Polishers

F

foggysail

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15080
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WOW, what a way to back into a question but here goes.

Four years ago there were various posts here in the Detailing & Fabrication Forum that discussed buffers. One buffer back then that was highly recommended was the Makita PV7001C 7" Vertical Polisher. The recommendations were so high that I purchased one. A major factor for selecting this buffer was that it weighs only 4.4#. It did the job well for me.

Well, anyway some poor soul needed it more than me,or being less polite, some S_O_B made off with it so now I need a replacement.

Has a buffer superior to the Makita been introduced over the last few years? As I mentioned above, a driving factor in my selecting the Makita was its weight. What I don't want to do is build biceps lifting a buffer up and down all day when spring polishing comes about.

I know there are buffer/polishers/sanders/grinders but I need someting less than 5# that can rotate over 1500 RPM and also not break my fragile budget.

Thanks--

Foggy
 
I've had the Harbor Freight polisher for 3 yrs now and very pleased. Lightweight and does the trick-if you make a living detailing boats, probably not good for that heavy use. Also, if you: drop it, wear it out, get the cord caught up in the wheel, watch it dive into the water, or discover it has legs and walks off on its own (or with a little help), you're only out $30. You can buy a helluva lot of Harbor Freigt polishers for the price of a Makita or Porter Cable-just my opinion.
 
Hard to beat the Harbor Freight units on price. And they do the job.
 
Does Harbor Freight sell the correct pads to use with Buff Magic or Ease or whatever it is called ?
 
Harbor Freight! I am going to check that out. Thanks folks--

Foggy
 
Just got the HF polisher but now what type of bonnet or applicator is recommended? It came with a few things I think.
 
Wool for compounding and foam for polishing out before coating with a sealant/wax of your choice. The sealant should be applied and buffed out/off by hand or a very slow orbital machine.
 
I too have had the HF polisher for a few years and it does a fine job and the price was right.

HOWEVER, their pads are awful. I got my wool pads from the local hardware store, they fit the HF disk. Boat Fix sells them too. I have been wanting to get some of the hook and loop pads to use instead of my tie on type.
 
Yes, the HF pads are throw aways-but what do you expect for $30?? Hook and loop pads are the best, get 2 each of white and yellow pads so you can swap out. Boatfix sells em.
 
Get Schlegel #1 buff pads at napa stores, or BOATFIX, if they carry them. Mine are in shipment at the moment so I'm guessing at this, but I think the p/n is 9c..white wool, thick, velcro stick, just about the best there is for the price. (I've used them on $3 mil. yachts.)
Buzz
 
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