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Author Topic:   Need Update - Best buffer/polisher

PeteB88 posted 05-25-2010 07:39 PM ET (US)
I spent considerable time perusing CW archives for recommendations on best buffer for my boats. Clearly Porter Cable models are popular but Makita and even $30 unit from Harbor Freight were also respected.
Since some of the posts are dated I thought I would ask the question again - for 2010- member recommendations for polisher/buffers. I have three boats - one in fantastic condition that will need very little work but the other two will needs some attention - light buffing is indicated.
I also spent part of the afternoon hitting marina stores and big box stores. Since Porter Cable is now made in China the models are not the same.
I appreciate updated recommendations or anything you guys can share.

SC Joe posted 05-25-2010 08:03 PM ET (US)
If you are looking for the best buffer, you are correct--the Harbor Freight China made unit is probably ok for the cost. It's all about the pad, the media, and the speed you are using (faster is not always better). I had an expensive ($300 or so) Milwaukee years ago that I ended up giving away, partly due to its very heavy weight.
As for random/DA polisher, the Porter Cable 7424 is the standard.
They do two very different things.
PeteB88 posted 05-25-2010 10:09 PM ET (US)
That's the other thing - buffer or random orbital? Talked to one member today and he likes random orbit. Interested in info from experienced users.
Thanks!!!
Plotman posted 05-25-2010 10:28 PM ET (US)
Well, I have both.
I have a big Makita that I use on the hull and large sections of the interior. I use the Porter Cable for tighter work.
I already had the PC sander (it is the same machine) and just bought the appropriate pad and conterweight to make it into the buffer.
Both work just fine - the Makita allows you to cover more area faster, but the PC works just fine, and gets into areas the Makita wont.
As mentioned, it is all about the pads and compound. For heavy compounding, I use lambswool pads. For annual touch up, I use the foam Finesseit pads from 3M, regardless of what machine I use. Once you have done a restoration, you generally don't need more cut than FinesseIt II, at least up here in the north.
Both machines do double duty. The PC sees duty as a sander, and the Makita as a heavy-duty grinder in my metalworking.
DeeVee posted 05-25-2010 10:30 PM ET (US)
I own the Porter Cable random orbit buffer and the Harbor Freight direct drive buffer.
The Porter Cable is definately a fine piece of equipment. On the other hand, the Harbor Freight direct drive buffer does a great job for the money.
For cutting, to bring back shine, the direct drive with wool or synthetic wool is the way to go. I use the Porter Cable for applying wax and buffing the wax off. I also use if for the miscellaneous stainless and aluminum/Marinium clean up and polish.
Doug Vazquez
PeteB88 posted 05-25-2010 11:03 PM ET (US)
One more question - how important is variable speed? I have a shot at an older classic Milwaukee big power unit but one speed - fast. I can get that and a Black and Decker random orbit for 100 bucks. Both in great condition.
newt posted 05-27-2010 08:27 AM ET (US)
I bought and then replaced the cheapo Harbor Freight Buffer. It lasted through about 1/2 of a Revenge 25 Buff job, but then the wife killed it while buffing out the bathroom tub surround. Although I did last for a while, the variable speed never worked right, and overall I would classify the Harbor Freight unit as a total piece of crap - a disposable tool. i have a Porter Cable now, but have not really used it yet.
swist posted 05-27-2010 01:39 PM ET (US)
I bought a hardware store WEN 10" orbital buffer/polisher about 15 years ago (also sold as MASTER MECHANIC in some h/w stores), violating my long-standing policy of not buying cheap tools.
It takes a fair amount of force to buff off dried wax and applying anything more than a light touch causes the motor to spin while the buffing wheel stalls.
Needless to say I reinstituted my policy shortly therafter.
Nauti Tauk posted 05-27-2010 04:54 PM ET (US)
The Porter Cable 7424 is what I use on our 170 Montauk and have been very happy with the unit for several years now. There are some folks on the site that use the larger 10 and 12 inch roundy round buffers like the Mikita. I just never learned to use one properly and the random orbit of the PC does fine for what I need. (no heavy cutting). I use Colonite wax and 3M finesseII. There's an auto detail supply dealer in Florida that sells package deals built around the 7424 that seem to be competitive in price. www.AutoGeek.com. Wife purchased one of their packages as a Christmas gift for me and was pleased with the price.
27 Black Dog posted 05-28-2010 07:25 AM ET (US)
What about the Shurehold Dual Action Polisher? I just saw an add for one priced out at $150.00. Does anybody have any experience with this unit?
