Waxing Using A Wheel

T

t2626mb

Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
RO Number
15968
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42
Any advise on a good method for attaching wax bonnets to my power wheel that will not result in the bonnet flying off? I have been using the elastic bad type.

Thanks
 
what kind of wheel do you have the light weight units don't spin fast enough the spin them off and the heavy duty units use velcro which holds well.
 
Get the right tool and the right bonnets and you won't have a lick of trouble.

Makita 9227c (rotary)

or

Porter Cable 7424 (orbital)

are my choices.
 
Just got my Makita and I'm wondering what is a good speed to use? Is slower better when using buff magic?
 
rommer, 1500 rpm is ideal when using Buff Magic. I've done a ton of reading on this over the past month or so because I'm going to give the Buff Magic/Pro Polish combo a whirl this spring. What kind of pads are you planning to use?? I haven't decided yet...
 
Rommer

Believe that Yacht Brite recommends a speed of about 1200 RPM for Buff Magic. Once you start to use it, you'll develop a feel of where you need to be pretty quickly.

Bob
 
Bob, The instructions on the side of the Buff Magic can actually call for 1800-2500rpm. However, based on all the info I've read on forums, including this one, 1500+- seems to be the ticket. I agree that you may have to adjust that a little once you get going.
 
Speed really depends on your technique and the pad you're using.

You have to get a feel for it, you'll know the correct speed.

Number one rule, do not hold the buffer in one place too long, number two rule, do not push down too hard, creating too much friction.

Get a cheapo chip brush that just fits inside the opening of the can. Also duct tape the can to the side of your ladder at the appropriate height you will most likely be standing (applies to hull buffing, not topside) You never have to handle the can or worry about it falling off the ladder, one less thing! Best method I've found so far.
 
The next investment you guys need to make is to get a Little Giant Ladder, the 17' is better than the 13' (don't ask me how I know!) and either a 13' plank or I think the next size is a 16'. The plank takes the up an down out of waxing your hull and makes a whole day job more like 3-4 hours. It IS the best thing since sliced bread.
 
I've looked at those before and have been tempted to purchase one. How do you utilize the plank? Do you have 2 ladders with the plank creating a scaffolding setup?
 
The Little Giant comes apart and makes the two ladders you need and the plank goes between them. It allows you to cover about 12 feet of hull length just walking along, then you move one ladder and cover another 12 feet. Turns the labor into a cake walk! And with the bigger one you can get the pulpit and edges of the forward deck without a problem.
 
Newbie here......what's the difference between using either a yellow wool,white wool or foam bonnet when using Buff Magic? How much Buff Magic and Pro Polish would you buy for a 40' Regal boat? Any particular concerns with a blue hull? Thanks for the advice!
 
mannmade - does the 17 foot little giant ladder give you enough height to avoid raising your arms overhead when working on a 40" express cruiser. The ladder looks awesome in terms of small enough for transport but I'm worried that when we break it into two for scaffolding that we will still be painfully reaching overhead. This is the one we are looking at : 24-in-1 MultiFunction 17'Ladder w/ Leg Leveler by Little Giant QVC has it for a really low price of $198. Is that the one you have?
 
I have to agree the little giant ladder is great I have two for work they get used every day and they are both 20+ years old I'm going to buy another soon. What I need is a plank.
 
The 17' ladder will get you in great position to work on the hull and foredeck. I have the 13' and it is fine up to about 38'ers, anything larger and I'm reaching up. A 17' for $198.00 on QVC is definitely a buy, how much are they quoting for shipping since they come out of Utah?
 
Thanks for the heads up about QVC. A 17' little giant and 13' plank comes to $432 shipped UPS ground to NH.
 
I've tried waxing using a wheel thinking it would be easier and found that I didn't get the shine I had gotten when applying by hand. I think that the wax doesn't adhere when using a wheel as it takes the wax off right away as well. Using a wheel to remove would be okay, I think.
 
Kenny, what you are saying doesn't make sense. All I can think is you were using the wrong pad for the job you wanted it to do. You cannot use a wool compounding pad to get a high gloss shine. By the same token a red polishing pad is not going to get rid of deep oxidation. Try going back to square one and match up your pad with your products. With all your posts about working at a marine dealership seems like you would have gotten the results you were looking for, or at least something close. Generally you are going to get a significantly better job by machine than by hand. Don't throw in the towel, give it another shot.
 
Kenny
Not sure if this helps you or not...
Last year I used a foam pad with Buff Magic, then followed with foam application of ProPolish. Both using a Milwaukee rotary buffer. I did not like the results. This year I am using a wool polish pad with BM, and then foam pad for the PP, and so far liking it.

1st lesson for me... Since my boat is older, I found wool helps at getting the oxidation off first (but don't apply pressure, just work it until you're happy with the depth), and foam does a nice job with the polishing (step 2).

The second learning experience for me is having extra clean pads to stay ahead of the buildup aquired with BM. Despite spurring the pad, I reach a point where the pad seems less effective (shine tends to haze, or cloud) at giving me the look I want unless I change it.

I would imagine everyone has to learn what works for their situation. I would try again. refining some part of your process this year. Rotary can be work too, but by hand sounds pretty painful. I'll look you up again this summer before heading over to the Point - we can swap stories over a cold beverage.
Don
 
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