Need Advice on Buffer

[uthscsa19]

I was looking to buy a buffer to apply DC paint cleaner, DC polish, and GC car wax. Since I plan on waxing every month, I'd like to save my arm and doing it with a buffer. The only problem is that I wash my car at one of the quarter DIY car wash shops. I doubt they'll have any electric plugs for me to use at the car wash. Since I life in an apartment, and dont have access to a garage, its abit difficult for me to plug one in. I've heard complaints about the G104 (cordless) not being good and the batteries lasting only minutes. Since I will be applying 3 different products, I will need something that can run for awhile. Any suggestions? Please dont suggest for me to find a place to plug it in, or go to someones house to do it, if I could, I would.

Thanks

[Mike Phillips]

From the sounds of your situation, without access to plug a machine in your really only left with the work by hand option.

Instead of using the three step system, you could opt for ColorX as it will clean, polish and wax in one step which will give you excellent results while saving your arms a two steps.

[uthscsa19]

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing using the 3-step process with give better results and better paint protection. Maybe I'll just have to schedule a lunch break in between steps. Has anyone found a cordless buffer that can run long enough to do the job, and do it well?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by uthscsa19
I'm not sure, but I'm guessing using the 3-step process with give better results and better paint protection. Maybe I'll just have to schedule a lunch break in between steps. Has anyone found a cordless buffer that can run long enough to do the job, and do it well?

Yes, in most cases a three step system will achieve better results than a one-step system but our ColorX works great so don't discount the effectiveness of this super product.

It's kind of hard to give you the answer you want because you don't have access to electricity but you say you want to save your arms.

[Murr1525]

I think you're going ot have a hard time with it. Most battery operated itmes just dont have the torque/power needed to really work in the products and remove defects, even if they do run a while.

As far as ColorX, yeah, single-step products usualy do a better job than multi-step products, but ColorX is really really good.

I have a daily driver, parked outside, and I actualy use ColorX + #21 very often for a quick 2-step detail by hand.

[uthscsa19]

Since I couldn't edit my post after 5 mins:

I will also buy some ColorX for days I don't have time to do a 3-step. I may try it this next time to compare. At $7-8 bucks, its cheaper than what I pay just for GC wax. Any idea as to how long ColorX protects for as compared to GC wax?

Can the plug in the DA polisher into a power inverter powered by my car, or is the power draw to great? I'd hate to leave myself stranded at the car wash because I drained my battery waxing my car. Atleast it'll stay shiny since it wont move .

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by uthscsa19
Since I couldn't edit my post after 5 mins:

The limit is kind of tight because people abuse this feature and sometimes it causes problems or makes people that have posted legitimate replies/answers look stupid because their answer won't match the question that was posted because the original poster changes it.

Thus the limit...

[uthscsa19]

I understand about the edit time limit, just didnt want to seem like I was spam posting to increase my post count, even though this will be another post .

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by uthscsa19
I understand about the edit time limit, just didnt want to seem like I was spam posting to increase my post count, even though this will be another post .

Thanks for understanding, and now I have another post!

[intergalactica]

I own a Meguiar's G104 cordless buffer and I'm very happy with it! I've used it to apply and remove #80, ColorX, #21, and NXT with no problems. Each battery lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The G104 comes with two batteries but you could always buy more for about $13 each.

I agree with Mike's recommendation on using ColorX. It's a great performing product that cleans, shines, and protects in just one easy step. It's my personal favorite!

[bullet1]

Originally posted by intergalactica
I own a Meguiar's G104 cordless buffer and I'm very happy with it! I've used it to apply and remove #80, ColorX, #21, and NXT with no problems. Each battery lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The G104 comes with two batteries but you could always buy more for about $13 each.

I agree with Mike's recommendation on using ColorX. It's a great performing product that cleans, shines, and protects in just one easy step. It's my personal favorite!

I think it all depends on what you are coming from. If you have never used a PC or G100 the G104 might be a godsend. But the fact is that you just aren't going to get the type of performance from the G104 as you would from a G100. Might the G104 be enough for you to be happy? That would be for you to find out, but it might not be a bad alternative to doing it by hand.

[inthedetails]

I could see a cordless giving you great results for applying a wax or sealant And saving a bit of shoulder in the process.

But I have to agree with bullet here as well.

Mike,

Color-X and #66 are essentially the same, correct? So that would be another option.....

[uthscsa19]

Originally posted by intergalactica
I own a Meguiar's G104 cordless buffer and I'm very happy with it! I've used it to apply and remove #80, ColorX, #21, and NXT with no problems. Each battery lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The G104 comes with two batteries but you could always buy more for about $13 each.

I agree with Mike's recommendation on using ColorX. It's a great performing product that cleans, shines, and protects in just one easy step. It's my personal favorite!

How are the batteries charged? Do you have to put the battery in the G104 and plug it in, or is there a base I could plug them into to charge? How quickly do they lose their charge aswell? Could I charge them and store them for a month until my next wax?

Thanks

[intergalactica]

Originally posted by bullet1
I think it all depends on what you are coming from. If you have never used a PC or G100 the G104 might be a godsend. But the fact is that you just aren't going to get the type of performance from the G104 as you would from a G100. Might the G104 be enough for you to be happy? That would be for you to find out, but it might not be a bad alternative to doing it by hand.

I own a G100 and I seldom use it anymore. Let's face it, the G104 doesn't have the power that the G100 has. However, for my use, nothing beats the G104. You would be pleasantly surprised to see how effective the G104 truly is! I guess you could say the G104 falls between doing it by hand or using the G100.

[intergalactica]

Originally posted by uthscsa19
How are the batteries charged? Do you have to put the battery in the G104 and plug it in, or is there a base I could plug them into to charge? How quickly do they lose their charge aswell? Could I charge them and store them for a month until my next wax?

Thanks

The bateries are charged in a separate base so you could use the G104 while a battery is being charged. The batteries charge in 5 hours.

As far as how quickly the batteries lose their charge, I really can't give you a concrete answer. I use the G104 twice a month and when I do, I simply charge the batteries the night before so I haven't given it much thought. I guess with time (perhaps a month as you suggested) the batteries would lose their charge.

If you do decide to purchase a G104, keep in mind that it will take approximately 4 charge and discharge cycles before the batteries are able to accept a full charge.

It's no G100 but it beats the heck out of having to do it by hand!