Buffer machine
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,298
Likes: 7,779
From: West Central FL
Buffer machine
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?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 103
From: Lake County, CA
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.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 816
Likes: 203
From: Alaska
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.
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.
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From: Philadelphia, PA
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 718
Likes: 152
From: Ozarks
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.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
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
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