Good polisher for compounding

I'm going to go against the crowd here, but I/ve used the Harbor Freight Polisher (chicago brand) for 3 years now (34' tollycraft) and have found it works great. The price is difficult to beat about $30. I'm sure it won't last as long as the other brands mentioned here but at the price, one can afford to simply replace it.
 
I am a big Buff Magic fan, if used correctly I haven't found a single thing that outshines it in one coat. I cover the Buff Magic with Klasse Sealant Glaze for a mirror finish!
 
I will join in on this one. I use the harbor freight polisher. I tried to use it will collenite cleaner then wax, but it did not work. This was stuff I have used on three previous boats with an orbital buffer. I talked to a guy working in the boat yard and he only uses buff magic, then four season wax. I tried it, and now I am sold on buff magic. There is a trick on how to apply to the boat before buffing. Use very little, and paint it on with a paint brush. Only do a 2' x 2' area at a time. My 97, Carver 355MY is a lot of boat to wax, and it looks great.
 
quote:
Originally posted by tim f

...Use very little, and paint it on with a paint brush.
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Interesting technique. Is it a liquid.

quote:
Only do a 2' x 2' area at a time. My 97, Carver 355MY is a lot of boat to wax, and it looks great.
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Does it last all season or do you have to repeat over the summer?

TIA
 
It's a thick liquid, but it's sold in paste-like can, so the brush technique is pretty clever. I usually end up dipping into it with my finger, which isn't what I'd recommend... :)

Note: Buff Magic is NOT a wax - it's a compound. Yacht Brite, the mfr of Buff Magic (now owned by Shurhold) makes a polymer sealant/polish ("wax") to be used as a follow-up to Buff Magic. It's ok, it didn't blow me away. I said before that I suspected that it was the automotive Nu-Finish in a different bottle for 3x the price.

G, re: the foam pad. I respect your opinion on the Meguiars SOLO. (we agree on everything else) Still, I prefer the feel and action of wool, so unless I can't find good wool pads at a decent price, I'll probably stay with them, as they give me the best result I could ask for. (with any luck, I'll come across a neighbor w/ the SOLO products that I can try)
 
Ordered the Makita with foam and wool pads. I plan to pick up some 3M Finese and Buff Magic today and try both for compounding. We are still fans of Collinite for the waxing so we will stick with that.
 
Greg, did you go with Mannmade's suggestion of SOLO pads? If not, the 3M pads are excellent for sopping up water in the bilge... :)
 
Greg,

Be very careful with the Finesse It. It will burn your gelcoat very quickly if you are not super careful.

I wouldn't ever bother with the Finesse It and just use buff magic. Get a cheap chip brush, and some duct tape. Duct tape the can of Buff Magic to your ladder and use the brush to apply to the hull. With Buff Magic, it is very difficult to get it to burn the gelcoat compared to the Finesse It.

You should really try the yacht Brite polish too. No yellowing and doesn't attract the dirt and grime like wax does. Works as advertised.

I briefly meet your parents at Liberty Landing the other day (Capital Hill II ???), helped them get the boat off the dock on a very windy day.

Jonathan
 
SLW, you are too funny! Have you tried putting a post on a sponge and buffing with that?! Depending on the density there are foam pads which wouldn't even work in the bilge....you got me in stitches!

Greg, you must have a ton of discretionary income if you are buying Finesse-It "and" Buff Magic! I would suggest you buy one and try it since you are getting a new machine also. You are not going to know which is getting the job done, the product or the new tool. But congratulations on buying the Makita....did you also get a backing plate? You'll need a hook & loop plate to attach your pads.

Greg, listen to Jonathan, he posted while I was typing. The Pro Polish is made to go over Buff Magic, one enhances the other. It was his remarks which had me try Buff Magic in the first place; I had to get a bigger piece of paper for my ROI! And use it sparingly, it goes a long ways. Use the foam brush to apply, when you say "Ahhhhh, that's good, chances are you have used too much!" Have at it :)
 
Thanks Johnathan, will do.

It's the Mrs's father and step-mom, awesome folks. They mentioned they had to move the boat for a boat show and it was very windy. He is working on his Captains license and is just about done I think. It stinks, they said they had to put the boat up by the end of this month. Oh well.

We helped him bring the boat up form DC to NYC earlier this year. great run, great marina too. How did you make the connection between them and us?
 
"ut congratulations on buying the Makita....did you also get a backing plate? You'll need a hook & loop plate to attach your pads.
"

Yes, it's a kit/package deal. Even get a nice and fancy carrying case that will end up in the attic.
 
quote:
Originally posted by MrsRobinson

Thanks Johnathan, will do.

It's the Mrs's father and step-mom, awesome folks. They mentioned they had to move the boat for a boat show and it was very windy. He is working on his Captains license and is just about done I think. It stinks, they said they had to put the boat up by the end of this month. Oh well.

We helped him bring the boat up form DC to NYC earlier this year. great run, great marina too. How did you make the connection between them and us?

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I remembered your post earlier in the year describing your trip up to Liberty and the problem you had.

Are they pulling or staying in for the winter?

Jonathan
 
I think they are staying in but honestly do not know. I know for Insurance reasons they cannot take the boat out on the water but I do not know if that applies to leaving her in the slip too.
 
I might be wintering on the same dock as them. I can keep an eye on it for them.

Jonathan
 
Bought and used the Makita this weekend. Also used Buff Magic and then Pro Polish. The polisher is awesome and I high recommend it. I set it on 1 and never had to go above that. The slow start feature is nice.

Buff Magic in my opinion is awesome too. It removed water stains the 3M compound could not remove. The Pro Polish was very easy to work with. I have no idea if it will last as long as Collinite but it looks awesome.
 
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