Help with picking a mechanical buffer/polisher

[chayos00]

****UPdate to the update****
The order has arrived.

Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher
3.5" & 5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate
8oz. Optimum Car Care 3 Pack - Optimum Compound II, Optimum Polish II, Optimum Finish Polish
Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105
Duragloss Aquawax (AW) #951
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! 3 Orange & White; 2 Red, Blue, Gray
Lake Country 4 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Pad 1 : Orange Pad 2 : White Pad 3 : Yellow Pad 4 : Gray Pad 5 : Blue Pad 6 : Red
DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator
Foam Pad Conditioning Brush
Daytona Speed Master Two Brush Combo
The Guzzler Triple Kit
6 Pack Cobra Miracle Towels
6 Pack Arctic White Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths
2 -The Grit Guard Insert

And the Autogeek.net banner for the garage, my wifes response. "Oh god, your not going to hang that right?!"

***Update***
I will be using a DA buffer of whichever brand, I'm not sure yet, but with the LC CCS pads. I think I'm leaning towards the Flex 3401

So I have compiled a list of the brands of the different products to choose from, what's the best choice would you say for my Acura TL? I guess I will also be using this stuff for my Red 4Runner, probably my in-laws white pearl caddy, and their Tundra (both in-laws cars are brand new as of this year)

Wolfgang Products
Pinnacle Products
Dodo Juice Carnauba Car Waxes
1Z Einszett Car Care Products
Klasse Sealant Products
Meguiars Car Care Products
Menzerna Polishing Compounds
Optimum Polymer Technologies


If you recommend a certain brand could you mention which product combo's would work with each other. I guess I want the compound/polish, sealant, & wax or which ever items I need.


***Original Post***
So I have a craftsman orbital buffer that isn't cutting it for my paint situation. My wife has a black Acura TL I baby the paint job as much as possible use microfiber towels when drying and a microfiber wash glove. I don't take it to car washes or anything of the sort. Well I still have swirl marks that drive me NUTZ!

I have been looking on autogeek.net for buffer's, I have heard the Porter Cable orbital buffer mentioned a lot.

So once I figure out a polisher I need pads, there are too many to choose from! I need help with that! If you need more details or a picture of what the paint looks like to better help just let me know and I will do.

I currently use Meguires NXT wax and have their GoldClass along with their 3 stage combo. We still have my wife's old 97 toyota Tercel to experiment on learning how to use a new buffer so if a standard non orbital buffer will get me the best results then I'm okay with that I just need the help picking a good quality polisher.

Thanks for the help guys!

I also have this posted here Help with picking a mechanical buffer/polisher - AcuraZine Community


***EDIT *** Added the photo's remember these are on dirty cars. I just finally got around to taking the pictures in the sun.

Dealer installed scratches after I told them not to wash the truck, didn't notice till a few days later. I just noticed that I look like a **** in this pic after posting it. I was was squinting cuz it's damned bright here in AZ after first going outside.

Wife's Nighthawk Black Pearl (Black w/blue metalic flakes) Acura TL, those are Craftsman orbital buffer marks.

Waterspots from our garage door after a rain, it drips there after a rainstorm.

 

[Uneek]

I have the Flex XC3401 VGR. I use mine with a black pad for application of all in one polishes.

For pads, if they are Lake Country pads, you'll probably want white or orange pads. The white is for micro fine and has very little and light cutting ability, good for wax cleaners. The orange has light to medium cut.

I haven't had to deal with swirl removal, so I can't say what type of polishes and compounds to use. But some good brands I've read people using are Menzerna, Meguiar's Professional line, Mother's or 3M.

 

[chayos00]

I just looked at the price of the one you mentioned, I just found it for $300. The porter cable DA is $125. After talking to the other guys on the Acura site I've decided on doing the PC DA. Now it's just a matter of picking which Lake Country pads to use, I'm going to get some orange and white pads, maybe even something softer too for getting even better shine on the final wax/sealent. I posted some picture over there too, of the paint job that need fixing.

 

[Koz]

I have the Flex XC3401 VGR. I use mine with a black pad for application of all in one polishes.

For pads, if they are Lake Country pads, you'll probably want white or orange pads. The white is for micro fine and has very little and light cutting ability, good for wax cleaners. The orange has light to medium cut.

