Buying my first machine. Need help!

[buckeyek1]

I have a 2008 Escalade and recently applied NXT 2 by hand. IT TOOK FOREVER! So, I've never used a machine before and want to cut my time down. So, I want something that I can use to apply and remove wax without the risk of swirls. Any suggestions?

[buckeyek1]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

I have a 2008 Escalade and recently applied NXT 2 by hand. IT TOOK FOREVER! So, I've never used a machine before and want to cut my time down. So, I want something that I can use to apply and remove wax without the risk of swirls. Any suggestions?

High end

Low end

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

I have a 2008 Escalade and recently applied NXT 2 by hand. IT TOOK FOREVER! So, I've never used a machine before and want to cut my time down. So, I want something that I can use to apply and remove wax without the risk of swirls. Any suggestions?

Any dual action machine. Meguiars' sells some, the other popular unit is the Porter-Cable 7424. You will also need to buy the pads for whatever machine you buy.

[VonLego]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

for wax alone i think just a cheapo orbital buffer might work as long it has some high quality bonnets... I'd have a tough time paying money for a DA for just wax applications.

Might try looking at your process as well. You may be able to spead up the hand process to a point that a DA isn't worth the money. Spead the money instead on other fun products like rubber/plastic dressing. A lot cheaper too! On the other hand perhaps you are not interested at all in a more lengthy process with more products, and are very interested in purely speading up your currect process. In that case any PC should work with a 9006 bonnet. If you never plan on any swirl or imperfection removal I'd research into orbital buffers, they're cheap but with very little power. I think I remember someone posting a guide on this site...

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

For me pre-g100, I used a cheap orbital buffer found at walmart for under $20 and for applying wax it worked great. That would be a good low cost option.

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

Check this thread out

Cheap Buffers

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

Personally, I would get the G100, or the G110, or the pc, anyone of them. The reason being is. The availability of pads, the ability to do more then just apply wax. The versatility of the machine. The variable speeds. The ability to get help on the forum if you needed paint correction in the future. By this I mean your options would be limited with a cheapo orbital.

These are just some of the reasons I would go with the better machine, imho. It would probably save you money in the long run too. Once you purchased a orbital you would probably want to step up to a better machine. Then you would never use the orbital any way. lol

[buckeyek1]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. How good are machines at removing wax and detail buffing?

[yalerd]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

I would suggest if you can get a G100 or G110 from Meguiar's, I know that it's way more expensive then buying a cheap orbital that can do the "wax job" but sometime in the future if you would like to do some paint correction then it won't work as efficient as the G100 or G110.

Think in the future, not the present, if you can't afford it then I suggest on saving a little bit longer and getting the G100.

Also like 23jam said, the availability and versatility of pads, products you can use everything.

[brickyardz]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

I think the answers have been listed here but we need to better understand your goals for the right recommendation to be made. I started with a 6" orbital buffer which works great for applying and removing wax and is much more cost effective than a DA polisher. I have the Royobi 6" orbital polisher purchased in Home Depot. I had another one but the motor burnt out on that one. The Royobi has worked well and there are plenty of 6" pads available for use with them in your local Wal-Mart (microfiber & terri cloth) and also Sears in the auto department. They even have wax applicator pads similar to those that come with the unit.

If you at all feel you will do more than just apply wax and get into paint correction as everyone has stated, the DA polisher units are a better choice. Even if you plan to do this in the future but that future is a few years away the $40 or less for a good orbital buffer like the Royobi can more than pay for itself in the interum.

I actually used mine for a full clay, #2, #7, Tech Wax application and while it didn't do the same job as a DA would do it did improve the look of the paint.

I think you have enough information to make a choice. Good Luck.

[buckeyek1]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

I think the answers have been listed here but we need to better understand your goals for the right recommendation to be made. I started with a 6" orbital buffer which works great for applying and removing wax and is much more cost effective than a DA polisher. I have the Royobi 6" orbital polisher purchased in Home Depot. I had another one but the motor burnt out on that one. The Royobi has worked well and there are plenty of 6" pads available for use with them in your local Wal-Mart (microfiber & terri cloth) and also Sears in the auto department. They even have wax applicator pads similar to those that come with the unit.

If you at all feel you will do more than just apply wax and get into paint correction as everyone has stated, the DA polisher units are a better choice. Even if you plan to do this in the future but that future is a few years away the $40 or less for a good orbital buffer like the Royobi can more than pay for itself in the interum.

I actually used mine for a full clay, #2, #7, Tech Wax application and while it didn't do the same job as a DA would do it did improve the look of the paint.

I think you have enough information to make a choice. Good Luck.

Thanks for the info..At this point I am only looking for a machine to apply and remove wax. Which of the following would you recommend?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100041947

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100044715

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100485410

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

If I had to choose, I personally would opt for the last one the ryobi 6 as this seems to be the better of the three as far as comfortably being able to grip it and maneuver it without fatigue.

[buckeyek1]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

It caught my eye, but didn't seem to have a very good rating.

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

Well, I would look at it this way, you're only using it to apply wax, not attach propellers to it. Know what I mean? :-) I have a PC, but prior to this I bought a Coleman buffer at walmart for $15, and I had nice bonnet refills, and used it to apply ColorX and NXT and it worked great! So if it feels comfortable to you, thats all that matters.

[buckeyek1]

Re: Buying my first machine. Need help!

Well, I would look at it this way, you're only using it to apply wax, not attach propellers to it. Know what I mean? :-) I have a PC, but prior to this I bought a Coleman buffer at walmart for $15, and I had nice bonnet refills, and used it to apply ColorX and NXT and it worked great! So if it feels comfortable to you, thats all that matters.

Point well taken.....I'm going to go and check it out. If or when I start to get swirls I'm going to invest in a pc, but at this point don't really have a need for one.

Thanks again.