G110v2, etc.,) have so many more advantages though.

Try Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, then Ultimate Wax.
Click to expand...

I have/had a 6" Sears "wax spreader"...played with it, removed all the original plate 'stuff'. Put some OTC Velcro on the plate. Slapped a LC 6-1/2" White pad on it.

Yea! It did work! Not the best, but the price was right AND fun to try.

As I think back, I believe I first saw this idea here, When? Not a clue.

Bill
 
Thanks everyone for all the replies!


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Its simple

Go to harbor freight give the 20% coupon and get the DA for 50 dollars.

If your in a rush you can buy the pads there however there trash and you have to buy a better backing plate anyway cause the one that comes with it is stiff and trash.

Order online a 5 inch plate and some 5.5 inch lake country pads meguiars foam disc pads, etc.

Stay away from hex logic there a waste of money because the velcro rips once the pad gets hot (in one day i ruined a white orange green yellow and red) on a porter cable of all things they really are trash.

After you order the pads you can start by ordering a quality compound and polish.

I would recommend something user friendly. Easy to work and whipe off.

If you want to keep it simple you can go to wal mart and pick up ultimate compound 8.99 and ultimate polish 7.99

Harbor freight sells Meguiars 105 ultra cut compound and 205 ultra finishing polish.

However 105 is a pain to work with it dusts and in high heat or
humidity or cold weather its a pain to work with and whipe off.

However it's a good product but it could be frustrating for me and i been polishing for years.

That setup is safe and you will get pretty good results.

After a while once you get familiar with the technique and understand how this works you can get better stuff
 
NextLevelDtail said:
Its simple

Go to harbor freight give the 20% coupon and get the DA for 50 dollars.

If your in a rush you can buy the pads there however there trash and you have to buy a better backing plate anyway cause the one that comes with it is stiff and trash.

Order online a 5 inch plate and some 5.5 inch lake country pads meguiars foam disc pads, etc.

Stay away from hex logic there a waste of money because the velcro rips once the pad gets hot (in one day i ruined a white orange green yellow and red) on a porter cable of all things they really are trash.

After you order the pads you can start by ordering a quality compound and polish.

I would recommend something user friendly. Easy to work and whipe off.

If you want to keep it simple you can go to wal mart and pick up ultimate compound 8.99 and ultimate polish 7.99

Harbor freight sells Meguiars 105 ultra cut compound and 205 ultra finishing polish.

However 105 is a pain to work with it dusts and in high heat or
humidity or cold weather its a pain to work with and whipe off.

However it's a good product but it could be frustrating for me and i been polishing for years.

That setup is safe and you will get pretty good results.

After a while once you get familiar with the technique and understand how this works you can get better stuff
Click to expand...


Awesome! Thanks for all the good info! I appreciate it. After some of the other guys mentioned the harbor freight setup I was looking into it. Thanks for the insider tip on the compounds, Polish, pads, backing plate etc.


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mk3f.t.w. said:
Awesome! Thanks for all the good info! I appreciate it. After some of the other guys mentioned the harbor freight setup I was looking into it. Thanks for the insider tip on the compounds, Polish, pads, backing plate etc.


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Click to expand...

No problem its a pretty good machine for the price.

You can get the same results with a harbor freight da as a rupes, flex, rotary it will just take longer more passes more product more patience.

After you learn the technique you eill outgrow it tho once the bug bites you thats it kiss your "spare money" goodbye lol
 
mk3f.t.w. said:
Awesome! Thanks for all the good info! I appreciate it. After some of the other guys mentioned the harbor freight setup I was looking into it. Thanks for the insider tip on the compounds, Polish, pads, backing plate etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

1st your rides look awesome. Awesome creativity with the Sears Spreader too. Welcome to the world of detailing!! You will learn quite a bit from here and you will take some with a grain of salt and the rest you will abide by. Bottom Line, the fact that you are willing to learn and get better at what you do when you are detailing is all that matters!

Kudos to your effort!
 
As you can see by the number of posts, I am a newbie.

I bought a Carrand (CRD94009AS) 6" Dual Action Professional Polisher since I am a complete newbie and despite my best intentions I will most likely not be the car enthusiast I should be !

https://www.tooltopia.com/carrand-9...MIu9ry5a7V2AIVnrXACh3ahgGbEAQYAiABEgI1B_D_BwE

I tend to jump full steam into hobbies (i.e. buying a high-end drone and never using it ... starting a garden and then ignoring it, etc. ) and end up going to another hobby.


I am confused about all of the pads and bonnets.

Specifically, what is used to put the wax on ? a foam polishing pad? a terry cloth bonnet? a microfiber bonnet?

What is used to take off the wax? microfiber pad? If so, I could see going through several pads as they would probably fill up with wax pretty fast.

Lastly, would I use the wool pad as a final "buff" to make it really shine?

P.S. if the Carrand 6" DA Professional Polisher turns out to be complete garbage, I may go to HD and pick up a Porter and if I like it, then keep it ... if not return it after one use.

Thanks for taking the time to read my way too long post.
 
Welcome to Auto Geek!!

Here is a list of links to articles by Mike Phillips that will answer your questions--just pick and choose the ones you want to read.

Car detailing articles by Mike Phillips

I would suggest you take a look at the Griots Garage 6" polisher. It has more power than the Porter and a lifetime warranty. Equip it with a 5" backing plate for 5.5" pads and a 3" Heavy Duty Backing Plate for 3" pads and it will handle anything you throw at it.

https://www.autogeek.net/new-griots-polisher.html
 
some great advice by both Joe and ski2 :dblthumb2:
 
Hoytman said:
I'm going to get laughed at...ask me if I care.


I say it's better than nothing for sure, and it's certainly better than using your hands. Sure, they're not ideal polishers for today considering there are much better polishers made and offered today.

I have an old two handed version of a Craftsmen orbital 10". If it was fitted with a Velcro backing plate so that different pads could be put on it would be a beast on large panels even for compounding. It would be great for AIO's, or cleaner waxes. Pretty tough to use it in smaller areas, but great on large panels.

Some here feel they're boat anchors (they are still being made by manufacturers today), and while I understand their reasoning for stating such when compared with more modern polishers, sometimes you have to use what you have. I understand that.

The only problem with posting about it on a forum like this is that most either can't or won't help you because they use more modern tools or they don't sell pads/bonnets that will fit what you have, though AG may offer at least bonnets to fit that machine. If you search online you can still find pads and bonnets to fit that machine.

Some here say they're aren't powerful. I disagree 100%...at least with regard to that old machine I have because all 290lbs. of me has tried to stop it and I can't...rotating or oscillating. It has tons of power. If only the smaller versions of that polisher had as much power.

If I had pads to fit my machine it would be a joy to use on large vans and RV's. Then again, both arms would get tired compared to using my G110v2 and my rotary. Modern polishers (PC7424, Griots, G110v2, etc.,) have so many more advantages though.

Try Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, then Ultimate Wax.
Click to expand...

I agree with this 100%.

I sure beats doing waxing by hand.

Many car washes in my area use these to apply cleaner waxes. It works great in those applications.

You might be able to find a used Porter Cable 7424, or 7424xp on Craigslist for cheap. I like these a lot more than the Harbor Freight, or the Griot's, and can usually pick them up used for about fifty dollars. I prefer Lake Country plates, and their Hydrotech pads over all others, but they have a bit of a learning curve. I also really like the Buff and Shine Grip Pads, which are more robust.
 
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