I'm thinking about buying a buffer/polishing machine with the smaller foam pads. What is a good brand/model that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

 

Can't give any recommendations. First thing that comes to mind is the size of the polishing wheel. Larger pads IMO won't get as hot as a smaller one. You want to be careful and not burn the paint.

 

The gold standard for home use is probably the Porter Cable 7424 or similar. I've used one for a couple of years (with various Chemical Guys pads and polishes), on a full sized truck, two cars and a bike and it's held up well.


Harbor freight sells one that's a little cheaper, but its harbor freight..


A slight step are Flex or Rupes, but you're starting to get to professional detailing buffers at that price point.


Just decide what your budget is and how often and how much surface area you need to cover. Personally, I'd also recommend a DA vs. a RA or orbital machine.

 

Yep the Porter Cable is definitely one of the better units and is especially forgiving when it comes to a novice.

 

Budget?

 

I have a 6" Porter Cable one with variable speeds depending on what product I'm using - love it

 

Griots 3" random orbital $130 with the 25' long extension cord.

 

You want to get a random orbital buffer and not a rotary. Porter cable is pretty much fool proof and it's almost impossible to burn the paint. The flex would be better because the head is not free floating but it's easier to cause damage if you don't keep it moving.

 

Griots 3" is perfect for bikes. I have both the three and six inch versions and use the three almost exclusively on the bike (it is great for car headlights too), and use the six inch on the four wheel vehicles. Great performance and price too.

 

I have a Flex and a Griots. I also have backing plates for 5.5in and 4in pads.
If you are using this just for personal vehicles, get the Griots. They have lifetime warranty and they stand behind their product. I have had to replace mine once in 10 years, the head of the machine complexity came off. Luckily it didn't hit the $60,000 BMW I was working on.

The Flex is a work horse. It is a awesome, powerful machine that will eat up swirls and RIDS like nobody business! It is smooth as silk when you get used to working with it.

I have not tried a Rupes yet. There are the Flex people and then the Rupes people. I had my Flex before the Rupes came out and I see no need to change.

Stay away from a rotary. Unless you are in a body shop were production is #1, no need for it. There are a handful of people in the world that can finish down perfect with a rotary. Some think they can, I know I can not and I have been doing it for a long time.

Use quality products, Menzerna, HD, CarPro, are what I like. many other out there