Hey guys, I'm looking for a good orbital buffer and would like to hear your suggestions. I need one that is atleast 6000 rpm so I can take out swirls. I'm hoping to spend $150 or less, but will spend more on a quality product.


Thnaks for the help.

Hey guys, I'm looking for a good orbital buffer and would like to hear your suggestions. I need one that is atleast 6000 rpm so I can take out swirls. I'm hoping to spend $150 or less, but will spend more on a quality product.


Thnaks for the help.
A quick search would have lead you to the most lauded PC model:
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/7424_car_buffer.htm?L+coastest+yrwb7654ff1b0c1b+11 02434476
Excellent deal and many here have them.
jsm3

Thanks for the advice, it looks like I'll be Christmas shopping for myself to night.

I was wondering if you bought any of the additional accessories they're offering with it?

Is it a good idea to use this for sanding and detailing. If it doesn't matter than I think I will buy some of the sanding discs and a sanding counter weight.


Thanks,
Geoff

I bought the Coastal Tool kit with the 5- and 6- inch counterweights, then bought pads elsewhere.

I don't see a problem with using the one tool for both purposes, as long as you keep it clean. You wouldn't want to drop sanding residues on your paint!

I bought the Coastal Tool kit with the 5- and 6- inch counterweights, then bought pads elsewhere.

I don't see a problem with using the one tool for both purposes, as long as you keep it clean. You wouldn't want to drop sanding residues on your paint!

Yeah that would suck to grind that stuff in your paint.


One thing thats not clear to me about the Coastal tool kit is about whether the 5 inch counter weight they include is attatched to there polishing pad? I guess I would need to buy another 5 in counter weight for sanding if it is attatched.

Do you know GP Burdell.

the counter weight is not attatched to the pad.

basically, that package comes with 2 weights and 1 polishing pad that is good for nothing and 1 six inch backing plate.

Just submitted my order for the 7424 buffer package and 5 in. hook and loop backing pad for sanding. :)


Damn, it looks like I'm going to have to return my Sears buffer now. :stickoutt

Oops, Lowe's is selling the 7336 (same as 7424 but with the 6" counterweight and 6" backing pad) for $80! Maybe you can cancel the order...

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=51472-000041735-7336

Oops, Lowe's is selling the 7336 (same as 7424 but with the 6" counterweight and 6" backing pad) for $80! Maybe you can cancel the order...

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=51472-000041735-7336


Damn, the 7336 and the 7424 are the same product and just marketed differently than?

no, the 7336 comes with a 6 inch counter weight, the 7424 comes with the 5 inch counter weight i believe.

no, the 7336 comes with a 6 inch counter weight, the 7424 comes with the 5 inch counter weight i believe.

Yup.

BTW, $80 is a damn good price. I paid $119 for mine and that was considered a good deal.

no, the 7336 comes with a 6 inch counter weight, the 7424 comes with the 5 inch counter weight i believe.

So if I just bought the 5 in. counter weight fir the 7336 it would be the same as the 7424?

Damn, I think I'm going to see if I can cancel and go that route.

So I guess the only difference between the Coastal tools package and the Lowes package other than the counter weight would be that the Lowes package doesn't include the polisher pad thing.

I think someone said the polisher pad is useless. Anyone have a need for it?

yea, you cuold just buy the 5in counter weight...



the pad you could use to remove wax? i might.

Price just went back up to $100. Still a good deal.

Where did you guys buy your bonnets from?


THanks,
Geoff

I've been using the 6" orange (polishing) and red (waxing) pads from Griot's Garage, but you can also get equivalent pads from vendors such as Autogeek.net.

^Thanks, I think I'll go with Autogeeks bonnets since my cars paint is in pretty rough condition.

I've got a few more questions for everyone:

1. Is the backing plate that comes in the Coastal Tool package quality or should I buy a different one?

2. Does anyone use a lambswool leveling pad like this one for extra cushioning under the pad. http://www.autogeek.net/lc77216.html

3. Has anyone tried the foam pads and if so do they work better than terry and microfiber?

4. When using the 7424 do you mainly use the edge of the pad when buffing?

Sorry about all the questions, I didn't think there would be so much to learn about a buffer.


Thanks,
Geoff

You might consider getting the Sonus pad kit found here. It comes with a really nice, flexible backing plate and some cool pads. They get great reviews from the guys on Autopia.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sondas.html

1. Is the backing plate that comes in the Coastal Tool package quality or should I buy a different one?
It's the one I use. It works just fine.

4. When using the 7424 do you mainly use the edge of the pad when buffing?
I use the entire surface of the pad when polishing.

1. Is the backing plate that comes in the Coastal Tool package quality or should I buy a different one?

That's fine. I use it.

2. Does anyone use a lambswool leveling pad like this one for extra cushioning under the pad. http://www.autogeek.net/lc77216.html

IF you put a bonnet over it, you can use it to buff and/or remove sealant/wax since it's nice and soft. It doesn't go under a foam pad.

3. Has anyone tried the foam pads and if so do they work better than terry and microfiber?

Yes, you use the foam pads if you want to do some actual polishing (removing swirls, marring, etc.) You won't get any cutting action of any kind with MF or terry bonnets. You need the foam pads.

4. When using the 7424 do you mainly use the edge of the pad when buffing?

I use the Lake Country Variable Contact foam pads, which are not flat. To each his own.

Sorry about all the questions, I didn't think there would be so much to learn about a buffer.

Go to www.autopia.org before you do anything and read up.

Thanks,
Geoff