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 Post subject: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 6:29 am 
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Minnow

Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 5:47 am
Posts: 18
I am looking to buy a 7" buffer this year to keep up my boat and to revive a classic car. I looked at a Portacable at Lowe's the other day and didn't like it. Are any of the ones off Amazon or elsewhere worth buying? Do the ones with the Velcro pad attachments work or should I go with the bonnets that tie?

Also are there any recommendations on cleaners are waxes? Once the temps rise and and I can work outside I hope to start getting my boat ready for summer.


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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 7:52 am 
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Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:12 am
Posts: 632
Location: Ontario
I have a Makita 7" variable speed polisher. It is what most detailers and body men use.

I use Meguire's wax, polishes, and compounds.

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:42 am 
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Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:21 am
Posts: 5667
Location: Austin, TX
Gelcoat? Rotary buffer is the only tool for the job. A DA or Orbital won't touch faded gelcoat.
Paint? Dual action or Orbital buffer ONLY unless you're a professional body man. You can ruin a paint job in a second with a rotary buffer if you're not skilled.

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Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread


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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:52 am 
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Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:28 am
Posts: 1839
Location: South Carolina, USA
i have been detailing boats for around 10 years now on the side.. and proper pad and compound/wax/polish is key. also pressure applied to the surface and rpm of the pad itself.. it is not a poof any jo blow can do it. not it is not rocket science. BUT you can bur up the jelcot and burn thru color with the quickness if you are not careful... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching as may YOUTUBE videos that are specific to gelcoat first. It would take me too long to explain it all. i have outlined in detail somewhere on here as to the steps i took to restore my hull.. I will try and find that post.

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 2:36 pm 
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Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 1:29 pm
Posts: 158
Location: West Michigan
Oxidation is relative... I revived my hull with this: http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tool ... 69924.html
Just don't use Harbor Freight pads. I've been using chemical guys pads most recently and I'm pretty happy with those. The unit is not perfect, but it's been performing for a couple years now and still no major issues.
The gelcoat was in good shape, but pretty faded. I did have to make a couple passes with compound the first time I touched it.

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 5:57 pm 
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Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:12 am
Posts: 632
Location: Ontario
If I didn't already have my Makita I would purchase the Shurhold DA polisher and pads, and I still might.

I have used the Shurhold Buff Magic compound and liked it, but it's a pain in the ass to get here in Canada.

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 6:16 am 
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Minnow

Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 5:47 am
Posts: 18
Thanks for the information. I think they sell the Shurholds locally at Autozone. I have also been looking at the WENs. I have seen them advertised at Sears.


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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:52 am 
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Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm
Posts: 792
Porta Cable (with lake country pads) works for both my car and boat for me...

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:36 am 
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Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:15 am
Posts: 456
Location: Lake Ontario
Read this post - I've followed this and it brought the shine back perfectly - and lasted for years, with just a re-wax each spring. Good info on machines, pads and product.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/52772-tips-compound-polish-wax.html

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 Post subject: Re: Buffer and pads
PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 9:35 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:59 pm
Posts: 341
Location: Cape Cod, MA
Jdpber wrote:
i have been detailing boats for around 10 years now on the side.. and proper pad and compound/wax/polish is key. also pressure applied to the surface and rpm of the pad itself.. it is not a poof any jo blow can do it. not it is not rocket science. BUT you can bur up the jelcot and burn thru color with the quickness if you are not careful... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching as may YOUTUBE videos that are specific to gelcoat first. It would take me too long to explain it all. i have outlined in detail somewhere on here as to the steps i took to restore my hull.. I will try and find that post.

Quit drinking before posting! Too much Daddy juice? :lol: :lol:

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