I hope everything is ok with the DetailingDude...

[Ken]

He hasn't been around since June 1.

However, maybe someone else here has an answer for me. I just got a new Meguiar's catalog in the mail and noticed that they have both a "polisher" and a "buffer" listed. They were both included in the polishing section of the catalog.

My question is: What is the difference between the two? Do they not both perform the same function, that is, removing polishes and waxes, and polishing/buffing the surface paint?

I sent Meguiar's the same question, but wanted to see what y'all here would say as well.

What's the difference between polishers and buffers? :confused

 

[Piet]

One polishes???? the other... er... buffs???

I too await an answer

 

[Willis76]

i believe it's all polish must polish in the buff .. or is it they must buff their muff with polish?:crazy

 

[KANE]

Sounds like the issue is really how much buff could a buffer buff, if a buffer could buffer buff....

I think a buffer is not orbital and cuts deeper, where as a polisher needs to be so it generates a better finish.

 

[JonM]

Ken...

I believe a Polisher just spins and a Buffer is Orbital.

I know DD is alive...I have seen him post on other sites.

 

[Piet]

If that is the case... sounds like a buffer is nicer...

 

[kingman]

Lost in Action!!

HI

If l remember correctly he said that he had a busy summer between the shows and setting up his new site.

He will be back!

Alan

 

[paintdaddy]

I believe a Polisher just spins and a Buffer is Orbital

Yep,not for sure but I think thats backwards,the buffer spins,its made bring a shine up on oxidized paints or new paint that is being sanded and buffed.The polisher is basically to remove wax and it moves orbital kinda like a da sander.

 

[Ken]

Ain't it just like a business to ignore you? I still haven't heard anything from Meguiar's in response to my query. :confused

_ken

 

[Ken]

Must be someone here from Meguiar's, because I just received an answer (sort of) to the question that I sent the other day. I contacted Meguiar's through their web site so I don't have a copy of what I initially sent, but I did ask about the differences between buffers and polishers. What follows is the response I received:

Dear KJ,

Thank you for the inquiry. There are a few differences between the two. The cordless buffer operates at a set speed and does not have a detachable backing plate. It comes with a 3 year warranty. The Porter Cable Polisher is variable speed, has a Velcro detachable pad system, and comes with a lifetime warranty. Both are great machines. The warranty and the features should determine which one to choose. Hope this helps.

Jose Torres

Now, that explains the difference between the two featured in their catalog, but it does not exactly answer the question as to whether or not there is a difference in the function of each. That is, he doesn't say whether the polisher should be used for polishing and the buffer for buffing, or whether it even matters. I tend to agree with paintdaddy (with a name like that who could argue?) in that there is a difference in the results, between orbital and circular machines.

But then, the material used in the application/removal process is a key factor as well.

_ken

 

[DetailingDude]

Thanks for the concern!

I will be at Carlisle in some capacity and would love to meet and greet all of you!

Here are a few updates on me. I shot the video for the Florida Corvette Caravan and am in production of that video. I have close to 15 hours of footage to go over for that.

As for my DetailingBible.com website.... It's getting close. My web guy will be putting stuff up for that sometime in the next week.

I'll be checking here more often once I clear my plate of these issues. You can always page me at DetailingDude@DetailingBible.com