any buffers cheaper than a PC?

**Poppn** · 02-05-2009, 02:33 PM

Can anyone recommend a dual action buffer that is cheaper than a PC?

Will any dual action buffer work ok as long as the right pads and/or polishes are used? I can't seem to justify spending over 200 dollars for a PC and pads. I don't need an amazing showroom shine, just something to take out a few light swirls without having to go at it by hand.

**superman4evr** · 02-05-2009, 07:26 PM

Harbor Freight sells a cheapy for $29.99 when it's on sale.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41213

**Lucky 13** · 02-05-2009, 09:27 PM

look at tropi-care go to their website, they have a package thats 169 for pads and the PC

**INMY01TA** · 02-06-2009, 11:02 AM

I wouldn't want one cheaper than a Porter Cable.

**RyanJM** · 02-20-2009, 06:16 PM

I got my Dewalt for workk but I have a DA from griots garage that works well.

**02blkws6** · 02-22-2009, 02:37 PM

I have a Craftsman HSB. It was around $100.

**RyanJM** · 02-22-2009, 04:14 PM

Here's what I use for light work.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

**CamaroFan71** · 02-22-2009, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by superman4evr

Harbor Freight sells a cheapy for $29.99 when it's on sale.

This is what Im thinking of getting also.

**sercastiK** · 03-08-2009, 04:33 PM

I have the HF rotary it was like 30 bucks or so on special. They sell SM arnold yellow foam pads at HF too than get a finishing pad elsewhere and you're set

**Goldmember** · 03-08-2009, 06:25 PM

i got mine from sears for bout 60

**Fast Toys** · 03-09-2009, 12:41 PM

We sell the Tropicare package as well for 169.99

http://fasttoys.net/shop/product_inf...oducts_id=1493

This is going to be one of the best packages you can get for the price. It gives you everything you need except for the chemicals to polish your car.

If you use a rotary buffer, there is a much higher chance you can burn your paint and you often are going to end of up holograms in the paint (swirl marks from the orbital polisher) that you will have to polish out with a unit like the Porter Cable anyways!

The kits are very easy to use, very difficult to burn the paint and there are lots of accessories and pads available for a reasonable price.

Some of the cheaper random orbitals you will find do not have the power to properly polish a car and will take a very long time or overheat.

Thanks!

**4get gto** · 03-09-2009, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by sercastiK

I have the HF rotary it was like 30 bucks or so on special. They sell SM arnold yellow foam pads at HF too than get a finishing pad elsewhere and you're set

I have one of these $30.00 HF's.... Works ok for a rotary but the one I have is not variable speed. Thats not a good thing. Variable speed works the best. Especially if you are just a beginner or someone that does'nt use one offen.
Rotary's are good but not all people know how to use them....Which is really a bad thing

Check out the one (PC) that Fasttoys has. Not a bad deal if you figure up all the different things you're getting. They work great for the back yard mechanic that most of us are. Me too...........

.
And its real hard to screw something up.

**KarenCaren** · 03-18-2009, 10:30 PM

I think amazon.com got one with $69.

7" PROFESSIONAL Variable Speed Polisher Buffer Sander Waxer AUTO CAR BOAT RV + 4 Replacement Polishing Bonnets

I posted it just for you to know. I haven't use that. lol... so wont suggest using it.

________________
If you ain't first, you're last!
dragdreams

**allbaugh_04** · 03-19-2009, 06:02 AM

I'll probably just buy one at target

**4get gto** · 03-19-2009, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I'll probably just buy one at target

You won't be happy..............

**allbaugh_04** · 03-19-2009, 04:42 PM

well i dont wanna screw up the paint job by burning it...idk what to do

**Fast Toys** · 03-20-2009, 09:04 AM

Ok Guys,

All the random orbitals you see at target, walmart etc are pretty much the same. They are great for applying waxes etc but they lack the power, variable speed and proper pads to do polishing. For that, you need an random orbital unit like the Porter Cable (very little risk to burn paints) or a straight orbital with variable speed (high risk of burning paint if you don't know what you are doing).

**allbaugh_04** · 03-20-2009, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Fast Toys

Ok Guys,

All the random orbitals you see at target, walmart etc are pretty much the same. They are great for applying waxes etc but they lack the power, variable speed and proper pads to do polishing. For that, you need an random orbital unit like the Porter Cable (very little risk to burn paints) or a straight orbital with variable speed (high risk of burning paint if you don't know what you are doing).

or do it by hand?

**VENOMOUS** · 03-20-2009, 10:21 AM

Your best bet ( trust me I've been in the profession of painting vehicles for almost 20 years) is to buy a Makita. They are the most reliable and lightweight of em all' They have a variable speed and are the shiznit!
AS for compounds stick with 3m only. Your Meguiar's and Mother's stuff should be used for WAXING ONLY!! Use the weight of the buffer for exerting pressure, any more than that and you'll burn. You are basically floating the buffer acrosss the paint and the heat( friction) like in all polishing applications does the work.

**allbaugh_04** · 03-20-2009, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Fast Toys

Ok Guys,

All the random orbitals you see at target, walmart etc are pretty much the same. They are great for applying waxes etc but they lack the power, variable speed and proper pads to do polishing. For that, you need an random orbital unit like the Porter Cable (very little risk to burn paints) or a straight orbital with variable speed (high risk of burning paint if you don't know what you are doing).

anything similiar to a porter cable that doesn't burn without the porter cable's price tag?