Polisher/Sander Recommendations

[Matt Kirk]

Looking for recommendations for a power polisher/sander. It seems to me a random orbit type would be much preferred over the regular rotating kind. I've always polished the car by hand but now there's a lot more square feet to deal with. Also, I already have a palm sander but I'm thinking if there's some sanding work to be done, like on the keel, that it's just not gonna make it.

 

[Chris I.]

I have a Porter Cable...

I bought a Porter Cable model 7424 from here:http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/7424_car_buffer.htm?L+coastest+xsxz7876ffd636d6+1114569063It was $119. Not cheap, but they are very popular with people that do a lot of car polishing and waxing. I used mine on my boat hull and was very pleased with how quickly it went. I just purchased a 1987 Catalina 22 and the Florida sun had caused some oxidation of the gel coat. The polisher broght it back very nicely. I used 3M's Finesse It II polish and their liquid wax.Important: Get yourself a few foam pads for the polisher. Search on the web or go somewhere like here:http://www.superiorcarcare.net/6-inch-edge2000-pads.htmlThey work great. I'd stick with the light cut or polishing pads if you have some oxidation or scratches. Then go along behind with a good wax and the finishing pad. I'd call around to see what experts recommend.The pads are reusable if you wash them carefully. I'll use them on my cars next.Chris I.Clearwater, FL

 

[Chris I.]

More...

I kind of went straight to the polishing and waxing business, but they make good sanders, too.Chris I.Clearwater, FL

 

[Jeff]

Bosch is good.

On my boats the heavy work is done with a Dewalt angle grinder, but for most of the wood/fiberglass/paint jobs I go to my Bosch random orbit sander (#3727DVS). It is a great tool with variable speed and easy to change (velcro) abrasives for fine through heavy work. I'd be lost without it. The one thing that I might change is to go with the 5" model, since 6" sanding discs are nearly impossible to find locally.As for polishing, ah, I haven't quite gotten to that point yet as everything seems to always be a work in progress.Even if you don't buy your tools from them, I find Amazon.com to be a great resource for information about things to buy. The customer reviews are very inciteful and they also indicate other items that may be comparable or better than that which you are looking at.I buy most of my tools online from Seven Corners Hardware (see link). They started out as a neighbourhood hardware store in St. Paul (I used to live there) and have now branched out to the internet. They have great customer service with knowledgeable help, great prices, and I've always received free shipping.(In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I make my living selling through Amazon's interface.)