I haven't had to deal with swirl removal, so I can't say what type of polishes and compounds to use. But some good brands I've read people using are Menzerna, Meguiar's Professional line, Mother's or 3M.

If you can lay out the money the Flex is AMAZING! Just as Uneek stated, I use the orange pads (light/med polishing with Meg 105 or Meg Ultimate Compound) and white pads (does not have any cutting but can lightly cut with Meg 205). The white pad can also apply wax. The Flex will cut the polishing time in half and that makes a BIG difference when polishing a vehicle (especially a truck).

The reason the Flex is so good is; it not only has orbital rotation, it also has forced rotation (like a rotary). This is the ONLY orbital that has this design. Also it is just as safe as a non-forced rotation orbital. I even buffed my Corian counter tops with amazing results.

As far as wax; I use Meg 21 poly sealant and DP's pure carnauba Max Wax.

Koz

 

[chayos00]

Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424 HD

I just found this video comparison on youtube of the Flex VS the PC 7424. I do say the results speak for themselves. But damned it's $125 vs $310.

 

[Koz]

Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424 HD

I just found this video comparison on youtube of the Flex VS the PC 7424. I do say the results speak for themselves. But damned it's $125 vs $310.

If money is tight, get the Griot's Garage.

Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher

Koz

 

[chayos00]

If money is tight, get the Griot's Garage.

Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher

Koz

At the $125 price range I'd pick the PC 7424. So depending on what the wife approves of I will pick either the PC or the Flex, I know she will crap a brick :jaw drop: once she hears the price on the Flex, but I think I can talk her into since from what I've seen it can work the same problem faster.

I've been doing a lot of research the last few days, and I do say that I'm just sure confused about what compound, polish, sealant, and wax to use. OMG too much to choose from!!

 

[Koz]

At the $125 price range I'd pick the PC 7424. So depending on what the wife approves of I will pick either the PC or the Flex, I know she will crap a brick :jaw drop: once she hears the price on the Flex, but I think I can talk her into since from what I've seen it can work the same problem faster.

I've been doing a lot of research the last few days, and I do say that I'm just sure confused about what compound, polish, sealant, and wax to use. OMG too much to choose from!!

The Griot is way more powerful then the PC and has a lifetime warranty. It is very close to the Flex.

As far as products, you can't get any more versatile or easier then the "Meg Twins"!

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound - For the tough stuff
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish - For the light stuff & finishing

Meguiar’s #21 Synthetic Sealant - If you like synthetic

DP Max Wax -pure No.1 grade yellow carnauba from Brazil and engineered polymers to create a wet, glossy shine that lasts longer than carnauba alone.

Koz

 

[J.A.]

I've been doing a lot of research the last few days, and I do say that I'm just sure confused about what compound, polish, sealant, and wax to use. OMG too much to choose from!!

I go over that and then some here...Toyota 4Runner Detailing

Check it out if you have a few minutes...

 

[004Gunner]

I go over that and then some here...Toyota 4Runner Detailing

Check it out if you have a few minutes...

:iagree: This guy has mastered automotive OCD. If he started a cult, I would join it :

J.A.: Any plans for a 2010 TE in the near future?

 

[chayos00]

So from others I have been told to avoid the Flex unit due to the fact that it is more of a circular buffer and that there is a much greater chance of burning the paint. So with that fact I think I will stick with the PC 7424XP unit.

I believe I will try the "Megs Twins" and see how that goes. now it's just time to round up some cash and figure out my final wax. What about using Megs NXT wax with the PCDA?

 

[J.A.]

J.A.: Any plans for a 2010 TE in the near future?

Not a 2010 but a 5th gen perhaps. Will wait for the refresh and am thinking I may replace the 1999 when it hits 15 yrs old with a 2014 TE model. Ideally I would love to be able to get one without the sunroof but with V8 and multimode. Also a little livelier silver color too. We shall see, only time will tell.

 

[Koz]

So from others I have been told to avoid the Flex unit due to the fact that it is more of a circular buffer and that there is a much greater chance of burning the paint. So with that fact I think I will stick with the PC 7424XP unit.

I believe I will try the "Megs Twins" and see how that goes. now it's just time to round up some cash and figure out my final wax. What about using Megs NXT wax with the PCDA?

