new makita

[sudsbyhubbs]

I just got my new Makita 9227 yesterday and plan on trying it out today on some test panels. I have a couple of questions though. Are the techniques the same as on the DA? Do I go a couple of times in each direction with the product? Also, how good are the pads that Makita includes with the buffer? One is a wool pad and the other a polishing pad. I'm planning on getting some of the 2.0 pads as well as some Meg's woold pads, but until then how good are these pads?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new makita

Using the RB is different than using the DA, best thing to do would be to watch these videos before starting,

5 Video segments on wet-sanding and using a rotary buffer


Never used the pads included with the buffer but if they're wool, probably a cutting pad and a finishing pad, that can't be that bad.

Just remember to use a foam pad for your last RB machine step to help insure and reduce swirls.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new makita

Couple other tips off the top of my head...

Don't use a rotary buffer with any loose clothing, tie, chain around your neck, draw ties for a hooded sweater, or anything that can get caught in the spindle.

Don't tackle too large an area at one time when removing sanding marks or below surface defects. You should never be buffing an area wider than your shoulders, a 2' by 2' area is as large as you should ever go and depending upon the shape of the panel probably even smaller.

Practice positioning yourself as close to the panel your buffing as as possible, this will allow you to hold the buffer closer to your body and the importance of this is because it gives you more powerful leverage and control over the rotary buffer. IF you hold the rotary buffer with outreached arms it will be real easy for the rotary buffer to have leverage and control over you.

Look at these pictures of how Paul and Shawn are standing close to the panel they are working on, they have stable footing and thus are able to firmly hold the buffer close to themselves where their arms, shoulders and back muscles can take command of the tool not visa-versa.







When you're first starting out don't try to tackle an entire car in one day, pace yourself by successfully buffing out a single panel from beginning to end. Keep in mind that besides your first step process with the rotary buffer you're still going to need to go over the panel with 2, 3, maybe more procedures and each process takes time as well as the time you'll spend carefully wiping the panel clean of spent residue and also at some point applying a wax or paint sealant, allowing time for drying and then wiping the dried wax off.


Even if your rotary buffer is quiet, hours of buffing can strain your ears so have some ear plugs handy, keep a handful of earplugs in the garage so you don't end up buffing for hours with no protection.

Wear safety glasses, rotary buffers are direct drive tools and can throw splatter or anything that comes into contact with the buffing pad with great force and speed.

Eat a large breakfast before starting any job that requires you to use rotary buffer.

Have plenty of liquids on hand so you don't get dehydrated.

Have plenty of clean polishing cloths on hand for removing spent material.

Have a Spur handy for cleaning wool pads and a stiff nylon brush for cleaning foam buffing pads.



Taken from this thread,

Advanced Class #2

In this picture Mike shows off by cleaning the pad with his eyes closed, don't try this at home kids.




After cleaning the pad in the pad washer, Mike then shows how to use a tool called a Spur to clean the pad again. The pad doesn't really need to be cleaned as it has not been used yet but spurring the pad will lift and loosen up the fibers perfectly preparing it for use. We're also teaching our students the proper way to clean the pad and we strongly emphasize the importance of cleaning your pads often whether they're wool or foam.



Note how Mike runs the pad cleaning spur from the center of the ad while placing some pressure on the handle with his foot while the back of the rotary buffer is resting on the floor.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new makita

Here's this,

Buffer Swirls, Holograms and the Rotary Buffer

[Mike Phillips]

Re: new makita

One more, sorry the pictures are missing but the information is still relavant...

Learning to use the Rotary Buffer


I can try to find the pictures and re-insert them...

[sudsbyhubbs]

Re: new makita

thanks for all the great info mike, i really appreciate it.