Buffer and pads

Beaudryvt · **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.

alex8q4 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2015 7:52 am

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.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:42 am

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.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:52 am

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.

Vintage Beauty · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2015 2:36 pm

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.

alex8q4 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2015 5:57 pm

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.

Beaudryvt · **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.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 787

Porta Cable (with lake country pads) works for both my car and boat for me...

weather · **Posted:** Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:36 am

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

john55c · **Posted:** Fri Mar 06, 2015 9:35 pm

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:

www.iFourWinns.com

Buffer and pads

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