If you are not using a buffer, let us know why!

Why don't you use a buffer or polisher?

  • I wouldn't use it enough to justify the purchase

    Votes: 4 21.1%

  • I have tried them but I don't like them

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • I am afraid of possible damage from one

    Votes: 6 31.6%

  • I can't decide which one I need

    Votes: 1 5.3%

  • The cost is to high for my detailing budget

    Votes: 5 26.3%

  • Other

    Votes: 3 15.8%
  • Total voters
    19
Meghan

Meghan

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As always we are curious, why some use buffers and some do not! So let us know....
 
Well, I use a buffer now, but the thing that held me back when I didn't have one was that I was afraid of possible damage. Now the same thing is going on with a rotary! But this time, it can do some REAL damage!
 
Just re-read and realized you said "buffer"... meaning a ROTARY.... sorry, Im stupid today....
 
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Im actually getting ready to purchase a rotary. Just don't know which one yet. Probably a Metabo though.
 
i love the pc now but before i got it i didnt see the point. i didnt understand the concept of true polishing, wax was wax to me.and i thought why do i need to apply wax with a machine....thats why xmt didnt work for me at first....i didnt understand how to work it in for 5 minutes!now i love that too!
 
Kelso said:
i love the pc now but before i got it i didnt see the point. i didnt understand the concept of true polishing, wax was wax to me.and i thought why do i need to apply wax with a machine....thats why xmt didnt work for me at first....i didnt understand how to work it in for 5 minutes!now i love that too!
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Well put.
Knowledge and education is the key to this hobby/business. Remember to work smarter and not harder.
 
I haven't used it because I live in an apartment and NEED 300 ft cord.
 
justin30513 said:
Im actually getting ready to purchase a rotary. Just don't know which one yet. Probably a Metabo though.
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Hitachi is the hidden gem ..... more power than a Dewalt, cheaper than a Milwalkee, lighter than most, and better warranty than all the rest.
 
I have a Makita and a new Hitachi....I dropped the makita from the roof doing some sanding and broke the case...so I replaced the Makita with a Hitachi..I have to say it is a great machine....well made ...

As Killer said..it is a hidden Gem...light...has some nice power...and a great warranty....and the price is right...

AL
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
Hitachi is the hidden gem ..... more power than a Dewalt, cheaper than a Milwalkee, lighter than most, and better warranty than all the rest.
Click to expand...

Just got my Hitachi last week, it's awesome very light and a real time saver!! :D
 
I recently got a PC, Love it. For a while I was afraid to use a machine.
Back in 86 or so I used a attachment that goes on your drill to buff the car. I put a gouge in the deck lid and ever since was skittish.
Starting to look at a rotory.:D
 
I just bought a dewalt Buffer, i love it, i have used the makitta and the milwakee Buffer and i love my dewalt over both of them... its lighter than both and when you pull the trigger, boy does it get it up to speed...but if you ease into it, it is just fine for spreading the wax around. Stay away from wool pads.. ive been using a high speed for about a year now, and im just now getting a hang of it...where i used to put more swirls in the paint, now i take them out, and you should also never need to go over 1500 RPM.
 
I don't b/c our trucks/cars don't seem to have hard paint, yet don't marr easily. Maybe if I detailed for a living I would to make quicker work on bad paint and use the pc from there on for upkeep, but I only tolerate detailing our vehicles nobody elses LOL. Plus with the PC and OC I got some swirls and scratches out that I did not think was going to be possible.

Way I look at it, if PC and OC didn't cut it for me, I would have needed a rotary.
 
I don't because I just buy a new car when I get swirls, jj, I wish, but seriously I have two da and I want to get a better high speed, but a little nervous, I've been practicing with one that a friend gave me, it is pretty tuff.
 
I have the porter cable brand rotary. I dont like it because IMO its very jerkey starting and it is very heavy to use for several hours. I have also never been able to work it very well on side pannels, its fine on roof, trunk lid, and hood.

I am considering the cyclo next detailing season, its almost snow time here so no point in spending the money now.
 
i have a HUGE 10" random orbital that i dont use anymore, it was too cumbersome to even bother with
 
Usually when you first are getting started and it kinda throws your arms around a little, that usually means the pad has to much wax,polish on it and you should clean it with a spur. when you use wool pads you will make the paint worse, unless the paint is in terrible condition then dont use it. stick to foam pads and you should never need to exeed 1500 RPM, i usually stay anywhere from 1100-1400 and works great. its like a DA only it has alot more power and you can get some of the deeper scratches out... but you can also ruin a car, i learned on a test panel.. if you have a old refridgerator (spell check) test it out on that... lol

Marcus
 
Just placed an order from Autogeek for the Hitachi rotary! I already have the edge 2000 pads. :)

The PC's great for mild problems and for maintaining my own cars, but I've run in to some cars that have required SO much work from the PC just to get decent results. When that's happened I found myself wishing I had a rotary and the skills to use one.

So now I'll have the rotary...just have to find the skills! I'll be practicing on my friend's beater first. Hopefully I won't make it into even more of a beater than it already is.
 
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