Buffing machine

**benno** · 24-07-2009, 06:43 PM

Can anyone recommend a cheapie? Is there any way of using those random orbital sanding machines?

I did see one at Supercheap, but it was the squat, barrel shaped kind of thing with one handle either side of the barrel - I was hoping to get one of the ones that look more like an angle grinder in configuration as I have some nasty crap I want to get off the roof.

Cheers
Benno

**Mrk_Mickey** · 24-07-2009, 07:31 PM

Meguiars do one which isn't too expensive..you can get a kit for 400 (www.carcareproducts.com.au) but if you already have the polish and just want the buffer i think it's less than 300. That's a random orbital, so it won't damage the paint. Orbitals are very hard to use as they can get very uneven and cause more swirling than what you started with!

**Transporter** · 24-07-2009, 07:34 PM

I think that more expensive machine will give you better result and also if it's your first time with polishing machine I would recommend that you try it first on some old car.

**Mrk_Mickey** · 24-07-2009, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Transporter

I think that more expensive machine will give you better result and also if it's your first time with polishing machine I would recommend that you try it first on some old car.

I couldn't have said that better myself! Well done mate, that's exactly right.

**rayray086** · 25-07-2009, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Transporter

I think that more expensive machine will give you better result

Not quite the case here! The more expensive machines are just better built, usually with a better warranty period and just generally lasts longer. I went halves with a mate for a cheap orbital compound polisher - I think it was a Ryobi one from Bunnings. We also looked around dedicated tool/paint shops for these and found that the more expensive ones were even heavier than the cheaper ones, however build quality was far and above the Ryobi. The price differences are purely aimed at the home DIYer or the professional.

You're right about the latter point though - it's all about experience with buffing! I did more harm than good with a set of wheels I tried to polish!

**Mrk_Mickey** · 26-07-2009, 10:19 AM

Just on that point Ray;

At the detailing clinic we all used the meguiars random orbital they offered. When Dan went over the panel quickly just to even everything out, he used a proper professional one worth about double and you could see that it just gave out better results. You're right, it does basically come down to build, features and strength/capability, but it usually works out that the more expensive ones will be the ones with better features which in turn give better results.

At the end of the day, buy something you can afford and work with it. You'll get results you're happy with every time, if you practice

**Bboy_Sparx** · 27-07-2009, 01:34 AM

Originally Posted by Mrk_Mickey

Orbitals are very hard to use as they can get very uneven and cause more swirling than what you started with!

That's a rotary you're talking about. It's rotates as opposed to orbiting, the centre spins faster than the outer causing 'burns' in the paint.

The Meguairs one or the Porter Cable is a good one. However, the motors are cheaper and tend to burn out. I've burnt out one Porter Cable in a year, then a Meguairs one the following year. I use it on a couple of cars per week though.