Turtle Wax Buffer

[BriLam]

I won a Turtle Wax buffer in a grab bag a Christmas or two ago and never thought much of using it since I've been doing things by hand for so long. I am not pondering using it, but am unsure what the results will be.

I know the buffer is worth $20, so that doesn't make me feel all too great knowing the tools used by members here are much more expensive. I guess my question is has anyone ever attempted to use one of these before? I assume the outcome of using one may not be too wonderful...

Ultimately, once I get out of college (and actually have some inflow once again) I'd like to go to the next step and cease working on cars by hand. I have no experience with using these tools to do this and was wondering if anyone could explain the two machines used primarily here and what each is intended for?

It's also a bit daunting to look at the different kinds of products for use with these machines, mostly all of which I have no familiarity with.

Thanks in advance.

[LiquidBlack]

I'd practice with it on roommate's car, one which he really doesnt care for.

None of my roommates wash or wax their cars, so I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem finding a guy in college that wouldnt mind a free detail. Just try a practice spot, like 2x2 feet. If things turn ugly, just do the rest of the car by hand.

[Pete-FWA]

Yes, I remember so many nasty vehicles in college. I used to draw interest when working under the hood or polishing at my dorm. People would stop to see what I was doing, ask if I needed help, or if I would work on theirs.

4 of us rented a brand new condo our senior year. First thing I did was scout for a place to attach a water hose. Ended up using the kitchen sink with an adaptor and several hundred feet of hose off the 3rd floor balcony, into the parking lot. Next, I found water outlets UNDER the building in the crawl space. Much easier than the hose out the balcony method.

Do you have a picture of that Turtle Wax machine? I'm not sure I've seen one. I take it's an orbital, at that dollar value.

As far as all the products, start off, as Meguiar's preaches, with the least aggressive product necessary to get the job done. If you tell us what you're trying to do, we'll let you know our suggestions.

[BriLam]

Unfortunately, I don't have the box with me and I haven't actually opened it yet, so I don't know.

But, I did a search on eBay and this retails for $20 new. It must be it -- or close to it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Waxer-Polisher-Auto-TURTLE-WAX-6-Bonus-Extras_W0QQitemZ6009595702QQcategoryZ42266QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Doesn't look too grand.

[the other pc]

In a nutshell, inexpensive orbital buffers machines are too slow and have too little power to effectively remove paint defects. Commercial grade DA polishers like the G100 are vastly more capable.

Here’s the Hot Topics thread on the subject: Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer .

The inexpensive orbitals can be used to apply products like waxes and glazes, which are simply wiped on, rather than worked in.

Another problem with using inexpensive orbitals is that they rarely use hook&loop pads. You have to do everything with bonnets. Some of the bonnets out there are pretty cheesy. I’d recommend using Meguiar’s bonnets (like the X4008, X4003, X4009 or X4011). If Meguiar’s bonnets don’t fit your unit I'd recommend testing any bonnets you do get in a small area first to be sure they don’t leave swirls.


PC.