Compounding machine, which one?

O

Ocean Spray

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Hey all, I am looking for a good compounding machine to do the boat with. Does anyone have any recomondations for a good machine?

Also looking for a good place to buy the pads and supplies.

Thanks.
 
I have used alot of brands and found the Milwaukee variable speed to be the best,as for good pads get 3M foam pads,i believe you can order them right here at boatfix,look at the top of this page.Then ,if you have never buffed out a boat hull before,look under DETAIL & POLISHING subject for proper buffing instructions.Steve.
 
How many times have we been down this road?! I find it interesting to see what is recommended each time we broach this subject. I have never owned a Milwaukee tool so I cannot comment on it, but I do know they have received good reviews across their product line. I am very familiar with the Makita 9227 and would recommend it in a heart beat. The Porter-Cable 7424 is a good machine but is not for compounding. The dream machine for me is the Cyclo Polisher, but it is very expensive ($300+). Since my tools make me money I have a different take on spending for tools. On the other hand if you are looking for a tool to give you excellent results regardless of the job you throw it on, this is the machine to buy. If you go to proper auto care or proper boat care you will find all the pads you will ever need.
 
I own a Makita that I have very nearly worn out (and would buy again). Interesting enough, I bought the 7" Harbor freight model on sale for $24 bucks a couple weeks back. I then tested an area with the makita and then with the HF. The HF is no Makita, but you know what, it did the job. It does not pull quite as nicely when the pad starts to load up, but that can be taken care of with spurring at slightly more frequent intervals.

Even bigger surprise. I tried out the $6 wool pad from HF too and I'll be darned it the darn thing nearly kept pace with its 3m brother. Sure it shed a bit more at the start, but when its 30 bucks less, I can put up with that.

If you don't own a nice 7" buffer and not sure, I have to laugh a bit and say that I really can't find a reason to not recommend starting with the HF cheapo's. By golly, I think they actually might do the job. By all means, DO get the Makita nice unit if you want to spend the money, you WILL like them better, but the HF will do.

bp
 
Thanks for the reply's. I will check out the Makita since I am familiar with there quality.
 
"Mannmade" Why do you say the poter Cable 7424 is not for compounding? Just curious...Picked one up over the winter and your the first to say anything about it.

Mike
 
The Porter Cable is a orbital or random orbit polisher, the typical Makita is a rotary polisher.

You really need the rotary style to do compounding. Orbitals are great for final polishing and applying wax.

The Milwaukee is a solid machine but heavier than the Makita which makes a difference at the end of the day when you have to pop 2 or 3 Advils........

I have a Makita rotary that is approaching 20 years old. Still going.........
 
I'm using a 30 year old Black and Decker variable speed rotary. I use wool pads, one for Finesse it and a clean wool pad for rubbing out the wax. This machine was expensive when I bought it years ago, around $200 plus as I recall. It shows no signs of slowing down, and I'll be giving it a good work out in 3 weeks. BTW, it looks very similar to the Makita. I also own some old Milwaukee tools and they are very good as well.
 
They don't make those Black and Decker tools like that anymore.

It's really a marketing name and all the crap comes from China, pretty cheap quality.

Those old B & D tools were pretty damn good.
 
Wound up buying the Makita, Worked great! What a good machine, quiet, runs smooth, and did a great job too! I would highly recomend it.
 
Oceanspray, were you able to handle the Makita up on the front of your flybridge without much trouble?
 
No problem, I stood on the rails (tippie toe) and was just able to reach the whole bridge. It was actually harder putting a coat of polish on after. The hardest part was being able to see what you are doing because of the sunlight. I did notice the next day that I missed a few small spots on the sides that are still a little funky looking, but I am glad that I missed them because I am going on an all Meridian getaway tomorrow and I would like to show the people from Meridian how fast there gel coats fade.

All in all it was worth buying the machine and doing it myself, at least I know it was done!
 
ocean -- it sounds just like the way i had to do the forward part of my flybridge with my dewalt. just on the tips of my toes. looks good...probably one of the more rewarding do it yourself jobs.
 
Not sure this warrants a separate thread, but I have just found the perfect compliment to a good machine is a Giant Little ladder and the expanding plank available. Being able to knock out 10' - 12' of the hull at a time rather than the up & down of moving a ladder is priceless. The hardest part is getting the distance away from the hull just right, otherwise with the curve of the bow the machine winds up in your face! Next time you see one on sale grab it, it is an investment in your health! The admiral will always go for that one [:-baseball]
 
manmade the problem that ocean and i have is our boats are in the water all year..with the only exception of the semi annual bottom job. i do agree the lil giant ladder would be nice however most of the time i am anchored out with my dinghy tied next to my boat rather then on the hard when i do my waxing.

actually i find it easier to be able to walk around in my dinghy as i wax the rub rail down i can cover 8' at a time and i have a nice platfor to stand on.
 
Just received the new Flex XC3401VRG Dual-Action Polisher from properautocare.com. Best combination machine I've seen. Highly recommended.
 
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