Recommend me an orbital buffer

I've only used once, but the CRX is gonna need it. I'm pretty sure I'd prefer one with a paddle trigger but aside from that, what do I need to look for? What size pad is best? I'm thinking smaller is probably more useful.

Whichever you get, might I suggest getting some Meguire's Ultimate Compound? I've found it has less bite than some of the 'pro' offerings, and will let a DIYer without as much experience slowly but surely get pro results...

edit: I didn't make a suggestion because I just bought a cheap orbital at one of the car stores, came with pads and covers to run various compounds and it works well.

Autopia would give you more insight

i bought the porter cable with 6" pads and it works very well. Variable speed, it is very user friendly. I have never had any problems with burning the finish. It is powerful enough to get the job done though.

hope this helps,

Chris

Thanks. That seems to be the unit of choice. Now I just need to figure out which "bonus pack" of pads and product I want.

Dual action orbital - porter cable or the meguiar's. You can get either at autogeek.com. if you use lake country pads, get the ones with the dimples if you get meg's ultimate compound (new formulation is non-diminishing particles) or meg's D151. Lake Country color pads go like: Orange is aggressive, then green, then white (mild). start with the white pad and compound on a small section to see if it did the trick.

a youtube link to Mike Phillips 3 part intro to the da orbital. THere's a lot of overview. he use to have a great dvd that showed the technique by hand and machine. looks like it's out of print.

The oxidation is really heavy, but a thirty second test with compound on an A-pillar indicates that it can be saved.

I an HF variable speed - it's a 7". So far so good - it's paid for itself a few times over.

I just found out that a friend of mine has a Porter Cable that I can use. I just need to order some pads for it.

that HF is a rotary. probably should stick to a random orbit or "DA" if you are not experienced with a rotary. HF now has a a DA that they just came out with. Its been getting good reviews on the various detailing forums. http://www.harborfreight.com/6-variable-speed-dual-action-polisher-69924.html for $48 after 20% coupon its hard to go wrong.

I have the Porter-Cable 6" that I modded to accept 8" Lake Country pads. Used it on the Javelin's oxidation.

I prefer this style as it places the majority of the weight over the pad.

I find I have less fatigue and its easier to work into corners.

T

I'm in love with my porter cable 7424...it's great.

ultimate compound with an aggressive (probably orange) pad should easily take care of that oxidation. Then follow up with a less aggressive pad and compound. then a light cut pad with glaze/polish. then finally, wax. Always test with the least aggressive pad on a small section first. then work your way up, if not getting the results you want.

Is there a clear coat? If not, colormagic from meguiar's might be a better choice. but I don't know which pad would work. Meg's makes their own pads as well. Check their online forum at http://www.meguiarsonline.com

Rotary with a wool pad is great for really bad oxidation, if you have the experience. You can always practice on a junkyard panel.

please document your detail, use autopia as a guide

RoadWarrior wrote: I'm in love with my porter cable 7424...it's great.

mine too

M2Pilot wrote:

RoadWarrior wrote: I'm in love with my porter cable 7424...it's great.

mine too

Thirded, that is the PC I have as well.

Foam pad and a rotary works better. Foam pad gives you a near zero chance of burn through

Autogeek.com porter cable for the beginner