High Speed Buffer

[iScott]

I'm in the market for a high speed buffer I can use to apply compounds and waxs so I can try and restore Noir'a's paint back to new. I don't mind paying about 50-60 bucks so all I need is soem good suggestions from anyone who knows or who has used one. Thanks.

[from Margaritaville...]

I've been using a Black & Decker two-speed buffer that uses a 7" bonnet. It's important that it has at least a high and a low speed so that you don't burn-in the wax or spray it all over the place. I've had mine for 12 years. Good product. Avoid any system that uses your battery through the 12V. outlet (not enough power, battery drain)...

[from Margaritaville...]

By the way, I know that others will have differing opinions on compounds. To get rid of the surface debris on the paint (including paint overspray), I used Meguiar's rough-cut #4 verrry successfully on my Beetle and, more importantly, my oxidized red '90 Ford Bronco II. Don't forget to wax over the newly exposed paint surface. Probably a good topic for a new thread ...

[FineExampl]

I too own and have used a Black & Decker buffer. It was $30 new at Target. It's only single speed and i think it's about 7" wide. It's not the strongest thing and there's no settings and switching bonnets is a PITA, but it's great for the money. Plus you get a brand name to back you up witha warranty, etc.

The only thing i don't like about it is applying product to the bonnets with them being so large. I actually needed an applicator to apply stuff to the applicator. Annoying, but not a problem.

[58ragtop]

if i could make a recomendation seeing as i have been a detailer for many years :-)
Meguiar's IS a very good product and does an excelent job, but there are other products out there in the wholesale world that the detail shops use that are just as good or better, especaily if you have not had allot experience detailing.
the suplies i use are from http://www.automagic.com/
, 98% of what we use are there product line bc-1 and bc2 which you can get for $7.52 a pint versus $15 + a pint from other comp's
if you are looking to buy a buffer and do not have allot of experience using one, for the love of your paint job, go with an orbital buffer, or you WILL eat your paint up, if you do have experience then there should be no question at all you need a adjustable speed buffer..a round $200 for one if you want it to last for a few years. if you are getting a single or dual stage, chances are both stages are way over 1500 rpm's ang thats way to fast for buffing a car paint.....great for grinding it off though lol
not to sound like a snob or anything of the like, but would anyone be interested in a toturial on buffing if i did one?

[captbp]

I use an orbital buffer by Black & Decker. Had it for 10 years now, still works like brand new. Used on everything from really oxidized paint to polishing aluminum on my airplane. Bought it as a reconditioned model for $40 from a B&D store, and came with a 2year warranty. I agree with 58ragtop if you get a high speed buffer and have never used one, you can burn the paint quite easily in no time at all

[Toad]

Yeah, for a first time buffer, i'd reccomend getting a random orbit buffer. I bought one fomr autozone last year and i absolutely love it. It saves soo much time and effort, especially if your really love hte just waxed look.

But i wont jabber on, i'll let my $40 buffer and NTX wax speak for itself.

First one is the day before leaving for H2Oi 2005 (late september), and the 2nd one is Today, the first waxing i did since September, and it was really bad, but with only 5 hours fir inside and out, my car was almost ready for the beginning of the 06 show season.. It only looks less shiny cuz it's under the roof.

[iScott]

Sweet. Thanks for the good info.

[Lnzbug]

I would love to do this to Chip as hand waxing isn't quite doing it anymore. My hubby would do this for me no problem but I want to do it myself. This is something I should be able to do but I'm afraid of the areas where the doors come together with the fenders. How do you get into the nooks and crannys of our cars? And what do I do to make sure no swirl marks?

[58ragtop]

if you are using an osolating buffer, you wont need to worry about swirl marks or burning through your paint, it's like hand rubbing your car, just 20 times faster

[iScott]

I went out and got what Toad suggested. Just a regular orbital buffer. This is, until I get my hands on a good one. But I planned on doing one coat of Meguires cleaner wax with the buffing pad and then Meguires Gold Class wax witht he polishing pad (both pads came with the orbital). But because of sunlight, heat, and pollen, I was only able to do phase one. O'well. No matter what, I need to get some compound on her. Plain and simple.

Below are some pics. One of the stuff I used and one of the view from the porch; Noir'a with her best friend, Jetta.