http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid95/p7bb71076c6953e090207e1b15b710f78/fa32a130.jpg

I got a orbital buffer for Christmas from my parents to hide the swirls in my paint. It is a Sears model 10721(click for info) (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00910721000&tab=description#tablink) It's a 3800RPM random orbital buffer. Basically all I want to know is if it's 100% worthless. I know the dangers of cooking your clearcoat and most if not everyone says buy a Porter Cable orbital buffer or don't bother. Other people say that the Craftsman will be too slow and will bog down and not do anything. I guess I would give it a shot if I knew it wouldn't fry my clearcoat. Should I just return it and buy a porter cable?:dunno Is there anything at all I can do with it? Wax? Will it cook my clearcoat off my car?
Thanks in advance,
Peter Tyson

bump.


I got one too. Cheapass parents:az:

Are you sure it is measured in RPM?? RPM is usually for direct drive buffers (ie Rotaries). Orbital buffers like the porter cable are measured in OBM or OPM (Orbits Per Minute). The one it is will greatly affect whether or not it will 'fry' your clear. If it spins in a consistent cirlce (RPM) then it is a rotary and it can burn your clear. If it is an orbital as you say then it should be OBM and perfectly safe on your car.

David.

but will it work? or is it useless and i might as well do it by hand? its 2800 random orbits per min, and its one speed.



Edit: its like a 30 dollar craftsman

Buffers work well if they're properly made. I've never seen one for $30 though which makes me wonder. I've priced a couple and they are all around $100-$200.

yes, it is orbital... from the sears website "3800 random orbits per minute matched to precision-tuned counterweight system simulates handpolishing motion for a swirl-free shine. Counterweight system reduces vibration. " I'm pretty sure it won't fry my clearcoat, now I want to know if it's worth keeping? p.s. Excuse my dirt sock :)

It won't fry your clear coat. As for how useful it will be, who knows. I say it won't be any better then your hand. But you mind as well give it a shot since you have it.

David,
Thanks a lot for the help! I guess it's only $30, not even my money. I appreciate it. Do I use Sears pads or someone elses? It's a 7" buffer so it's not a common size I assume?
Thanks a lot,
Peter Tyson

Would I be better off buying a 6" buffer? That is the standard Porte Cable Orbital Buffer size isn't it?
-Peter Tyson

porter cable is a good buffer but if you're just got it as a gift, why not try it. for the craftsmen, i would most likely think it uses bonnets. they can be purchased at wal-mart. i also agree with david, it will never burn your clear coat. it's not a very stong buffer.

Peter,

I believe timesev hit the nail on the head. From what I know the Sears buffers use bonnets. They are standard. You can buy them at pretty much any autoparts store, walmart, etc.

Give it a shot. If you need to remove swirl marks then I doubt it will do the job, you will need a PC. But if all you are going to go is apply waxes, sealants and mild polishes then just stick with it.

Glad to help! Larer.

It should be safe to use. As long as it is a random orbital and you use clean quality accessories. However, at that price I wouldn't expect it to last forever. It is also likely a little under-powered, might bog down. Which means you won't be able to put a lot of pressure on it, which I'd say should make it a little safer on your paint.

Originally posted by xvxax
p.s. Excuse my dirt sock :)

:eyecrazy:

I use a Dewalt Rotary Polisher, works great and I love it!

that's not dirt man...