Buffer / Polisher Speeds and Confusion

[thetwins2003]

I received a Craftsman 10" Buffer / Polisher for Christmas and was wondering how effective it will be, the specs show it has a max speed of 2,000 OPM. How well will this work for applying polishes and waxes ? I realize it is not comparable to the Porter Cable type machines but want to make sure that it is not just a glorified wax applicator and remover. I am looking to use it on my vehicle which is well maintained but I plan to go the next step this coming season by doing the "full treatment" ( detail clay, polish, swirl remover etc) and may possibly have other jobs lined up as well.

Is it necessary to have something with adjustable speeds ? and if so at what speeds should products be applied or is it dependant on what degree of damage the paint surface has?

[Blr123]

At 2000 OPM it sounds like it will not take out anything more than VERY minor blemishes...........the PC can operate at upto 6000 OPM.

Bryan

[Mike Phillips]

Hi thetwins2003

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Check out this thread...

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Basically, the tool you have is good at applying and removing products.

Applying a product is not the same as removing swirls and scratches, it's basically spreading the product out for you to wipe off later. They're safe because they don't have the power to do anything except spread out some product onto the finish.

Read the link above and then post your questions...

[kellyinkc]

I have Craftsman 7" orbital same specs. Applies wax great but removes no swirls. Saved my pennies and am getting a PC today.

[Tim Lingor]

Congrats Kelly! You are going to love the PC!!!

Tim

[thetwins2003]

Well after a lot of research I went out and purchased a Porter Cable DA Polisher, unfortunately living in Michigan where it is dry and 60º today it may be 10º and snowing tomorrow so for now I have been accumulating my collection of pads, microfiber towels and Meguiars chemicals so when the weather finally breaks I will be ready. The first vehicle in line belongs to my inlaws it is probably one of the best examples of neglect when it comes to both the exterior finish and the shape of the interior. I will post some pics once I perform the detail.

On another note although we have been getting days that reach 60º and one would think you could clay-polish & wax I have concerns with humidity and not geting the best results from the products is this a valid concern ? I have read on other sight and possibly even on this site (I've been on so many I can't remember) that humidity could be a concern when temp is going up and down like it has been in Michigan,

[Pete-FWA]

Congratulations on the Porter Cable purchase.

Humidity can be a concern, but generally it means longer flash/drying times. It won't stop you from doing the work, just make things go a bit slower.

I live in Northern Indiana and we have those same ups and downs. Gets to be frustrating sometimes, but things still work.

[thetwins2003]

Well finally got to use my new PC and all I can say is wow !! can't believe I didn't get one a long time ago. detailed my wifes van and normally she could care verry little but after I was done she couldn't believe how smooth and shiney it was before I started it felt like sand paper, used detail clay on the entire vehicle followed up with meguairs pure polish and nxt wax and all I can say is wow. Followed up the following weekend on my inlaws van it turned out even better used the 326 wax in place of nxt needless to say now all my wifes sisters and brothers want theirs done.

[sneek]

its a pretty good machine I just got a new one as well (sold the old one to a friend) but when you paint is not smooth try claying

[thetwins2003]

did the clay prior to using the pc on both vehicles, could not believe the **** that it pulled out when I did my inlaws van they live near a lake and the clay actually turned green