20 dollar RO buffers?

[crazyjoe]

You see them everywhere, but are the random orbit buffers you can get for 20 bucks any good? How about the rotary polishers you can get for 50 bucks (I know, be careful when using these, paint damage comes quick).

Just curious if anyone has tried one of these instead of springing the big bucks, and if they work or if one should not bother with them?

[turbomangt]

Hi Joe, I know which buffers you are talking about. I have one and it only gathers dust. Don't even remember when I got it. You would be better of spending just a few more dollars and getting a better one. They are designed to apply wax/sealant, NOT for paint correction. Because of the motion of the pad, (dual action) it spins and rotates at the same time so it doesn't build up heat like the high speed buffer, (a machine I owuld not recommend without experience)

The one you mention is incumbersome to work with. The plate/ Pad is too big, motor is cheap, and they don't make velcro backing plates to remove foad pads eaaily. The one to get is the Porter Cable. I know of a place that sells refurbished ones with warrenty if you are interested I will get you the info. Let me know. Gary

[KingKole02]

Gary,
Something I have a problem with is you say "heat like the high speed buffer, (a machine I owuld not recommend without experience)"

So how would use average people fix our paint with one or with something less speed and still do a good job?

[turbomangt]

King, unless you have some serious scratches I would not be concerned with using or needing a high speed buffer. For most finishes that have minor blemishes, and other surface contaminants all you need to do is deep clean the surface./ polish and seal. When you use a high speed you are removing a layer of the paint, so I try to limit the use of one for only when needed. Example I detailed a Lexus 400 the other day. It had some scrape marks on the lower bumpers, I used a high speed on that area only. no where else. I could of rubbed it out with a cleaner probably with it went fasted with the buffer.
If the time comes when you do need to use one, fly out to Chicago and sign up for my advanced class which will start this fall.

I will be teaching people how to use all the buffers in a shop and it will be hands on training. People that have attended my basic seminar have emailed me with huge interest on an advance class. Should be lots of fun. Check my e mail for schedule and times. Gary

[KingKole02]

That sounds like a cool deal. I would if I needed to. I believe Im not that far in yet. My swirls/scratches are that bad thankfully.

So I hand rub with your cleaner to get the, say, keys scratching the paint, marks out right?

[KingKole02]

Gary,
One more thing.

The reason its hard for me to understand this stuff is because I want to be a thero as possible and to figure out what exactly I need to do to not mess up the paint and make it worse.

[turbomangt]

King, you are way ahead of the game. You should see the things people do and hear the questions they ask when they visit me. True story. one woman did not understand why her hood was all scratched up. I aksed her who washed and waxed her car. She said she did. What did you use I asked? This stuff> she shows me a bottle of wax and a shop rag? SHE REMOVED THE WAX WITH A SHOP RAG? how dumb is that? I guess not much, she represents the majority how people think. Why do you think my clinics are so popular? people don't even know how to wash their car properly , let alone detail it. You are doing fine. Remember "Less is Best". Gary