Buffer
- Thread starter TheGreenOne
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I would go with the 4 in. As long as you are using a powered setup, i.e. not doing it by hand, shouldn't take you more than an hour to do 2 or three coats and buffs. Your logic is sound on the large pad not getting into the smaller spaces and it's harder to avoid getting wax or polish on surfaces you want to avoid. Hope this helps.
OP
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#4
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Thread Starter
#4
Awesome, I was leaning towards a 6 inch and this helps. I'll be picking up a 6 inch electric random orbital buffer that has at least a 4k rpm speed, but preferably adjustable. I've watched a million videos on buffing a car and even if I fuck up a little, my car is bright green so it'll be pretty hard to notice. However, if I fuck up a lot, then I'll just light the bitch on fire and buy a new one. I'll also be getting a roll of type to tape off plastics and what not. After that, I plan on getting some satin black wheel paint, primer, and clear coat, and going to town on my wheels.
![[histerical]](/images/smilies/histerical.gif "Histerical [histerical]")
Try Harbor Freight, about $80.00
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html
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Not trying to dog you, but you do get what you pay for with polishers. If you are spending much less than a Porter Cable 7424XP costs, it is probably not really worth buying. The 7424XP, believe it or not, is considered a great, inexpensive entry-level DA buffer.
If you don't want to spend that, IMO just do it by hand because cheapo ones won't have the power to do much more than smear wax on and make you feel like a detailer while using it. You need some power to do paint correction. The fact that the Harbor Freight one is $80 should tell you something because Harbor Freight is generally "disposal tools" quality.
If you do want to reconsider, search around, I think that $175 7424XP was a package deal with extra pads and whatnot, I just did a quick Google shopping search and saw it for $120.
But really if your paint isn't too bad right now, I'd really suggest you do it by hand until you save up the difference for a decent DA polisher. It's a tiny car, shouldn't take too long.
Also on time vs. pad size, if you are using a good-quality polisher with the right pad and compound for what you want to achieve, it doesn't take long because you aren't going back and forth over the same area much. You can get alot done with a 4"-6.5" pad. It is *nothing* like those junky 10" ones with a microfiber bonnet like they sell at auto parts stores and whatnot.
If you don't want to spend that, IMO just do it by hand because cheapo ones won't have the power to do much more than smear wax on and make you feel like a detailer while using it. You need some power to do paint correction. The fact that the Harbor Freight one is $80 should tell you something because Harbor Freight is generally "disposal tools" quality.
If you do want to reconsider, search around, I think that $175 7424XP was a package deal with extra pads and whatnot, I just did a quick Google shopping search and saw it for $120.
But really if your paint isn't too bad right now, I'd really suggest you do it by hand until you save up the difference for a decent DA polisher. It's a tiny car, shouldn't take too long.
Also on time vs. pad size, if you are using a good-quality polisher with the right pad and compound for what you want to achieve, it doesn't take long because you aren't going back and forth over the same area much. You can get alot done with a 4"-6.5" pad. It is *nothing* like those junky 10" ones with a microfiber bonnet like they sell at auto parts stores and whatnot.
Not trying to dog you, but you do get what you pay for with polishers. If you are spending much less than a Porter Cable 7424XP costs, it is probably not really worth buying. The 7424XP, believe it or not, is considered a great, inexpensive entry-level DA buffer.
If you don't want to spend that, IMO just do it by hand because cheapo ones won't have the power to do much more than smear wax on and make you feel like a detailer while using it. You need some power to do paint correction. The fact that the Harbor Freight one is $80 should tell you something because Harbor Freight is generally "disposal tools" quality.
If you do want to reconsider, search around, I think that $175 7424XP was a package deal with extra pads and whatnot, I just did a quick Google shopping search and saw it for $120.
But really if your paint isn't too bad right now, I'd really suggest you do it by hand until you save up the difference for a decent DA polisher. It's a tiny car, shouldn't take too long.
Also on time vs. pad size, if you are using a good-quality polisher with the right pad and compound for what you want to achieve, it doesn't take long because you aren't going back and forth over the same area much. You can get alot done with a 4"-6.5" pad. It is *nothing* like those junky 10" ones with a microfiber bonnet like they sell at auto parts stores and whatnot.
If you don't want to spend that, IMO just do it by hand because cheapo ones won't have the power to do much more than smear wax on and make you feel like a detailer while using it. You need some power to do paint correction. The fact that the Harbor Freight one is $80 should tell you something because Harbor Freight is generally "disposal tools" quality.
If you do want to reconsider, search around, I think that $175 7424XP was a package deal with extra pads and whatnot, I just did a quick Google shopping search and saw it for $120.
But really if your paint isn't too bad right now, I'd really suggest you do it by hand until you save up the difference for a decent DA polisher. It's a tiny car, shouldn't take too long.
Also on time vs. pad size, if you are using a good-quality polisher with the right pad and compound for what you want to achieve, it doesn't take long because you aren't going back and forth over the same area much. You can get alot done with a 4"-6.5" pad. It is *nothing* like those junky 10" ones with a microfiber bonnet like they sell at auto parts stores and whatnot.
I've had one for about 5 years, and kick myself for not buying one 10 years earlier. Whichever one you choose, try to get one with a long power cord (25ft). Also, unless you get grit on your buffing pads, these things are pretty much idiot proof. I've never used a high speed polisher, but am a little afraid of burning the clear coat.
