Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

Orbital Buffer/Polisher Recommendations

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Old 03-11-2009 | 03:35 PM
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Default Orbital Buffer/Polisher Recommendations

Hey guys I need some recommendations for a buffer. I'm tired of wasting my time hand buffing and still ending up with a few swirl marks so what would be the best bang for the buck orbital and no I don't want one of those cheap slow ones that only go two speeds. What do you think about the Tropicare Porter Cable 7424 buffer?
Old 03-11-2009 | 04:11 PM
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I have tried to remove swirls by hand, and let me tell you, its hard work. And on top of that, some cant even be removed. I just ordered the Porter cable from Steve at Tropicare. I have seen results with the machine and his super intensive polish and I was amazed. My advice to you, call Steve, he is super intelligent when comming to these things. This is his number (972) 743-9443 and his website http://www.tropi-care.com/
Old 03-11-2009 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Greekey
I have tried to remove swirls by hand, and let me tell you, its hard work. And on top of that, some cant even be removed. I just ordered the Porter cable from Steve at Tropicare. I have seen results with the machine and his super intensive polish and I was amazed. My advice to you, call Steve, he is super intelligent when comming to these things. This is his number (972) 743-9443 and his website http://www.tropi-care.com/
thanks bro. yeah I've heard of good review on his package I will have to get in touch w/ him.
Old 03-11-2009 | 04:35 PM
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Porter Cable from Tropi-Care
Old 03-11-2009 | 04:40 PM
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you guys think its worth the money for what seems like a standard buffer?
Old 03-11-2009 | 06:30 PM
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For a novice detailer, or someone trying to remove minor defects from their vehicles, the Porter-Cable 7424 is a great tool.
Old 03-11-2009 | 09:51 PM
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+1 for the PC 7424/Tropicare. I use Steve's TC-8 swirt remover, followed up by a coat of their polish. For extra depth, sometimes I apply a carnuba top layer. You will not be disappointed and his customer service is great. Do the full detail (including detailing clay) and the results will be excellent.
Old 03-11-2009 | 10:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Lonewolf 1
+1 for the PC 7424/Tropicare. I use Steve's TC-8 swirt remover, followed up by a coat of their polish. For extra depth, sometimes I apply a carnuba top layer. You will not be disappointed and his customer service is great. Do the full detail (including detailing clay) and the results will be excellent.
yea it seems like his PC is just a great bang for the buck. I'll have to get in touch w/ him .
Old 03-11-2009 | 10:25 PM
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The PC 7424 is good. But if your looking for something better ALL the way around,get the Flex 3401 you won't be disappointed.
Old 03-11-2009 | 10:36 PM
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That might be a little out of my price range. For what I'm gathering it seems that the Porter Cable is the better product for car enthusiasts who want to buff/polish their cars and the Flex seems like its for commercial use or for extreme users.
Old 03-12-2009 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by sstg
The PC 7424 is good. But if your looking for something better ALL the way around,get the Flex 3401 you won't be disappointed.
+1. I picked up a Flex 3401 used for $220 (~$279 new) over in the classifieds @ autopia.org. The seller included a bunch of pads, micro-fibers, detailing apron, and a few misc products. Id recommend heading over there and browsing around a bit. I never knew detailing could get so involved.

While I havent used the PC7424, I chose the Flex over it due to the fact that the Flex has more power and will make removing the swirls in the TAs clearcoat much easier. I'll admit that I was a bit nervous about using it having no prior experience, but it was super easy and i got the hang of it pretty quick.
Old 03-12-2009 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Trans Am Jam
That might be a little out of my price range. For what I'm gathering it seems that the Porter Cable is the better product for car enthusiasts who want to buff/polish their cars and the Flex seems like its for commercial use or for extreme users.
The PC was "the DA buffer" untill the Flex 3401 came out.
If your just trying to make your car look better than the PC will help. Good luck.
Old 03-12-2009 | 11:00 AM
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We have sold a lot of PCs in the last 5 years. They are great for those who are hesitant about machine use as they are safe and user friendly for beginners and novices. The key to the acheiving your desired look with the PC is having patience and learning from experience when using the different foam pads and chemicals.

For those off us who are detailers, enthusiasts or have less patience for results, the FLEX 3401 is a marked advance in surface correction. Granted it is about $100 more than the PC kit. The extra premium can be recovered in the time savings and increased correction ability compared to the PC. Current PC owners who have demoed it at 2 recent indoor car shows commented how much smoother the rotation was and the quicker correction rate on demo surfaces.

Within the next several days, we will start to offer a "FLEX Foursome" kit to include the machine, new purple, white "KOMPRESSOR" pads and Menzerna SIP in a one-price combo package (TBD). Call me or stay tuned for more details on this kit.
Old 03-12-2009 | 03:07 PM
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Just got mine ...This little bad boy got some weight to it lol. Thanks Steve
Old 03-12-2009 | 04:36 PM
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sexay
Old 03-12-2009 | 05:14 PM
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i got mine from topicare, great people, great products.
Old 03-12-2009 | 08:22 PM
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what differences are there from buying a cheap orbital like this
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90820


and buying the expensive porter cable from tropicare?
Old 03-12-2009 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Trans Am Jam
what differences are there from buying a cheap orbital like this
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90820


and buying the expensive porter cable from tropicare?
Thats not a D/A much less an orbital. It's a rotary buffer. With no experience with a high speed buffer,stay away.
Old 03-12-2009 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve@Tropi-Care
Within the next several days, we will start to offer a "FLEX Foursome" kit to include the machine, new purple, white "KOMPRESSOR" pads and Menzerna SIP in a one-price combo package (TBD). Call me or stay tuned for more details on this kit.
Hmmm... sounds interesting! Will be watching for more details (i.e., pricing).
Old 03-12-2009 | 08:57 PM
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you could try these from harbor freight


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43424

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90219



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