Looking for good polisher!

[jwilson534]

Hello, I am new to detailing but have a friend helping me out but I am trying to do the finding/buying equipment on my own so I can learn more. Read a lot more and watch a lot of videos that I may not watch if he told me everything to buy. I am getting laid off next month so I plan on trying to do this as a business so I am looking to spend a little more than I would if it was just personal. So far I have been looking at the Makita 9227c rotary polisher 8.5 pad kit or Flex L3403 VRG rotary polisher.
They are both around the same price but I know the video says to use the smaller pads with the FLEX. Im also going to buy the MYTEE Lite 2 8070 extractor. Your thoughts on the polisher would be great, Thanks!

 

[rmagnus]

Hello, I am new to detailing but have a friend helping me out but I am trying to do the finding/buying equipment on my own so I can learn more. Read a lot more and watch a lot of videos that I may not watch if he told me everything to buy. I am getting laid off next month so I plan on trying to do this as a business so I am looking to spend a little more than I would if it was just personal. So far I have been looking at the Makita 9227c rotary polisher 8.5 pad kit or Flex L3403 VRG rotary polisher.
They are both around the same price but I know the video says to use the smaller pads with the FLEX. Im also going to buy the MYTEE Lite 2 8070 extractor. Your thoughts on the polisher would be great, Thanks!

What is it you like about those two buffers? Will you primarily be using it on automotive paint? Have you used a rotary or DA buffer before?

The 3403 has a pretty high rpm range. The 14-2 goes down to 600 rpms. I don't think you'll use anything above 1600 rpm on paint. You might consider the Flex 3401 DA but it's direct drive.

 

[jwilson534]

Yes I will be using it on cars/trucks. I just read a lot about DA polishers not working well on deeper scratches so I figured I'd buy both a rotary and then get a DA for cars that don't have deep scratches. I've never used any buffer before but my buddy has an old truck I'm going to learn on and I am going to get some old hoods from junk yard. Being off work ill have plenty of time.

 

[Theo_Auto_Fines]

Harbor Freight is your friend. I'd save some money to get all the chems that you would need since good polishers with no good chems will render your efforts useless.

 

[jwilson534]

Oh I have money for good chems also... I'm working on a $3k-$4k budget to start up with.

 

[Theo_Auto_Fines]

Oh well, then you are set. Just get both the 3401 and 3403. Then you're golden.

Although you mentioned that you are pretty inexperienced with buffers in general I would still recommend the HF DA polisher for you to learn on. Its $59 and its more powerful than a PC DA 7424 so when you are ready to move up to the DD DA polisher you can use the HF for brushing carpets or put a 3" backing plate and use it for smaller areas.

 

[BobbyG]

You'll need a variety of tools and the polishers are something I'd call an investment. Polishers aren't cheap and can be purchased over time. If a rotary is a must then go with either the Makita 9227 or the Flex PE14.

 

[jwilson534]

So I thought, ok... I'm going with the flex pe14 and then I read all this hype about rupes 21... Your thoughts between the 2?

 

[BobbyG]

So I thought, ok... I'm going with the flex pe14 and then I read all this hype about rupes 21... Your thoughts between the 2?

The Flex PE14 is a rotary and the Rupes is a dual action machine offering 2 orbital sizes; 15mm and 21mm throw or orbit size.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Yes I will be using it on cars/trucks.

Production detailing? As in doing one-steps to daily drivers to reduce time invested to maximize profits?

Or show car detailing, where you have customers willing to pay for your time to do 3-4 steps to JUST THE PAINT?


If you're doing production detailing, get the Flex 3401, it's a direct driver dual action polisher and will enable you to knock out cars fast whether you do one, two or three steps.

One-step with a cleaner/wax and the Flex 3401...

How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits

Multi-step with the Flex 3401

Christmas Detail - Ferrari P4 - Move over Rudolf

If you're doing show car work, then get a rotary buffer and a good DA Polisher, you can tackle anything with these two tools and always finish out swirl free.


Multiple step using a rotary buffer and a DA Polisher

1951 Mercury - Black Lacquer Paint - Extreme Makeover

Getting some hood from a body shop or salvage yard is a good idea if you're just starting out with any tool...

 

[spiralout462]

If I was opening my own shop with a pretty healthy start up budget I would get a Rupes 21 and a Flex pe14 as my primary polishers. An entry level Griot's Garage or Porter Cable DA will also come in handy in my opinion. I also agree with Bobby G and Mike! These guys are an invaluble resource for us all! Good luck with the hunt! I must admit I'm a little jealous.

 

[jwilson534]

Thanks for all the info! I will be doing production to start out but hope to get into some show car in the future. Now to choose the products I want... Lol

 

[waxman1]

ok,after having my older snapon polishers go bad ,i got a dewalt.now after the speed controls goes out,190 ea, i m thinking about the milwaukee 5540 or5460-6. anybody used these? thanks

 

[rmagnus]

Yes I will be using it on cars/trucks. I just read a lot about DA polishers not working well on deeper scratches so I figured I'd buy both a rotary and then get a DA for cars that don't have deep scratches. I've never used any buffer before but my buddy has an old truck I'm going to learn on and I am going to get some old hoods from junk yard. Being off work ill have plenty of time.

Sorry for late response. You have received some very good suggestions so far. I'd recommend a Flex 3401 because it's a direct drive DA and it has the power for production work but can do finish work on show cars. IMO it's the best of both worlds a DA and a rotary.

For a rotary get the PE14-2 because it goes down to about 400rpms and it's light weight. If budget is a concern go with the Dewalt or Mikita or about $200 hard to go wrong.

Get yourself some smaller backing plates and a variety of pads.

 

[Love's Auto]

Stay away from a rotary if you haven't ever used one. You will need years to master it. It is very dangerous and can burn I'm seconds. Get a rupes 21 and order the 5inch backing plate. Also buy a porter cable and you will be good.