PeteB88 posted 05-28-2010 12:43 PM ET (US)
I got an offer I could not refuse - new, low use Makita 9227 C way low price. The old Craftsman is going on Craigs/
Thanks - -
DeeVee posted 05-28-2010 11:09 PM ET (US)
I am a professional tool user- carpenter by trade (35 years in the trade). Obviously, tools that one uses every day, day in, day out, need to be of a quality that will last and perform reliably.
I am not a professional auto body mechanic or fiberglass boat refinisher. I have owned the crappy Harbor Frieght buffer for almost 5 years. Every year since I bought it I have used it to quickly bring back the shine on my Outrage 22. It has turned into a yearly winter ritual I guess.
The only problem I have encountered is, I carelessly laid it on my rolling service cart- it fell off the cart and cracked the buffing head shank base. It continues to perform well for me, despite the careless damage I inflicted on it.
I can be one of those people to decry Chinese made crap. But, for me, the non professional boat refinisher, this tool fits the bill nicely. I fully expect it to last many more years.
On the other hand, I am sure the Porter Cable 7445 will outlive me.
Doug Vazquez
WhalerAce posted 05-29-2010 08:42 AM ET (US)
Perfect timing on the buffer information request, as I, too, am in the market to purchase one.
Now, the next question is: Five-Inch or Six-Inch model? I see they offer "kits" which include one counterweight to go with whicher head you purchase. I also noticed that most buffer pads are 5 1/2".
So which size? Thanks.
--- WhalerAce
PeteB88 posted 05-29-2010 09:57 AM ET (US)
Yup, need to keep this going for awhile. I got some good info from Jeff and Buckda - thanks. Jeff said to have several pads for each product used, compound, wax, polish etc. I think I can handle that. Then there is 3M vs McGuair's and the various products they have. I can confirm one thing - one of my Whaler pals who does not hang out on this site, over compounded his older Whaler and wore through the gel coat in several places.
Then there's the issue of speed - - how fast, how intense? I understand there is lots of info on the WWW and will check out. I am going to test on my 11.5 and get used to the machine.
IF you guys with experience don't mind sharing some techniques that would be great. I have read through the archives which have lots of info. Current info would be appreciated.
Then the universal question about Collonite
Have a great Holiday Weekend.

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Author	Topic: Need Update - Best buffer/polisher
PeteB88	posted 05-25-2010 07:39 PM ET (US) I spent considerable time perusing CW archives for recommendations on best buffer for my boats. Clearly Porter Cable models are popular but Makita and even $30 unit from Harbor Freight were also respected. Since some of the posts are dated I thought I would ask the question again - for 2010- member recommendations for polisher/buffers. I have three boats - one in fantastic condition that will need very little work but the other two will needs some attention - light buffing is indicated. I also spent part of the afternoon hitting marina stores and big box stores. Since Porter Cable is now made in China the models are not the same. I appreciate updated recommendations or anything you guys can share.
SC Joe	posted 05-25-2010 08:03 PM ET (US) If you are looking for the best buffer, you are correct--the Harbor Freight China made unit is probably ok for the cost. It's all about the pad, the media, and the speed you are using (faster is not always better). I had an expensive ($300 or so) Milwaukee years ago that I ended up giving away, partly due to its very heavy weight. As for random/DA polisher, the Porter Cable 7424 is the standard. They do two very different things.
PeteB88	posted 05-25-2010 10:09 PM ET (US) That's the other thing - buffer or random orbital? Talked to one member today and he likes random orbit. Interested in info from experienced users. Thanks!!!
Plotman	posted 05-25-2010 10:28 PM ET (US) Well, I have both. I have a big Makita that I use on the hull and large sections of the interior. I use the Porter Cable for tighter work. I already had the PC sander (it is the same machine) and just bought the appropriate pad and conterweight to make it into the buffer. Both work just fine - the Makita allows you to cover more area faster, but the PC works just fine, and gets into areas the Makita wont. As mentioned, it is all about the pads and compound. For heavy compounding, I use lambswool pads. For annual touch up, I use the foam Finesseit pads from 3M, regardless of what machine I use. Once you have done a restoration, you generally don't need more cut than FinesseIt II, at least up here in the north. Both machines do double duty. The PC sees duty as a sander, and the Makita as a heavy-duty grinder in my metalworking.
