Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

Buffing tips

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Old Feb 22, 2007 | 07:59 PM
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Default Buffing tips

So I'm planning to buy a Makita 7" 9227c buffer (recommended to me by a buddy who lives in Canada and details exotics for a living). I used to work at a dealership reconditioning cars but I only ever buffed one car. I have the basic idea of it but are there any websites with tips? I would prefer some sort of video if possible. Or perhaps some of you could give me some tips.

Thanks.
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Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:51 PM
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autogeek.net
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Old Feb 22, 2007 | 10:09 PM
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I would recommend starting with a DA polisher, instead of a rotary. Much more forgiving ..

if you are dead set on a rotary, then my second recommendation would be go to a junkyard, spend $50 on an old hood, and practice.. second tip would be practice some more ..

do a ton of reading.

It is very difficult to make a mistake that can't be corrected using a DA and the properpads. It is also very easy to make a mistake with a rotary that can only be fixed with a repaint.

Rotary polishers are best left to the experienced. An inexperienced person can use one successfully, but why take a chance?

if the swirls on your car are so bad they can't be removed with a DA, then they are probably more than you should attempt to correct by yourself.

just my two cents.
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 05:41 AM
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The swirls on my car are not bad, no. I have oxidation on the hood that I am really trying to remove. Otherwise, it's just minor paint imperfections.

And I do plan to go with a rotary but after reading up on Autopia.org I am going with the PC since it is highly recommended. I also thought about the j/y idea for a body panel to practice on. Good idea.
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 08:19 AM
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SLOW!!!!!
LOW SPEED!!!!
DONT LEAVE IN ONE SPOT!!!
KNOW what you are doing, what products you might need and what your goal is before your start.

Oh yeah...Go SLOW!!!
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 08:39 AM
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Should you use a slow speed even if you have a DA polisher?
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 08:50 AM
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For at least "learning" the speed, yeah. Lower speeds are more forgiving. You might not get the best benefit from the product, but its much easier to learn using 2-2 1/2 then 6.
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 07:17 PM
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Yeah, I know the basics like not staying in one spot and constantly keeping it moving or else the friction heats up the paint too much. Now onto buying a Porter Cable... should I just grab it from eBay as a standalone (example or should I buy a kit from Autopia.org (this one)?

I would think the kit is the better idea since it comes with the backing plate, a couple pads, 2-year warrenty (which is awesome), and an instruction CD.
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