Best buffer

higgs

higgs

.
Aug 24, 2005
3,704
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
I have always preferred the finish I get by waxing my hull by hand, both application and buffing. I am getting too old to buff it out by hand anymore. I am want to buy the best electric buffer I can. What do you recommend?
 
Sumner

Sumner

.
Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country

Makita 9227C 7" 10 Amp Electronic Hook and Loop Sander-Polisher

I've had one for some time and have used it on car paint jobs and the boats. 0-3000 rpm's and holds whatever speed it is set at regardless of the load you put on it. Not cheap but a great polisher,

Sumner
===============================================================================
1300 miles to The Bahamas and Back in the Mac...
Endeavour 37 Mods...
MacGregor 26-S Mods...
Mac Trips to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Canada, Florida, Bahamas

 
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rgranger

rgranger

.
Jan 19, 2010
12,553
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I already have a buffer but if I'm ever in the market for a new one, I'll probably look for a well reviewed cordless model.

Just a thought.
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

.
Feb 10, 2004
4,096
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
I have used the Buffalo buffer sold by Jamestown Distributors for 20 years. Never had a problem and it will accept many different pads. I use the 3M double-sided pads for twice the use. It holds the set speed under load. I do believe that it is heavier than the Makita - perhaps a pound heavier. I bought it as a kit from JD and never investigated alternatives.
 
Cowpokee

Cowpokee

.
Jan 8, 2015
360
MacGregor 26S, Goman Express 30 Kerr Reservoir
No question the Makita is a great machine. If you would prefer a DeWalt, the DWP849 7-Inch/9-Inch Variable Speed Polisher is certainly adequate.
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

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Jun 21, 2004
2,781
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Agree with Sumner & Rob, Makita is the way to go. Have had mine for 20 years and still works like a champ.
Don't think that I would go cordless on a heavy duty buffer. A buffer is used continuously unlike a drill that is used for short durations. Think that the batteries would discharge rather quickly and you will lose RPMs and torque as the battery depletes itself. In any event, 4-5 years and batteries are wasted and the replacement cost is expensive. Don't see portability is a big benefit when you're compounding, polishing, and waxing a stationary boat in a yard or at home.
 
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Ken Cross

Ken Cross

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Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
I really like the soft start feature on Makita. It doesn't throw compound like the others. I have no idea if others have it, but it's the best buffer I've ever owned. I've used several others.

Ken
 
Gunni

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
The makita buffer is a beautiful and essential tool that pays dividends in shine.
 
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rgranger

rgranger

.
Jan 19, 2010
12,553
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
BigEasy said:
Agree with Sumner & Rob, Makita is the way to go. Have had mine for 20 years and still works like a champ.
Don't think that I would go cordless on a heavy duty buffer. A buffer is used continuously unlike a drill that is used for short durations. Think that the batteries would discharge rather quickly and you will lose RPMs and torque as the battery depletes itself. In any event, 4-5 years and batteries are wasted and the replacement cost is expensive. Don't see portability is a big benefit when you're compounding, polishing, and waxing a stationary boat in a yard or at home.
Click to expand
Those are good points about the battery.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,786
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
@Justin_NSA I am sure if I told my wife I needed one of those to help me "buff the boat", I would be in big trouble.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,341
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
A friend owns a car restoration business who I once asked what the best buffer is.

His answer was - it ain't the buffer that's important; it's the guy holding it that matters.
 
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pateco

pateco

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Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
Realize, you don't have to buy them new. Both of my buffers were purchased used. The big Makita (9207SPC) from a pawn shop for $40, and the little one Makita (GV5000) from a yard sale for $5. It is great for tight spots where the larger one cant get to. I picked up another of the small ones at a pawn shop later for $10 so that I didn't have to keep switching pads out for the small areas I was using it for.

The new pads cost more than the tools lol.

2015-11-15 15.39.52.jpg
 
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higgs

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,704
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advise. The Makita is the one.
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

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Jun 21, 2004
2,781
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Funny story as relates to the orbital polisher seen in the "right help" photo. Over 20 years ago when I bought my Hunter 33.5, I broke out the Sears orbital car polisher similar to the one that the girl is using on the power boat. After about 15 minutes I realized that I wasn't accomplishing much. One of the yard workers saw what I was doing and came over laughing. He said " you're not trying to compound & wax this boat with that toy, are you?" He came back over about 5 minutes later with a Makita and instructed me on the finer points of compounding gel coat. They "rented" the Makita to me for $20 for two days. Much better results and a lot of sore muscles; I was very appreciative of the help. Eighteen months on the next haulout, I purchased my own Makita. Think that it will outlast me!
 
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