Best Polisher ???

cdnus · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 08:28 PM

I am looking to buff spiderwebs & minor scratches out of my clearcoat, Hoping a few paint experts can advise a novice.
I am considering purchasing either a Cyclo or a Flex-xc3401vrg for the job.
Which would be safer in the hands of a novice & provide the best job/performance?
Best products to use for finish? Some small areas I will be cutting with 2000 first.
Any advise & help appreciated

Thanks Craig

SP01715 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 09:34 AM

I am no expert, but when I had to buff some deep scratches out of my boat I bought a professional grade buffer with adjustable speed. I used very low speeds and worked my way up. I was sure to keep the buffer moving so I would not burn the gel. I was afraid at first, but it really was not that hard. The buffer cost be about 3 bills, but it was well worth it.

BTW, I used 3M products for the job.

Bill Wallace · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 12:13 PM

I have a cyclo dual-head polisher and a single head variable speed polisher. The single head machine is much easier to handle. I'm polishing aluminum and have to use large fleece wraps with the cyclo, so I don't really have any experience with it other than with the fleece wraps. Perhaps it's easier to use without them?

Don · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 10:15 AM

The last publication of Kit Car, March 2009, has a 6 page detail article ,with specific product recommendations and steps, " Tips on swirl,scratch and imperfection removal " using:

3M™ Perfect-It™ III Paint Finishing System

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/Pain..._Tutorial.html

The name of the buffer being used is not specified, but is air driven. Mentions specific buffing pads

Work was performed by

Zane Cullen
Coatati Speed Shop
Santa Rosa, CA
707-586-8696

http://www.cotatispeedshop.com/

coryb · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 02:09 PM

I have a Porter-Cable 7336/7424 random orbit buffer that I've used for several years. I got it at Lowes. It doesn't come with buffing pads or backing plates - I had to get those separately.

It's variable speed for different needs and works wonderfully for buffing paint. Since this is new to you, you'll want to stay with a random orbit unit as they make it almost impossible to damage the paint.

Head over to Autopia and poke around a bit. There's more polishing and detailing information on that site than you can digest in months.

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 04:17 AM

I have one that I got from Griots Garage a few years ago along with the different compounds and polishes. It is a random orbit type and I used it once and put it away as I am just not good with paint. Always have this fear of burning through with a power buffer of any kind. I should sell the whole kit to a friend of mine that wants it as I will never use it again. But it does seem like a good one and he shows his cars and he said it was a very good one with all the different pads and such.

Ron

Silverback51 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron61

I have one that I got from Griots Garage a few years ago along with the different compounds and polishes. It is a random orbit type and I used it once and put it away as I am just not good with paint. Always have this fear of burning through with a power buffer of any kind. I should sell the whole kit to a friend of mine that wants it as I will never use it again. But it does seem like a good one and he shows his cars and he said it was a very good one with all the different pads and such.

Ron

I have that same kit Ron and love it. And trust me, the only way you could damage the paint with that setup is if you stuck sandpaper on the buffing wheels.

Ron61 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 05:56 AM

I know that is what it says in the book and all of the instructions, but I still have this hang up about it. I guess maybe from long ago when I used a constant speed one and burned through the paint along one of the lines they used to put in the sides of the older cars. It seems to be a very good kit and everything seems to work great. I really liked the clay and that remover as I had a car that was covered with over spray from a darn painting job on a building a block away and it felt like sandpaper. I decided since it was messed up anyway I would use the clay and see what happened and it came out as slick and smooth as you could want.

Ron

car4jim · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 07:53 PM

The Meguiars Polisher is well built and will do a nice job. It's very comparible with the Porter Cable. I heard a rumor you can buy the Porter Cable at Home Depot for $80 something dollars US, which would be a great deal!. The Meguiars is $150 unless you buy their show special for $200 which gets you the polisher, product, buff pads, micro fiber, etc.

cdnus · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 08:08 PM

I have been to Lowes, Home Depot & NAPA none of them have orbital polishers. Still looking for 1 in Toronto area as the Canadian $$$ is in the toilet & ordering from the USA will get quite expensive.
I still have lots of time before the snow goes, so no big rush. Please keep the helpfull suggestions coming.

Thanks Craig