As this year's waxing season is quickly approaching, I am looking into buying a buffer for my vehicles. Last year when I waxed them all by hand, I was so tired and the process took FOREVER, especially when I do four cars twice a year with multiple coats. I really do not know anything about buffers/polishers and the difference between the two.

Here is some facts to help you guys give me some suggestions.
1) I use nothing but Zaino on all of my vehicles.
2) I have never used a machine, have done it all by hand
3) I am obsessed with keeping my vehicles looking their best
4) Want a good, QUALITY machine that is easy to use for a beginner and speeds up my time when working.

Thanks for all the help.

 

I have been using a POS walmart circular buffer for a while now and using basic Mguires wax. I had a conversation with someone a few weeks ago and he suggested getting a side to side buffer specifically for Zaino. I hae to find out more.

 

The Porter Cable (PC) 7424 is popular as a good "starter" machine. A random orbital buffer, it's powerful enough to correct mild-moderate flaws and you'd really have to try to do any damage to the paint, even as a beginner.

 

Thanks PSU98. I found this one at http://www.autogeek.net/poca746varap.html. What type of pads should I use with it for Zaino application?

 

If you're using Zaino products exclusively, then I would suggest getting some white Lake Country foam pads for Z-PC, green or gray for Z-All-In-One, and some microfiber bonnets for the other products. You'll also need some backing plates. Really, for everything except Z-PC, I still apply and remove Zaino by hand most of the time. The PC really shines when combined with a firm pad and some of the more abrasive polishes.

 

If you go to autopia.com they have a bunch of detailing write ups. I own a detailing business on the side and I use the porter cable mentioned above. It's cheap, easy to use, does what you need it to do, and dummy proof). I bought mine at LOWES for 100 bucks. I bought all the pads and backing plate off OF Autopia.com

You will never polish by hand after using it once. I can polish a whole car in about an hour.

Brandon
It'll BUff Out Auto Detailing Plus

 

I went to that website and it is a dental office management site.

 

http://www.autogeek.net/

http://www.autopia.org/

 

I use an ATD variable speed buffer (I paid $75 a few years ago).
It has 2 backing pads-1 for the cheap bonnets and a velcro backing that I can use either the 3M foam polishing pads or Ardex pads (depending on which car I am cleaning)
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