orbital polisher recommendation

[jdanehy1]

I have found 3 potential polishers : Porter Cable, Makita & Milwaukee Tools.Cost is not one of the considerations. I see that the Porter's rpm range is 2.5K to 6K while the other two allow you to go from ZERO to about 3K. My main criterion is ease of use and results. Any input would be very helpful.

 

[warren s]

They are all good brands. The result is derived by the expertise of the user more than the polisher itself.

6000RPM seems kind of high for polishing.

 

[Gonzo]

I would be very careful using an orbital polisher. I have one but dont't use it on the Vette ever.

To be fair I do use it on my wifes station Wagon and my truck, but both are light colors not prone to swirl marks. If you Vette is a dark color you could very easily end up with swirl marks if you are not experienced with it.

The Vette is so small I only hand wax and remove using microfiber towels (they have a really great deal on them at Costco right now). NO swirls. I have found the clearcoat on the Vette to be very soft, if that is possible.

I am in the process of building up my clear coat with a combo of alternating Liquid glass and Zaino. When I am staisfied I will the cover it it with pinnicle souverion wax. It may sound like madness I know, but I want a real high polish finish, and I have my own theorys on how to do it.

I am by no means an expert, but hand removing the wax takes about the same time as using the polisher on a Vette. IMHO

 

[Gonzo]

I just looked and I think you have a 2004 CE, Lemans Blue???
THat is what I have as well, do yourself a favor do it by hand.

Mine hand fine swirls already when I got it home, I've almost got it to where I want it now. I found the clearcoat to be easily scrathed. Again I am very particular about waxing the Vette and things I notice might not bother you

 

[jdanehy1]

Gonzo : thanks for your input. I did find some swirls too. My car is just over 2 months old (1/21/04). I use Zanio. I guess I have about 4 applications now. Most swirls are gone now. I just bought a Porter Cable polisher. It should be here later this week. It does not rotate . . . it oscillates back and forth. Not sure if that makes a difference. I guess it would be prudent to experiment with a small area (down low) and see. I am new to detailing and Vette ownership. Your comments greatly appreciated.

 

[Paul T]

I have found 3 potential polishers : Porter Cable, Makita & Milwaukee Tools.Cost is not one of the considerations. I see that the Porter's rpm range is 2.5K to 6K while the other two allow you to go from ZERO to about 3K. My main criterion is ease of use and results. Any input would be very helpful.

Jim, I attended a Meguiars detailing presentation this weekend and they demonstrated all their products using a Porter Cable buffer. Since they also sell that unit, this came at no suprise. It was used on C4s, C5s, and Corvettes with custom paint and it was able to remove minor scratches, swirl marks, scuffs, etc., all without leaving any swirl marks. Being ever the skeptic, we made them move the cars out to natural light as well as the inside neon lighting. No trace of any buffer damage whatsoever. I have hand polished, glazed, and waxed my cars for more years than I care to admit to and never considered using a buffer. After seeing this unit in action, I am ordering one tomorrow. Visit the website www.properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html for the best price I have found to date. I don't know how long their sale will last, so look it over.
Paul

 

[Guy]

I had a very nice gentleman with Meguiars R&D go over my black 82 with the Porter Cable a couple of years ago. He made that original paint look like new and I've been using the Porter Cable since. Here is a link to a picture about 2 months after:

http://webpages.charter.net/ggwright/Carlisle2.jpg


Guy

 

[plumcrazy]

the gf got me a cordless da one from meguiars for my bd and i love it
its not the bet thing in the world but i am new to buffing and didnt
to go big bucks to start.it does a wonderful on the vette the
color is blkrose and had no sign of swirls and shines like never before.

come w/2 batteries 1.5 hrs each charger pad and case $90.00 i think

 

[Paul T]

Oooops. Just found a better deal on the Porter Cable unit. Go to www.coastaltool.com and look over their package. Only $119.95 and includes backing pad, foam pad, 6" weight, etc. There are probably better deals around but this is starting to get real affordable.

 

[Guy]

I bought mine here for $114:
http://www.toolsforless.com/cgi-bin/ToolList.pl?SoftCartCategory=PolishersSanders+page=3


Guy

 

[vettatude]

Here is one for $109.95

http://www.northwestpowertools.com/polish/7424.htm

 

[dubya]

Are you gonna polish your 04?


Good god I hope not.

I have the makita and been using 3m products for years...But not on my Vette.

Good luck.

 

[Tanzanite3]

None!!!

I see from your post that you are already a Zainofile!! Good for you!!
Please read all the instructions at www.zainobros.com to understand how simple it is to use. No polisher required..... save your money and purchase some more Zaino instead! And don't forget those 100% cotton Made in USA large towels.. You are well on the road to one of the best shines there is!!
JM(and thousands others too!)HO!
Glenn

 

[dubya]

I see from your post that you are already a Zainofile!! Good for you!!
Please read all the instructions at www.zainobros.com to understand how simple it is to use. No polisher required..... save your money and purchase some more Zaino instead! And don't forget those 100% cotton Made in USA large towels.. You are well on the road to one of the best shines there is!!
JM(and thousands others too!)HO!
Glenn

I couldn't agree more!

 

[Big Tex]

Shoulda had him do the S/G, too! Now I gotta do it...

 

[Guy]

Shoulda had him do the S/G, too! Now I gotta do it...

I only use the PC once a year to polish the car, the rest of the time I wax by hand. The s/g doesn't need it again yet, but if it makes you happy......


Guy