I need to get a buffer to see if I can shine up the boat some. I found this website and prices seem good. But I don't know if any of these are what I want. Like some opinions or other suggestions. http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html Thanks Greg
Type of buffer.
- Thread starter geehaw
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Everybody has their favorite just like with boats. Dewalt, Porter Cable, Makita, etc. all do the same thing and should last forever if you are only using it on the boat infrequently. I've bought $25 buffers and only retired because the backing pad disintegrated after a decade of use.
Variable speed is a plus and get good pads and you'll be fine with any of them
Variable speed is a plus and get good pads and you'll be fine with any of them
Currently $185 at Amazon w/free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227CX3-Electronic-Polisher-Sander-Polishing/dp/B0001GUE8Q
Cheers,
Brad
Makita 9227C, hands down, for gelcoat.. Hitachi makes a similar one that will go as slow as 600 RPM but all the others, like DeWalt & Milwuakee, start much faster and 600 is a very useful speed for a novice.
That Amazon deal is good I think I paid more for my 9227C 10+ years ago..
That Amazon deal is good I think I paid more for my 9227C 10+ years ago..
Good deal for a very good unit.... besides MS's endorsement, other pros have recommended it highly.
I would definitely recommend a random orbital vs. orbital. I use the Porter Cable 7424xp. http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html No swirl marks or scratches. Use several grade of Meguiars ad 3M polishing compounds depending on oxidations and level of shine. I like the handle on the Griots best. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product...ishing+tools/griot's+garage+random+orbital.do http://www.griotsgarage.com/category/tools/power+tools.do. Bought the 4in RO from Griots for small tight spots works geat. Get the lake county polishing pads in several colors. http://www.autogeek.net/lc-6inch-kompressor-pad-kit.html
Definitely gets the job done.
Definitely gets the job done.
I have the 9227
and love it.
With attachments it'll sand, grind, polish, buff, all at lower RPM's with plenty of torque. Very versatile machine.
and love it.
With attachments it'll sand, grind, polish, buff, all at lower RPM's with plenty of torque. Very versatile machine.
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geehaw,
Buy that one that fits your budget. If $200 means it won't be bought this year and your O'day 25 will go without care this year, a $29 Makita from Home Repot is what you want. If your pockets are a little deeper, MaineSail's reccomendations are historically right on. After all, he's combined the two finest things into one package . . . Maine and Sailing.
Buy that one that fits your budget. If $200 means it won't be bought this year and your O'day 25 will go without care this year, a $29 Makita from Home Repot is what you want. If your pockets are a little deeper, MaineSail's reccomendations are historically right on. After all, he's combined the two finest things into one package . . . Maine and Sailing.
I have a realtively cheap buffer that I bought at Jamestown Distributors about 5 years ago. It was in a package for about $130 then and probably about $170 now. The buffer is available separately for about $70, but you still need a $30 bonnet. I think it is heaver than the higher priced units like Makita, but it has worked fine for me. I use the 9" 3M bonnets with my favorite polish. It is a rotating tool, not a random orbital, and I use a buffing speed of about 2000-2500 rpm.
Here is another related question- Does anyone have a recommendation for a small buffer, maybe 3-4" that will get into the tight corners of the cockpit? The 9" pad just doesn't work- way too big. Here is a 4" buffer that I fund from one of the links in this thread - Is it any good? Is it possible to fit a small buffing pad to my existing machine, replacing the 9" with a 3-4"?
http://www.autogeek.net/griots-orbital-polisher.html
Here is another related question- Does anyone have a recommendation for a small buffer, maybe 3-4" that will get into the tight corners of the cockpit? The 9" pad just doesn't work- way too big. Here is a 4" buffer that I fund from one of the links in this thread - Is it any good? Is it possible to fit a small buffing pad to my existing machine, replacing the 9" with a 3-4"?
http://www.autogeek.net/griots-orbital-polisher.html
When it comes to tools, I use this philosophy... If its a tool you use all the time buy the best, even if you have to save a bit longer for it. Tools used all the time are Craftsman, Makita, Ryobi, etc. Tools I need to use once, or very rarely, I can't justify spending top shelf prices on. If you are not professionally detailing boats for a living, and polishing/waxing once or twice a year, I wouldnt spend the money on an expensive on. I bought a cheap one $49 one from Harbor Freight. It is variable speed. I have used it for sanding, polishing, and waxing. Anything you get will spin a disk, the important part is putting a good quality pad on it.
Rich you could buy the hooket pad and a mandrel and use it in you drill ....depending on the rpm range of your drill it takes a little more RPM's to run the smaller pads......
i have a souix angle 3/8 drill variable speed trigger that works good for this application....
regards
woody
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Thanks for the heads-up on the buffer.
Currently $185 at Amazon w/free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227CX3-Electronic-Polisher-Sander-Polishing/dp/B0001GUE8Q
Cheers,
Brad
All U Get
I bought the Porter Cable last year and worked it hard last year. Worked fine. Bought a dozen or so packs of pads at Sears.
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