This is not true, the Flex is just as safe as the other orbitals. Whoever said that has never used it.

If you haven't bought the PC yet, get the Groit. It is a much better machine. It is much more powerful and will save a lot of time and it has a lifetime warranty.

The meg 21 is basicly the NTX wax but a little better.

Koz

 

[chayos00]

This is not true, the Flex is just as safe as the other orbitals. Whoever said that has never used it.
Koz

Well guys I'm back to being confused. Of course with the whatever buffer I do pick, I'm going to use it first on my wifes old car that's parked over at her parents house. So if I chose the flex buffer I could always go at a slower speed until comfortable with using it.

Another thing I was thinking is on the Autogeek site LC has spot buffing 3 or 4 inch pads that can be connected to an electric drill. Are these any good, for those harder to get area's using the 6" pad. So would this be better than using hand compunds?

I go over that and then some here...Toyota 4Runner Detailing

Check it out if you have a few minutes...

This is good info JA, I read some last night, but too much to absorb at once.

 

[chayos00]

I will be using a DA buffer of whichever brand, I'm not sure yet, but with the LC CCS pads. I think I'm leaning towards the Flex DA.

So I have compiled a list of the brands of the different products to choose from, what's the best choice would you say for my Acura TL? I guess I will also be using this stuff for my Red 4Runner, probably my in-laws white pearl caddy, and their Tundra (both in-laws cars are brand new as of this year)

Wolfgang Products
Pinnacle Products
Dodo Juice Carnauba Car Waxes
1Z Einszett Car Care Products
Klasse Sealant Products
Meguiars Car Care Products
Menzerna Polishing Compounds
Optimum Polymer Technologies


If you recommend a certain brand could you mention which product combo's would work with each other. I guess I want the compound/polish, sealant, & wax or which ever items I need.

 

[MikesToy]

I hand buff my rides. So elbow buffer here.

 

[Jed]

I recently got Megs newly redesigned Dual Action Polisher G110. I really like this unit and the fact that it is dual action instead of just orbital is a big plus for me. It's a great unit at a great price.

Meguiars Dual Action Polisher G110, meguiars g110 polisher, meguiars polisher,

 

[Koz]

I recently got Megs newly redesigned Dual Action Polisher G110. I really like this unit and the fact that it is dual action instead of just orbital is a big plus for me. It's a great unit at a great price.

Meguiars Dual Action Polisher G110, meguiars g110 polisher, meguiars polisher,

The Megs G110v2 is a very good machine and is better then the PC but the Groit (GG) has more power and a lifetime warranty. Neither has forced rotation. The reason you need more power with the non-forced rotation machines is because when the pad get saturated with product and you appling pressure the pad will slow down and can come to a stop.

Besides having more power, being smoother, quieter, what also makes the Flex better is the way the controls are designed and layed out. The trigger is variable speed so you don't have the pad flying into full speed when you start the machine. Also the 6 speed dial is located where you do not have to stop the machine and lift it off your work while you are changing the speed.

The Flex is just as safe as the other DA machines even with forced rotation. The forced rotation is at half the speed as the orbital speed. If you have the money you will LOVE the Flex!

Stay away from any type of drill attachment, you can get in trouble very easily. If you want a smaller pad to get in the tight spots 3M makes an adaptor and you can use their 4" Edge pads (For the Flex). I have never needed a smaller pad, I just hand buff the little areas that the bigger pad can't get.

Koz

 

[Koz]

I hand buff my rides. So elbow buffer here.

I don't have a back that could deal with a week of hard work required to polish a truck. God bless you!

Koz

 

[Jed]

The Megs G110v2 is a very good machine and is better then the PC but the Groit (GG) has more power and a lifetime warranty. Neither has forced rotation. The reason you need more power with the non-forced rotation machines is because when the pad get saturated with product and you appling pressure the pad will slow down and can come to a stop.



Koz

You have to read up on the G110....it actually has a new feature where it will maintain speed as the load increases. I've used it and it works very well. I'm not sure about the forced rotation thing you're talking about, but I tried my best to stop my machine with a loaded up pad and it just kept going. Actually, it barely even slowed down until I pressed much harder than I would when buffing a car. So it seems pretty good to me.