Recommendation for a buffer

[altouchet]

What brand of buffer should I buy for compounding and waxing? I'd like to be able to get into tighter spots such as the edges of the walk around on my 208 Adventure.
I realize the larger diameter pads are probably better for large flat panels like the hull sides.
Recommendations are appreciated!

 

[Jeff_R]

Are you just looking for a "buffer" to apply and remove waxes or are you looking for a polisher to make and keep things shiny? Below is a write up I posted on a Whaler forum....it's a long answer but should help..

If things are REALLY chalky I recommend a direct drive polisher with a good wool wheel and a heavy cut compound, though the large wheel is only good for the large flat areas.

For the intricate and tight areas where you can not fit a wheel I start with with a DA buffer and a good 6" foam pad with a good finishing compound. For a DA unit I HIGHLY recommend the Porter Cable as well as a good quality pad. Here is the unit and pads I use. I buy all my pads from these guys and have always been very happy with their products.

This is a great starting kit and the one I got...
http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424-accessories.html

Here are the pads I use (Green, Yellow, White, and Grey). I reorder them as needed. On average I guess you would go through 2 green, 2 yellow, and 1 White and 1 Grey to complete your 17 restoration.
http://www.autogeek.net/lc-ccs-6inch-pads.html

When I do a complete gelcoat restore, I start with 3M Super Duty and go over the larger flat areas of the interior, top sides, and hull sides once really well. That first step is done with a direct drive polishing unit (Milwaukee) and the wool wheel. The super duty is really meant for this type of tool where the Imperial is actually meant more for DA buffers. You will likely have to source the super duty from an automotive paint supply where the imperial is more easily found. That said the super duty is cheaper and I get it by the gallon for about $60 where the imperial is at times double that. Personally I after using both, I think you get the same results with the super duty.

Then I move to 3M finesse it on the porter cable DA buffer and do 2 passes over the entire boat getting all of the nooks and crannies. After the compounding I do a couple coatings of a good mothers or meguiers wax applied by hand and removed with the DA polisher and finishing pad. I finish with Starbrite Marine Polish with PTFE polish applied and removed in the same manner for the glossy finish. After this so long as you keep up on your waxing / polishing you will likely not have to go back to the drastic heavy cut compounding and direct drive wool wheel.

Products:
Compound / Polish
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...3M+Super+Duty+Rubbing+Compound+gallon&x=0&y=0
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...e&field-keywords=3m+finesse-it+gallon&x=0&y=0

Wax Options
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Calif..._9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1325024584&sr=1-9
http://www.autogeek.net/griots-best-car-wax.html
http://www.autogeek.net/fleetwax-870.html
http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G-70..._1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1325024808&sr=1-1

Finish
http://www.amazon.com/Star-brite-Premium-Marine-Polish/dp/B002E9E1FA

 

[Fishermanbb]

Porter Cable. I use it on my 360. Top of the line detailing sells pretty good packages online. Get extra mounting plates as they do wear out. I use some of their specialty pads and then I use Collinites products (3M for compound and Collinites for cleaner & wax). I have a process I go through every season and people are stunned at how the boat comes out. A few days ago the detailing company who does the boats in our marina came by specifically to ask me how I got the results. The Porter Cable with the correct products and process was the answer.

 

[Bill_N]

I use one of these with foam pads for light compounding and waxing.

http://www.autogeek.net/ma927po.html

 

[dpcarson]

Flex L3403 polisher. German made, lightweight, low profile, variable speed, and strong as crap.

 

[grady23]

If you have never used a direct drive polisher/sander be VERY CARFUL when going over outside edges. The polisher tends to put more pressure on thes eareas when you pass over them. Also, be mideful of how much pressure you use when usin agressive oxidation removing compounds. You can easily "grind" off the gelcoat in places where it tends to be thinner or even flat surfaces if too much pressure is used. The "Bright" finish comes from the wax/polish when it's applied --- NOT the compound. A lambs wool cover will give you the best results. The idea is to "heat" the wax/polish" and make it flow in to the pours of the gelcoat.I tend to use Meguires products exclusivley. Just a personal choice.

 

[journeyman]

Thanks for the info and recommendation on the Porter Cable 7424! I have several "buffers" that i've used over the years but have always been unhappy with them. I picked up the PC 7424xp this past week and used it for the first time with the white pad it came with. WOW! I don't have an oxidation issue so it was used just to apply polish. Sure made my life easier! Hull exterior up to the gunwales done. Splash today. Rest done on slip. I have some assorted pads on order with the hook and loop backing plate for future use if needed.

Couple of questions... How do you know the pad your using is done for and are they washable / cleanable?

Again, Thanks!

 

[dpcarson]

When the pad is done for it will frag out or cut loose from the velcro backing. You can just wash them in light soapy water or, when I have a bunch to clean I throw them in the washing machine with my towels. Use milde detergents when doing this though so the glue holding the velcro on does not break down. After they are clean, drying them is where I see people make the biggest mistake. Most dry them veocro down adn sponge up, but I recommend drying them velcro up and pad down on a wire rack. If you ;ut the velcro down while drying, the water and soap settles to where the glue is at and breaks the glue down faster. I like to spin them as dry as possibl efirst and then lay them out to dry to speed it up a little.

 

[Strikezone]

I use the cheap Harbor Freight buffer that on sale a lot for about $30. It's OK for the time or two per year that I use it.

I did order good backing plates and pads from Lake Country.

 

[journeyman]

Thanks for the info!

 

[1998sailfish]

I second the Flex. Expensive but a well constructed tool! Love mine