Buffer for top sides (cabin top etc) advice

[tmjb]

Apologies in advance that I'm sure this has been discussed numerous times before but I can't find it.

Following Maine Sails's procedure I compounded and polished my hull last Spring with much success. However I started the cabin, cockpit etc and found that with the Makita 9226C with the 9" hook & loop pad it was too large and unwieldy for alot of the surfaces. I tried the process by hand with some success but of course it's a much harder and longer process which I would prefer to avoid if possible. As a result I decided to postpone dealing with that part of the boat until now.

I've been looking for backing pads and wool compounding and buffing pads comparable to the 3M pads that Maine recommends but in smaller diameters (5" or 6" & possibly 3") and am having difficulty with this. I've found what seem like suitable 3M hook and loop backers but can only find foam pads in comparable diameters not wool.

What has anyone else used for this and/or what advice do you have?

As always I much appreciate any and all thoughts etc.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

3M makes a stand alone pad (mandrel extra) to fit either into an electric drill or another device that can accept a shaft. This still might be a bit larger diameter than what you are looking for. 3M makes a number of foam pads designed for buffing too that start around 3". They are called Roloc Finishing Disk Pads. They have another that is used with a Hookit 3" pad that is foam as well. They are really designed for paint finishes, but might give you some success on fiberglass as well. There are actually a handful of these 3M items available. 3M publishes a book on boat care products and tools annually.
MIRKA, another company, makes a 3" Palm Buffer that is used with their 3" polishing pads for smaller areas.
Shurhold makes a Dual Action Polisher hat uses a little larger 6 1/2" foam or wool pad that are kept in place with Velcro backing pads. Hope this helps.

 

[tmjb]

Sorry not to have responded sooner. I was hoping to look further into the recommendations before doing so but have been swamped this week. I much appreciate the input and will follow up as soon as I can.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I'd be interested on what works best too. I did my hull in the Spring and it came out great. The deck and cockpit are more difficult. Fortunately I have a lot of nonskid area and I use the spray on wax made for the surface. I think it was in MS's article as well.

 

[markwbird]

Makita 9227C. That's the one that those in the know swear by.

 

[Justin_NSA]

The Mirka looks like ideal size but it's pricey! And it's air driven.

 

[pateco]

I found a small Makita GV5000 rotary sander, and switched it to a wool pad. Worked great on the tight spots. just takes longer than the big boy.

I just picked up another of the same one at a yard sale so next year I don't have to switch pads as often. Good pads cost almost more than a used tool.

Here is one on Ebay Makita GV5000 $38