Electric polisher and buffer

Dave Groshong · Apr 8, 2009

I've always liked the Makita

http://www.superiorcarcare.net/makita-polisher-kit.html

Maine Sail · Apr 8, 2009

Makita

The Makita 9227C is my favorite buffer for gelcoat. It will also go as slow as 600 RPM, which is very useful, and has a thumb dial speed wheel for speed adjustment.

RAD · Apr 8, 2009

After recommendations from MS, I bought the The Makita 9227C and it has become one of my favorite tools and my boat never looked so good after following directions
to the letter!

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 8, 2009

I'd suggest you also compare PC and Dewalt, both of which make comparable buffers with similar features. The only caution I'd add is to compare weights as you'll be holding it for prolonged periods. It's all about the pads more so than what turns them.

Tim R. · Apr 8, 2009

I also use the Makita and I can tell you that it is a better quality tool than the PC or Dewalt. We sell all three brands and the Makitas are preferred by our professional contractors. That says a lot about the quality.

Jim Seamans · Apr 8, 2009

Concur with the Mikta

Used it now for two seasons.

Steve Dion · Apr 8, 2009

Paul:

26 years? Why would you consider anything else?

Maine Sail · Apr 8, 2009

Weight & speeds

Steve Dion said:
Paul:

26 years? Why would you consider anything else?

Perhaps because Porter Cable no longer makes circular polishers.

Unfortunately their DA polishers, like the 7424, do not perform on gelcoat like a true circular machine does. One of the best electric DA's is made by Flex a German company and from what I have heard they do work ok on gelcoat but are quite expensive. I have not personally used a Flex DA on glecoat though so I won't make a judgment on performance. I have tried the PC 7424 DA on gelcoat and it basically just moved compound around.

Dewalt 849 = 8.25 Lbs. Min speed 1000 RPM

Makita 9227C = 6.6 Lbs. Min speed 600 RPM

600 RPM is a very useful speed for novices and it's hard to find a durable circular buffer at less weight than the Makita..

RichH · Apr 8, 2009

paulj said:
What month was the 1999 Atlantic City boat show?

I think it was February and was held in the then new Visitors center.

Ditto on the Makita 9227C ... the slower speed is also superb for buffing varnish and acrylic/urethane boat 'brightwork' finishes, etc.

Maine Sail · Apr 8, 2009

RichH said:
I think it was February and was held in the then new Visitors center.

Ditto on the Makita 9227C ... the slower speed is also superb for buffing varnish and acrylic/urethane boat 'brightwork' finishes, etc.

Rich that looks amazing! Have you had a chance to try Presta Chroma 1500 or their Ultra Cutting Creme? I think you'd really like it..

sailormanbigd · Apr 9, 2009

whatever you do don't go for the cheap buffers. I did it and basically wasted $60. on almost useless junk. I have been useing an old chraftsman buffer for years and the shaft bearing went out on it. Being cash strapped i opted for the best Manufacturer sales advertisement online. It has a thumb dial for spead and looks similar to the Makita buffer but thats all. It did come with a spare set of brushes though? must be they go pretty quick. I tried it with a loop sanding pad and it has no power, unless you run it full out.

BobM · Apr 9, 2009

Ditto

sailormanbigd said:
whatever you do don't go for the cheap buffers. I did it and basically wasted $60. on almost useless junk. I have been useing an old chraftsman buffer for years and the shaft bearing went out on it. Being cash strapped i opted for the best Manufacturer sales advertisement online. It has a thumb dial for spead and looks similar to the Makita buffer but thats all. It did come with a spare set of brushes though? must be they go pretty quick. I tried it with a loop sanding pad and it has no power, unless you run it full out.

Me too...bought a cheap buffer...got what I paid for...stalls out under pressure and essentially worthless.

agaliha · Apr 23, 2009

Don said "it's all about the pads." What pads and pad holder do you recommend for the Makita 9227c?
Agaliha

Tim R. · Apr 23, 2009

The foam pads will work with the Makita out of the box. If you want to go a step higher with wool pads I would recommend Presta.

You can get the pads and compounds from Presta. http://www.prestaonlinestore.com/

The black pad is used with the cutting creme and the blue pad is used with the Chroma. You need to buy one adapter for the Makita. I just ordered their gel coat compound which is a little more agressive than the cutting creme and it uses a white wool pad. I will report back with photos after I give it a try.

Scott B · Apr 23, 2009

I bought the Dewalt version only because it was handy and available when it was needed last year.

I did the topsides last weekend and my arms / elbows are still sore from holding the buffer vertical on the top of a stepladder, for a few hours. :cry:

Did a very nice job though.

Pat T · Apr 23, 2009

Approximate cost for the Makita? After 12 or so years I may have to break down and buy one. My boat gets bigger every spring. Also, I have a Sears buffer that I have never used but I think it is a higher RPM. Is there a way to reduce the speed electrically by adding some sort of in line rheostat?

Gail R · Apr 26, 2009

Okay you guys, you inspired my other half to buy the Makita. We have a very happy camper at the end of a very productive weekend! Rita P doesn't look brand new, but she looks pretty decent for a 31-year-old!

Thanks for the recommendation.

Electric polisher and buffer

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