i have never used a high speed polisher. i do detail cars. i just usually remove bugs/tar, clay bar, and apply and remove wax with an orbital buffer. the paint does get clean and smooth. i always use mothers wax. not that it is the best but it works pretty decent and is easily available. i was wondering what would the benefit of using a high speed buffer would be? if you do recommend one which one do you recommend? i will not be using it a lot so i probably do not need the best one made. however, i don't want junk.

 

You would need *lots* of practice before using one on a customer's vehicle. They can damage paint.

Their benefit is removing and reducing surface imperfections.

Instead of a rotary buffer, you would probably be much more interested in a quality orbital polish like the Porter Cable 7424. It is slower at corrective work compared to a rotary, but it is still effective and completely safe.

 

oh, i was never going to use one one a customers car until i had it fully mastered. i would start out on my sisters car.

so is there a benefit of the rotary over the porter cable? i just don't want to waste my money on a porter cable orbital buffer it will do nothing more than the one i have.

what kind of polish are you supposed to use with these? i assume it isn't just wax?

 

also, will these actually fill in swirl marks or scratches? i have found what i use does not really do it. the wax may cover them up but it isn't a perminant fix.

 

The Porter Cable would be a huge improvement over what you have now, but not quite as good as a rotary. The advantage with the PC is that there is nearly no learning curve.

The PC or a rotary will truly remove defects and not just fill them.

I use Menzerna Intensive Polish and Menzerna Final Polish as my main polishes with the PC.

 

With a highspeed you can heat up the clear and smooth out scratches and blemishes with compound and a cutting pad. Then use a sterio glaze or polish to glaze (polish) the clear to a glass like finish. Then you wax or zaino to seal in your final product. but take your time you can burn clear fast when you cut a car, your sister car will be a good one to start with!

 

yep, sisters car would be a good starting point.....thats for sure.

i have never heard of that brand of polish. would you recommend another brand is that top notch? where can i get that from?


what is the difference between the intensive and the final polishe? do you use both, such as one after another, or do you just use one or the other?

 

Menzerna makes some very high quality polishes, many of which are used in the OEM industry. You can pick it up from a variety of places. I like to order from Ranney at www.pakshak.com

The Intensive Polish is stronger (more abrasive) than the Final Polish. Every car and situation will be different, and it is always best to use the least aggressive method possible. Knowing which product to use comes with practice and experience.

It sounds like you've never really used a buffer or polishes, so again I suggest forgoing the rotary and get yourself a Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher.

 

what would be the actual benefit of a rotary buffer instead of something like the porter cable?

 

The rotary is capable of producing the results faster, but that speed comes at the risk of severely damaging the paint.

 

do you recommend applying and removing wax with a porter cable or will the random orbital buffer i have work best for that? what i have definatly can not damage the paint. i guess what i am getting at is there any point to own something like i have now?

 

I prefer to apply and remove waxes and sealants by hand.

What you have doesn't do any good *for me* but I can't say for sure for you.

 

It is like a night and day difference! I was once a doubter of buffing machines. They are essential IMO for thorough polishing, especially to get rid of swirls. I still hand wax though. It is my preference, because I feel that I can manipulate the wax best with my hands. You could also wax with the pc if desired.

 

i actually prefer to put on and take off wax with my buffer. to me it looks like a cleaner job. i do wax by hand in the tight spots and near the trim though.