Buffers & pads

[skipper1]

I've been reading this forum for a while trying to learn. It's almost overwhelming with all the information. I have some questions if it's OK.
I live in Dallas, TX where the sun shines bright, it's hot and humid. I have a new 2010 Honda Fit Sport and would like to keep it looking as new as possible. I live in an apartment and no electrical outlets are available. I'd like to get a cordless buffer but haven't seen much on the forum. Most say to go ahead and get one that plugs in, that is just not an option for me. Someone somewhere has to be using a cordless buffer that does the job I want. I've been looking at the Tooluxe Super Duty cordless 24V random polisher with 8" pad at Amazon. Has anyone used this and what are your thoughts?
If I got this buffer, I would need to get a velcro backing plate. Since I don't have bad paint yet, what kind of pads would I need to start off with and which waxes should I use?
Your professional guidance is appreciated.
Thanks,
Skip

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Buffers & pads

The problem as I understand is this. Most cordless buffers do not hold the charge very long. Also, they do not do a capable job of paint correction.

Not trying to be a smartypants. How about a corded G110 and a long extension cord from your unit.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Buffers & pads

I live in Dallas, TX where the sun shines bright, it's hot and humid.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! Deep in the heart of Texas!

Sorry, couldn't resist

Cordless buffers in general usually don't have enough torque to perform a true paint correction, and would likely need a small pile of rechargeable batteries. I have never heard of the model you mentioned, and unfortunately it's too new to have any user reviews. 8* diameter pads are a little large for effective paint correction, but it's better than nothing.

Contact the buffer company and see whether the backing plate is proprietary, or if you can swap it out with a smaller aftermarket BP. Might not hurt to also get a projected run time on a single charge running the buffer at 6000 OPM. And also check to see if the buffer is a DA or rotary.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Buffers & pads

The problem as I understand is this. Most cordless buffers do not hold the charge very long. Also, they do not do a capable job of paint correction.

Not trying to be a smartypants. How about a corded G110 and a long extension cord from your unit.

Or how about a G110v2, and a small gas-powered generator? That combo might even be cheaper than a cordless buffer and a half dozen NiCad batteries.

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

ClearlyCoated, there should be one more clap in there. And this will really ruin your day, I was born at Ocean Side.
Seriously, I appreciate everyone's response. I can't tell you how bad I want to get the G110V2 but there is just no place to plug in, a generator is a good idea but not very practical. I've even considered getting an inverter but am afraid I'll be stranded and won't be able to get my car started.
This buffer I'm looking at only gets 2800rpm, it's random orbital and is supposed to get 1.5 hours from a charge. That means 45 minutes. If I am able to switch out the buffer plates, what size would you recommend?

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Buffers & pads

You could try to source the discontinued Meguiar's G104 polisher. It might be tough to find but I bet you could get a new one if you look hard enough.

As mentioned cordless models do not offer a large amount of torque. A cordless model is suitable for surface maintenance as opposed to surface correction. As you mentioned, that's what you are looking for. They are great for applying wax/cleaner wax etc.

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

OK, after reading and reading, here's what I want to do. I want the G110v2 and I'm looking at the Cobra CPI 880 800 watt inverter on Amazon for $42. Considering I drive a Honda Fit, will I be able to buff my car without running the engine? Has anyone else who drives a small car done this and can you please give some details and advice?
There just has to be more people living in apartments with the same problem.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Buffers & pads

OK, after reading and reading, here's what I want to do. I want the G110v2 and I'm looking at the Cobra CPI 880 800 watt inverter on Amazon for $42. Considering I drive a Honda Fit, will I be able to buff my car without running the engine? Has anyone else who drives a small car done this and can you please give some details and advice?
There just has to be more people living in apartments with the same problem.

Don't even attempt it. 120volt @ 4.2 Amps = ~550 Watts (this is what the G110v2 runs at - and that's likely an average)

The 800 Watt inverter is rating peak output not sustained and most of the ratings on those inverters are overly optimistic. You would likely damage the G110v2, the inverter and potentially the electrical system of your vehicle.

An inverter with potential power of 800 Watts / 12 Volts would have to have a 66.6 amp fuse. I bet it doesn't have a fuse that big. The 12 volt outlet in your vehicle will likey have a 30 amp fuse max., this means you'd have to connect the inverter directly to the battery.

Anyhow bottom line techie stuff aside. No, No, No!!!

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

Thanks Bill, you can see I'm trying. I've been watching videos and I'm just dying to get the G110v2.
As per your suggestion earlier, I have found a new G104 on line. I guess I could just get a couple of extra batteries (4 in all) and buff that way. Are the batteries that run the G104 pretty much readily available? They look like ones that run other power tools.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Buffers & pads

Something else to consider:

Every Honda Fit we've had our hands on has had very soft, or delicate, paint. Now, we don't like to make broad generalizations about paint hardness, but there are times when consistency can give you a leg up. What this means is that the paint on the Fit (and newer Civics as well) tends to be very easy to correct, but also very easy to mar if you get too aggressive with it - especially when working by hand.

You might want to read through The Challenge of Delicate Paint for some tips on how to make the whole process a lot easier for you.

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

Thanks Michael,
That is very useful information. I had no idea that the paint on the Fit was delicate. I've only had the car for 3 months, parked under a carport at home and in a garage at work so it's being taken care of and the paint still looks great. That doesn't mean I won't get keyed this afternoon.
So, I guess I'll go ahead and get the G104. Would you know about getting extra batteries that work in the G104?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Buffers & pads

The G104 has been out of production for several years and there are no longer any fresh batteries available for it, even if you should happen to locate a tool. The batteries were proprietary for the tool and production of those was halted when the tool was. Sorry 'bout that.

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

Well, it looks like to me that someone is missing a very good opportunity here. There's a lot of us out here that live in dwellings and no electrical outlets available. With today's technology, there's just no excuse not to have a quality buffer available with lasting batteries.
We have electric cars that go 400 miles on a single charge, do 120mph and we don't have a cordless buffer. I hope the right people are reading this and can help us out.
Thanks very much for your help and advice. I'll keep watching the videos and reading til I can get a house with a garage. Or maybe I can convert my cordless shaver with tiny buffers, now there's an idea.

[Poki]

Re: Buffers & pads

Are there any places you can take your car and a G110 with a long cord and do the work? You mentioned you park in a garage at work. Any outlets there? Some city parks, car washes etc have outlets that you may be able to use. Any automotive stores near you? Ask if you can use their outlet if you buy your products from them. We are only talking about a couple hours of work a few times a year maybe? Any friends with an outlet available?

[skipper1]

Re: Buffers & pads

I have finally ordered a G110v2 along with some supplies. My big problem as stated earlier is plugging in. What I plan to do is use a 100' extension cord from my second story apartment, however I'm still short by a few feet. Do you think adding another 15' or 25' extension cord would be safe and if so do what guage of cord would you recommend?