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High speed buffer vs. Walmart buffer
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 146
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High speed buffer vs. Walmart buffer Whats the big difference between the "Wal-Mart" buffers and the professional high speed ones? Is it just the rpm's it runs at? I was thinking of buying a professional one but heard I could really mess up my paint with it. But I have seen the difference and the "pro's" do a great job. Any input is greatly appreciated!
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,374
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From: Amarillo, Texas
Sounds like you would be interested in a Porter Cable random orbital buffer. It has adjustable speeds and a much stronger motor than Wal-Mart types. The random orbit motion makes heat build up next to nothing, and heat is what makes rotary buffers dangerous. When rotary buffers build heat, it warms the clearcoat making it softer and that's when damage can occur if you don't know what you are doing.
About the only way to mess up your paint with a Porter Cable is if you drop it on the car. They are 99% fool proof and a very nice tool for minor paint corrections. Well worth the investment.
Here is a good article on using a PC: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47
About the only way to mess up your paint with a Porter Cable is if you drop it on the car. They are 99% fool proof and a very nice tool for minor paint corrections. Well worth the investment.
Here is a good article on using a PC: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 828
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From: dallas,tx.
I got a 9" random orbital buffer on sale at wal-marts for twenty bucks.
It ain't commercial grade but I ain't using it commercially. Just mine and mom's car.
Works like a gem. Had it for two years and both cars shine!!!
It ain't commercial grade but I ain't using it commercially. Just mine and mom's car.
Works like a gem. Had it for two years and both cars shine!!!
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
Originally Posted by SixPak
I got a 9" random orbital buffer on sale at wal-marts for twenty bucks.
It ain't commercial grade but I ain't using it commercially. Just mine and mom's car.
Works like a gem. Had it for two years and both cars shine!!!
It ain't commercial grade but I ain't using it commercially. Just mine and mom's car.
Works like a gem. Had it for two years and both cars shine!!!
Originally Posted by 98Redta
But I have seen the difference and the "pro's" do a great job. Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I have a walmart buffer already, Im not that impressed. I have used it for over 2 years now. Yea, its better than doing it by hand but still I know there is better out there. I will look into that other buffer you guys mentioned. Thanks a lot guys!
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 20
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Get the PC and Sonus pads. You wont be disappointed!! As a matter of fact you will wonder how you ever got along without it!!
PC And Sonus Pads
Here is a Grand prix I used the PC and Sonus pads on. It had bad swirl marks from improper washing techniques. (sponge and the absorber for drying).
I think it cleaned up very well. The polishes I used are 1Z Paint Polish and 1Z Metallic Polish.
PC And Sonus Pads
Here is a Grand prix I used the PC and Sonus pads on. It had bad swirl marks from improper washing techniques. (sponge and the absorber for drying).
I think it cleaned up very well. The polishes I used are 1Z Paint Polish and 1Z Metallic Polish.
Last edited by jonw440; Oct 7, 2004 at 06:33 AM.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: WY
98redTA - these guys aren't joking. Pick up the PC, some good pads (lake country or sonus) and some good polish (1Z and Menzerna are the two best) and have at it.
I promise you, like I promised most of these guys here, that you will NOT be disappointed. You will be back here raving about it.
-T
I promise you, like I promised most of these guys here, that you will NOT be disappointed. You will be back here raving about it.
-T
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
SSR 2.5 is very versatile. The good thing about it is that it breaks down quickly and leaves a nice finish when used with an orange or white pad. The bad thing about it is that it breaks down quickly and sometimes doesn't give enough time with the PC to tackle some of the worse areas. It just take an extra pass or two.
Originally Posted by ZaneO
About the only way to mess up your paint with a Porter Cable is if you drop it on the car. They are 99% fool proof and a very nice tool for minor paint corrections. Well worth the investment.
i just used some meguiar's stuff. doesn't leave as nice of a polished look, but cleans out the swirls just as well.
