Show and Shine / Paint and Body Care Washing, polishing, detailing, paint care, etc.

Looking at getting a polisher/buffer, need help.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-16-2008, 01:58 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
EHuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 207
Looking at getting a polisher/buffer, need help.

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.
EHuff is offline  
Old 04-16-2008, 02:29 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Blown350ZZ4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Alcohaulin Ass
Posts: 727
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.
Blown350ZZ4 is offline  
Old 04-16-2008, 09:25 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
PSU 98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Schuylkill County PA
Posts: 489
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.
PSU 98 is offline  
Old 04-16-2008, 10:16 PM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
EHuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 207
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?
EHuff is offline  
Old 04-17-2008, 08:10 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
PSU 98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Schuylkill County PA
Posts: 489
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.
PSU 98 is offline  
Old 04-29-2008, 11:43 AM
  #6  
Registered User
 
Brandon94Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Clio,Michigan,u.s
Posts: 757
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
Brandon94Z28 is offline  
Old 04-30-2008, 02:10 PM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
EHuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 207
I went to that website and it is a dental office management site.
EHuff is offline  
Old 04-30-2008, 04:40 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Mu2LoW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bay Area ,Ca
Posts: 60
http://www.autogeek.net/

http://www.autopia.org/
Mu2LoW is offline  
Old 05-01-2008, 06:06 PM
  #9  
Registered User
 
87BlackZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Quakertown, PA USA
Posts: 70
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)
**
87BlackZ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kinglouui
2010 - 2015 Camaro Technical Discussion
4
05-26-2016 11:05 AM
David Dempsey
New Member Introduction
5
03-12-2016 12:42 AM
truecontr3
LT1 Based Engine Tech
15
10-11-2015 09:30 AM
surreybrad
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
1
09-29-2015 09:00 PM
damnyankee36
LS1 Based Engine Tech
5
09-09-2015 07:06 PM



Quick Reply: Looking at getting a polisher/buffer, need help.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:52 PM.