Buffer for Waxing & Polishing

[Mike the Strike]

My old orbital buffer died, so I am throwing the question to US RAS members to suggest a replacement. I know they run the whole gamut from $29 to $999 - looking for a recommendation for a reliable and cost-effective unit.

Mike

[Paul Cordell]

I get amazing results from the Porter - Cable Model 7424

I've owned the same one for almost 15 years and done many sailplanes, trailers and cars with it on a regular basis.

[6PK]

On Friday, February 15, 2013 8:57:02 PM UTC-8, Mike the Strike wrote:
> My old orbital buffer died, so I am throwing the question to US RAS members to suggest a replacement. I know they run the whole gamut from $29 to $999 - looking for a recommendation for a reliable and cost-effective unit.
>
>
>
> Mike

$29 or less; Harbor Freight verity 10" works just fine.
You actually "can" do harm with the real fancy ones.
6PK

[Tim Taylor]

I second Paul's recommendation on the Porter-Cable 6". Works well and is big enough for most projects but small enough to handle. Supported by the auto community so many choices on pads and bonnets.

[Boise Pilot]

On Saturday, February 16, 2013 8:27:36 AM UTC-7, Tim Taylor wrote:
> I second Paul's recommendation on the Porter-Cable 6". Works well and is big enough for most projects but small enough to handle. Supported by the auto community so many choices on pads and bonnets.

[Boise Pilot]

On Saturday, February 16, 2013 1:36:51 PM UTC-7, Boise Pilot wrote:
> On Saturday, February 16, 2013 8:27:36 AM UTC-7, Tim Taylor wrote:
>
> > I second Paul's recommendation on the Porter-Cable 6". Works well and is big enough for most projects but small enough to handle. Supported by the auto community so many choices on pads and bonnets.

[Andrzej Kobus]

On Feb 16, 10:27*am, Tim Taylor > wrote:
> I second Paul's recommendation on the Porter-Cable 6". *Works well and is big enough for most projects but small enough to handle. *Supported by the auto community so many choices on pads and bonnets.

Third. I am using it on my cars and motor home and my glider.

[Joyce Acheson]

http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page44.htm

Get the BEST.

[K]

On Saturday, February 16, 2013 7:09:04 PM UTC-7, Joyce Acheson wrote:
> http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page44.htm
> Get the BEST.
Joyce, Your kidding right? I think the last thing anyone needs is a dated overpriced machine with limited selection of heads and pads. Further, getting a 3000RPM single speed orbital with an oddly placed on/off switch anywhere near an expensive glider would not be my idea of fun (Might try it on a trailer though). I think before anyone goes recommending an orbital over a DA or PC or rotary it is important to determine what one is trying to accomplish. For a beginner and any type of job other than applying a quickie top coat of wax (Removing oxidation or a cut and buff) a DA is much easier to use than an orbital and there is less chance of harming expensive glider parts. The best and longest lasting results on a finish coat of wax/sealer will always come from a rotary. The trick is to watch the RPM (about 2K is ideal here) and if you find it intimidating practice on the trailer first. Paint manufacturers are an excellent source for care products advise.

[[email protected]]

On Sunday, February 17, 2013 8:33:19 AM UTC-6, K wrote:
> On Saturday, February 16, 2013 7:09:04 PM UTC-7, Joyce Acheson wrote:
>
> > http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page44.htm
>
> > Get the BEST.
>
> Joyce, Your kidding right? I think the last thing anyone needs is a dated overpriced machine with limited selection of heads and pads. Further, getting a 3000RPM single speed orbital with an oddly placed on/off switch anywhere near an expensive glider would not be my idea of fun (Might try it on a trailer though). I think before anyone goes recommending an orbital over a DA or PC or rotary it is important to determine what one is trying to accomplish. For a beginner and any type of job other than applying a quickie top coat of wax (Removing oxidation or a cut and buff) a DA is much easier to use than an orbital and there is less chance of harming expensive glider parts. The best and longest lasting results on a finish coat of wax/sealer will always come from a rotary. The trick is to watch the RPM (about 2K is ideal here) and if you find it intimidating practice on the trailer first. Paint manufacturers are an excellent source for care products advise.

<orbital over a DA or PC>
Now why would I use a DA (District Attorney, right?) to polish my glider? What about PC, what the hell is that? We don't do Political Correctness here on RAS!
My vote goes to the OP (Orbital Polisher) from HF (Harbor Fritenight). I hate acronyms.