DeeVee	posted 05-25-2010 10:30 PM ET (US) I own the Porter Cable random orbit buffer and the Harbor Freight direct drive buffer. The Porter Cable is definately a fine piece of equipment. On the other hand, the Harbor Freight direct drive buffer does a great job for the money. For cutting, to bring back shine, the direct drive with wool or synthetic wool is the way to go. I use the Porter Cable for applying wax and buffing the wax off. I also use if for the miscellaneous stainless and aluminum/Marinium clean up and polish. Doug Vazquez
PeteB88	posted 05-25-2010 11:03 PM ET (US) One more question - how important is variable speed? I have a shot at an older classic Milwaukee big power unit but one speed - fast. I can get that and a Black and Decker random orbit for 100 bucks. Both in great condition.
newt	posted 05-27-2010 08:27 AM ET (US) I bought and then replaced the cheapo Harbor Freight Buffer. It lasted through about 1/2 of a Revenge 25 Buff job, but then the wife killed it while buffing out the bathroom tub surround. Although I did last for a while, the variable speed never worked right, and overall I would classify the Harbor Freight unit as a total piece of crap - a disposable tool. i have a Porter Cable now, but have not really used it yet.
swist	posted 05-27-2010 01:39 PM ET (US) I bought a hardware store WEN 10" orbital buffer/polisher about 15 years ago (also sold as MASTER MECHANIC in some h/w stores), violating my long-standing policy of not buying cheap tools. It takes a fair amount of force to buff off dried wax and applying anything more than a light touch causes the motor to spin while the buffing wheel stalls. Needless to say I reinstituted my policy shortly therafter.
Nauti Tauk	posted 05-27-2010 04:54 PM ET (US) The Porter Cable 7424 is what I use on our 170 Montauk and have been very happy with the unit for several years now. There are some folks on the site that use the larger 10 and 12 inch roundy round buffers like the Mikita. I just never learned to use one properly and the random orbit of the PC does fine for what I need. (no heavy cutting). I use Colonite wax and 3M finesseII. There's an auto detail supply dealer in Florida that sells package deals built around the 7424 that seem to be competitive in price. www.AutoGeek.com. Wife purchased one of their packages as a Christmas gift for me and was pleased with the price.
27 Black Dog	posted 05-28-2010 07:25 AM ET (US) What about the Shurehold Dual Action Polisher? I just saw an add for one priced out at $150.00. Does anybody have any experience with this unit?
PeteB88	posted 05-28-2010 12:43 PM ET (US) I got an offer I could not refuse - new, low use Makita 9227 C way low price. The old Craftsman is going on Craigs/ Thanks - -
DeeVee	posted 05-28-2010 11:09 PM ET (US) I am a professional tool user- carpenter by trade (35 years in the trade). Obviously, tools that one uses every day, day in, day out, need to be of a quality that will last and perform reliably. I am not a professional auto body mechanic or fiberglass boat refinisher. I have owned the crappy Harbor Frieght buffer for almost 5 years. Every year since I bought it I have used it to quickly bring back the shine on my Outrage 22. It has turned into a yearly winter ritual I guess. The only problem I have encountered is, I carelessly laid it on my rolling service cart- it fell off the cart and cracked the buffing head shank base. It continues to perform well for me, despite the careless damage I inflicted on it. I can be one of those people to decry Chinese made crap. But, for me, the non professional boat refinisher, this tool fits the bill nicely. I fully expect it to last many more years. On the other hand, I am sure the Porter Cable 7445 will outlive me. Doug Vazquez
WhalerAce	posted 05-29-2010 08:42 AM ET (US) Perfect timing on the buffer information request, as I, too, am in the market to purchase one. Now, the next question is: Five-Inch or Six-Inch model? I see they offer "kits" which include one counterweight to go with whicher head you purchase. I also noticed that most buffer pads are 5 1/2". So which size? Thanks. --- WhalerAce
PeteB88	posted 05-29-2010 09:57 AM ET (US) Yup, need to keep this going for awhile. I got some good info from Jeff and Buckda - thanks. Jeff said to have several pads for each product used, compound, wax, polish etc. I think I can handle that. Then there is 3M vs McGuair's and the various products they have. I can confirm one thing - one of my Whaler pals who does not hang out on this site, over compounded his older Whaler and wore through the gel coat in several places. Then there's the issue of speed - - how fast, how intense? I understand there is lots of info on the WWW and will check out. I am going to test on my 11.5 and get used to the machine. IF you guys with experience don't mind sharing some techniques that would be great. I have read through the archives which have lots of info. Current info would be appreciated. Then the universal question about Collonite Have a great Holiday Weekend.