Was given a buffer/polisher...

[3Fitty]

A friend of mine was doing "spring cleaning" and wanted to rid himself of an old buffer/polisher he had and gave it to me.

It is a Craftsman 9 inch buffer/polisher (#646.26659). I can't find any specs on it online, so I have no other information about it other than what I have just posted.

I have NEVER used a buffer in the past and I'm reluctant to do so now, but figured I would ask some questions here, before I even consider it.

So, does anyone know if this would be an appropriate buffer to use for my personal use? If yes, what do I need to buy in terms of buffing pads or cushioning pads (or whatever they are called). Right now it has a foam pad covered by an old terry cover, which obviously needs to get chucked.

My friend tells me it "works fine" although he almost NEVER used it. It really looks new and I tried it out (just turning it on) it seems like it works fine (not that I would know the difference), except if felt like it was a bit wobbly (not completely balanced).

Should I give it a go, or just get rid of it?

If need be, I know some people with old cars I could practice on. What do you think?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

There's a thread in the Hot Topics forum that discusses the different types of polishers, it will answer all your questions.

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Thanks for convincing me to chuck the buffer.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Thanks for convincing me to chuck the buffer.

Did you come to that conclusion after reading this thread?

Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer


(This is the one we referred to that can be found in Hot Topics)


And it looks similar to one of these?

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Found a picture online. This is it.



I've decided that if I do it, I'll burn the **** out of my paint. So I'd better stick with the old elbow speed polisher.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Found a picture online. This is it.



I've decided that if I do it, I'll burn the **** out of my paint. So I'd better stick with the old elbow speed polisher.

You also didn't read the article because it says these machines are so safe they're pretty much useless for removing swirls because they won't remove small particles of paint effectively and all they're pretty much good for when it comes to clear coats is applying a wax.

[BlueZero]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

You also didn't read the article because it says these machines are so safe they're pretty much useless for removing swirls because they won't remove small particles of paint effectively and all they're pretty much good for when it comes to clear coats is applying a wax.

No one reads?

I started off with the exact same one. You can use it to apply or remove wax but not for correction work like Mike typed.

Edit: Here's a good link to read also... Chris's keys to the orbital

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Actually I did read quite a few articles here.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22134&highlight=rotary+burn

I also read where you wrote:

The dual action polisher is a gentle tool, that's why people like it. People are afraid of machines because they're worried they're going to either instill swirls or burn through the paint. When they learn that this is pretty hard to do with this machine, so after enough research or after watching a demonstration they learn to trust it and try it.

This was written in regards with the dual action polisher. By exclusion, I thought this meant that if "burn" is "hard to do" with the DA polisher it is easy (or easier) to do with a rotary buffer. Therefore, why would I want to take the chance?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Actually I did read quite a few articles here.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22134&highlight=rotary+burn

I also read where you wrote:



This was written in regards with the dual action polisher. By exclusion, I thought this meant that if "burn" is "hard to do" with the DA polisher it is easy (or easier) to do with a rotary buffer. Therefore, why would I want to take the chance?

Because the picture of the polisher you posted is not a rotary buffer, it's an old fashioned orbital buffer.




Which is similar to the ones we posted as a way of trying to show you what you had.




All three pictures are of the same type of tool, they are so safe at polishing paint that they are NOT EFFECTIVE at removing swirls and scratches because they are NOT EFFECTIVE at removing small particles of paint which is how you remove swirls and scratches and by extension how you would burn through paint.

They are really only good for "Spreading out a coating of wax" onto a finish already in great shape. There is a huge difference between removing swirls and spreading out a coating of wax.

So depending upon what you want to do with this new tool you just obtained it may or may not be the best tool for what you want to do.

Doest that make sense?

Here's two questions for you...

What are you working on?
What are you trying to accomplish?

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

I started off with the exact same one. You can use it to apply or remove wax but not for correction work like Mike typed.

Edit: Here's a good link to read also... Chris's keys to the orbital

Okay, thanks for the article but is the terry vs. microfiber just a matter of preference?

Now, the article you posted says an orbital uses a "permanent backing bad" but mine has a foam type bad with is certainly soft covered by an old terry bonnet. I read the part about the modifications (I'm not sure if it has been done to the one I was given - I'll have to look at it when I get home).

So, you say you used the exact same one? If it can't be used for correction work (which is probably a good thing for me), is there any benefit to using it over my hands (other than speed)?

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Because the picture of the polisher you posted is not a rotary buffer, it's an old fashioned orbital buffer.

I didn't know that, I figured it was a rotary buffer.

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

What are you working on?
What are you trying to accomplish?

I'm working on two new cars (both in good shape). One is brand new (10 days), the other is about 1 1/2 years.

I am just trying to get the best shine out of each of them I can. Swirling and scratches are not huge issues right now.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

I didn't know that, I figured it was a rotary buffer.

Here's what a rotary buffer looks like,

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

I'm working on two new cars (both in good shape). One is brand new (10 days), the other is about 1 1/2 years.

I am just trying to get the best shine out of each of them I can. Swirling and scratches are not huge issues right now.

Then give your newly acquired orbital a try and see how you like it. You can usually find replacement bonnets for models like that at Sears and Autozone.

[3Fitty]

Re: Was given a buffer/polisher...

Perfect. Thanks.