[K]

On Sunday, February 17, 2013 8:18:09 AM UTC-7, wrote:
> On Sunday, February 17, 2013 8:33:19 AM UTC-6, K wrote:
>
> > On Saturday, February 16, 2013 7:09:04 PM UTC-7, Joyce Acheson wrote:
>
> >
>
> > > http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page44.htm
>
> >
>
> > > Get the BEST.
>
> >
>
> > Joyce, Your kidding right? I think the last thing anyone needs is a dated overpriced machine with limited selection of heads and pads. Further, getting a 3000RPM single speed orbital with an oddly placed on/off switch anywhere near an expensive glider would not be my idea of fun (Might try it on a trailer though). I think before anyone goes recommending an orbital over a DA or PC or rotary it is important to determine what one is trying to accomplish. For a beginner and any type of job other than applying a quickie top coat of wax (Removing oxidation or a cut and buff) a DA is much easier to use than an orbital and there is less chance of harming expensive glider parts. The best and longest lasting results on a finish coat of wax/sealer will always come from a rotary. The trick is to watch the RPM (about 2K is ideal here) and if you find it intimidating practice on the trailer first. Paint manufacturers are an excellent source for care products advise.
>
>
>
> <orbital over a DA or PC>
>
> Now why would I use a DA (District Attorney, right?) to polish my glider? What about PC, what the hell is that? We don't do Political Correctness here on RAS!
>
> My vote goes to the OP (Orbital Polisher) from HF (Harbor Fritenight). I hate acronyms.
I rather prefer acronyms. They lend an air of sophistication and sorta make it look like I know what Im talking about;). Trust me on this, the first time you use a Dual Action or a Rotary you will realize what a POS (POS) an orbital is. Better results in less time.

[Roy Clark, \B6\]

Nice discussion of this at the link below.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to-choose-polisher.html

"K" seems to agree with that information.

Acronyms can be fun; and can be confusing. There are so many in medicine.
If your physician says "SOB" about you, it's nothing about your birth -
means Short Of Breath.

Medical students, like other students get so caught up with acronyms, they
stretch their benefit to the edge of imagination and usefulness, sometimes
beyond the latter.

One of my physician friends gave this example:

For Sally Ted Finds Furry Spiders.

Used to help remember the names of the first six ribs – First, Second, Third,
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth!

Nice discussion of this at the link below.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to-choose-polisher.html

"K" seems to agree.

Acronyms can be fun; and can be confusing. There are so many in medicine.
If your physician says "SOB" about you, it's nothing about your birth -
means Short Of Breath.

Medical students, like other students get so caught up with acronyms, they
stretch their benefit to the edge of imagination and usefulness, sometimes
beyond the latter.

One of my physician friends gave this example:

For Sally Ted Finds Furry Spiders.

Used to help remember the names of the first six ribs – First, Second, Third,
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth!

Required disclaimer: I have no fiduciary relationship with the company on the website linked above, the products listed, or any of the r.a.s. respondents above. Have shared a meal and beverage with Paul, and would probably enjoy the same with the others - - if SSA decides to have a 2014 Convention.

Someplace in the warmer winter climate, I hope - - can’t forget Philly. Did make it one day late, with 4 flights canceled (one after full boarding complete) and with a cab driver who plowed through the two blocks of unplowed street to the HQ hotel.

[Papa3[_2_]]

On Friday, February 15, 2013 11:57:02 PM UTC-5, Mike the Strike wrote:
> My old orbital buffer died, so I am throwing the question to US RAS members to suggest a replacement. I know they run the whole gamut from $29 to $999 - looking for a recommendation for a reliable and cost-effective unit.
>
>
>
> Mike

A bunch of us in these parts (amateur glider refinishers getting some pretty outstanding results) are using a Dewalt variable speed polishers like the following:

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW849-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Right-Angle/dp/B00004RHIP

You can often find refurbished ones for significantly less on eBay (I've had a rebuilt one for 10 years with zero problems).

For pads and polishes, I've been using 3M marine products for years with the appropriate pads:

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-13602-16863.aspx
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-11314-13850.aspx
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/3m-finesse-it-ii-finishing-material-p-11292.aspx

[Paul Cordell]

Regardless of the Hardware you select, I can't say enough good stuff
about the surface preparation using

3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material. It's amazing!! and I buy it
by the Gallon.