Power Buffer

Harbor Freight has worked fine for me. I did not use the pads that came in the box with the buffer. With the money saved, buy better pads.
 
A little advice. What ever you buy if it is not variable speed check what the RPM of the unit is. Slower is better. I have a nice Milwaukee that is 2600 rpm's. This is too fast, have to be very careful not to burn through the finish. I never use it.
 
This is great infor. I am also need ing to buy a polisher this spring. Still not sure which way to go. Any comments on the choice of pads.
 
I have a Makita. It has been great. If I had it to do over I would buy one on sale from Harbour Freight. Internally they are about the same, or at least were a couple of years ago when someone here or on another forum bought one and took it apart to see for himself.

I get my pads from BoatFix. Bought a spur from BoatFix too. I use the 3M compound on extremely ozidized surfaces. Otherwise I use Turbo Cut and Finish Cut made by Wizards Products. This stuff is amazing.

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11044%20Turbo%20Cut.jpg
 
Bought mine (x2) from Harbor Freight for $40. At that price I bought 2 just incase. Afer 4 years, 2nd one is still in the box and first one is still going strong...
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmeirhofer

You can buy just the Fien polisher for just under $500 but at more than twice the price of the Makita kit, why?

I will ask that same thing as I did about the Flex. What does it do that the Makita doesn't to warrant the extra cost?

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If you are talking about the Makita 9227 vs. the flex you are talking 2 different animals.

Circular/Rotary vs. Dual action orbital.

I use both types.

At times I can use the Flex with one hand and always need 2 hands for the rotary.

When I am polishing the flybridge hanging on for dear life I like to use the Flex.

Doing the decks or hull I like the rotary or the Flex.

Putting on polish like Rejex is simple with the Flex than it is with the rotary IMHO.

I also use the Flex on my cars as it is easier on the paint than a rotary.
 
I have a PC 7424 that I've had for several years. It has always served me well.
I moved up to a Flex 3401 a couple of years ago and it is a better RO than the PC 7424. Well worth the money if you can go for it. I still keep the PC 7424 and use it for some things, but the Flex is my "Go To" RO now.
RO's are good machines for mild paint correction on cars. It's almost impossible to harm the finish with one. I've used them on my boat, and wasn't really happy with the results. If your Gel Coat is in great condition and you just want to use an all in one product then you might be able to get away with an RO fr the boat, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
For the boat I use my Makita 9227. It's a great little machine. Certainly more money than the HF's I've seen advertised. But detailing is kind of a hobby of mine so I didn't mind spending the extra money.
IMHO: If you have nothing at all to use on the boat and money isn't that much of a factor then get the Makita. If money is a factor, then look at the HF model. I have no experience with it, but several people here have posted in the past that they were happy with it.
Caution: If you are inexperienced then DO NOT go near your car with a rotary. RO's are much better choices for a novice to use on a car. It's ok to start with a rotary on a boat because it's harder to screw it up. Just google for some how-to videos, and you'll be fine.
 
Jacko

In order to determine the benfits of a particular type of buffer you would need to wax your boat!
 
How is the Flex XC3401 different from the Porter Cable 7424? Aren't they both random orbital machines?

Greg
 
quote:
Originally posted by MIke F

The Harbor Freight rotary polisher works well--Mine is over 7 years old and still performs great! As for buffing compound, I use Buff Magic--vessel is 1986 vintage and shines like new.

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Mike, you have a Tolly. Those gel coats buff out wonderfully, one of the advantages of the brand!
 
quote:
Originally posted by GripB

How is the Flex XC3401 different from the Porter Cable 7424? Aren't they both random orbital machines?

Greg

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yes they are both orbital, but the Flex has much more power, better ergonomics IMHO and doesn't get bogged down like the PC.

It doesn't have the weighted system like the PC, so when you take the Flex off the surface it doesn't freak out and get all wobbly like the PC does. The PC needs to be pressed against the surface at all times. the Flex doesn't. The Flex reminds me of a rotary with all the power to correct flaws, but doesn't burn like a rotary can.

I use Buff Magic with the Flex and it does a great job, just like a rotary but lighter and can be used with one hand at times.
 
quote:
Originally posted by TurboWarp

Jacko

In order to determine the benfits of a particular type of buffer you would need to wax your boat!

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Turbo, thanks for your input! Oh and your ladder. I used it when I wrapped my boat a few weeks ago.

I could be in a new boat this year. You know how I like my boat to shine like new.

:)
 
Can anyone offer feedback on the Shurhold model, the dual action polisher for $149.00? I'm impressed with their Yacht Brite products, wondering if polisher is a good investment.

Thanks
 
I'd like to hear feedback on the Shurhold, too. I just purchased the starter kit for roughly $145 from Boatfix (it's about $170 on their site) and extra pads for about 1/2 price. Oh, and it showed up in two days[:-thumbu] It looks like a decent little unit that comes with the carry bag, etc., so we'll see.
Now if only it wasn't still the middle of winter!!
 
Stopped by HF on the way home from work this evening. Got the orbital buffer for $29 with a coupon. Now I need to learn how to use it!
 
What's more important than the actual machine is the quality of the pads your using.

Buy quality pads and a pad spur to de-gunk them from Les, great prices and good selection.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jacko

What are you guys using for polishing / Compounding?
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A Mexican!

No, seriously, you would think a retired guy would have enough time on his hands to wax his boat. I did get one side done a few months ago but I've never gotten the whole thing done by myself.

I have a Harbor freight polisher but I would like to hear about the Shurehold.

One though on the cheap polisher compared to the expensive ones - if you drop it in the water, the cheap one was probably a better investment. If your boat is on land, the expensive one may be a better investment.
 
All my polishing/compounding pads are 3M "hookit" brand with each pad being designed for the specific task.
I also use 3M products exclusive with these pads. One pointer I can give anyone with a "dark" colored paint on there car with those irritating swirl marks would be to use 3M glazing compound, the hand applied type in this case, as it fills those microscopic swirls in to give a true deep mirror finish.
I switched all my power tools over to DeWalt years back and have been using their variable power buffer without a problem.
 
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