I'm looking for a buffer and waxer tool- most likely a right-angle grinder, but I can't seem to find anything. My friend has a DeWalt right angle grinder with adjustable speed and I can't find it ANYWHERE. Do you guys know something similar or where I can find this? Or do you know something else that's adjustable speed, and good for cutting buffing and waxing? Thanks.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW849-...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1258386905&sr=1-1 DEWALT DW849 8.0 Amp 7-Inch/9-Inch Electronic Variable Speed Right Angle This one has the thumb wheel speed control. I Googled "variable speed buffer", this was the first result, Amazon.com. Good luck Mike
Is this for yourself ?Are you a professional ? Reason I ask is you don't want to just slap a pad on a grinder ! Your best bet is the trusty Porter Cable 7424,or some people like the Cyclo Polisher. It has 2 heads on it. Autogeek.net sells both. Then get then hook and loop pads (Velcro) And the Lake County foam pads. Either of these you won't damage your paint. Good luck, DL
Google "Adams Polishes", they have a whole forum and sell polishes and polishers. They even have instructional videos. Pretty good site. Peace, Mike D.
+1 for Porter Cable 7424XP - best buffer available, easy to use and no danger of permanently damaging your paint ! :TU:
Ive had one like the Dewalt right angle and now have the Groits garage one and I like the Groit becuase you cant hurt the paint and unless your a pro its easy to get carless and burn on a edge the Groits is somewhat idiot proof.
Mine is a 6 in Groits Iam sure someone else made it for them, has a hook and loop velcro attachment for easy pad changing but Iam not sure if you have to use there pads or if a generic pad will work. They have a local store so I dont have to mail order so its handy for me but maybe not for everyone
FYI I've tried a couple different devices and have concluded that "hand" is the only device that does a good job. I have always gotten swirling, rainbowy-looking colors, etc., when I try to use a contraption of some sort (not to mention they don't get into the corners and other places very well). Only manual waxing for me. It's too bad, because I hate throwing out a $50 tool. -Bob C.
I don't know your skill level, but I'll share some of my 22+ years in this area-- For a newbie interested in polishing paint, I would strongly recommend that Dewalt 7242 (dual action polisher) listed above, and steer you away the the 849 (rotary polisher/grinder). In the hands of someone whose never used one (even in the hands of someone who has), rotary polishers can end up doing more harm than good. Paint is a fickle thing, and polishing it out is an art form. The 849's speed and torque can easily induce swirls, burn edges, and even ruin a paint job. If your working on a modern paint surface (base/clear) keep in mind that the entire painted surface (including primer) is usually only 5-7 mils. Believe me in inexperienced hands, it's really easy to buff through the clear when using a rotary in a matter of minutes. Other DA polishers that IMO are better than both the Dewalts listed above would be either the Flex or the Makita "forced rotational" DA's. They provides the gentleness of the DA, with the cutting power of the rotary. However these two are quite pricey, and unless you're going to be using them often, not worth the extra $$$'s.
I used the 6" one from Griots Garage, borrowed it from a friend and used their polishing compounds. Pictures show before and after about 20 hours of polishing.
I am only a year into this and I do know more about buffing and waxing then the average noob. My friend, who happens to be my sister's boyfriend, and his father have a paint booth and do great work. They have taught me a lot about cars in general and paint. They are also who I bought my car from. And I have used their DeWalt right angle polisher and used it to buff and wax my car and I liked how it worked. So I do have some experience with the tool already.
Looks great! The only problem I have with my Griot's Garage buffer is I did both my cars... both with original paint... and they came out so nice that I got guilted into doing my wife's Trailblazer and my daughter and son in law's cars too!
lol.. to me this is like asking what's your favorite Buick. For me there are way to many variables. The desired end results are one of the main factors - however am I applying it to a show car which will be displayed under the lights, or outdoors in the sun, is it garaged car or outside car, daily driver or a weekend warrior, am I applying it in the sun on a warm day or a cold day, do I want it to last a month or more, or do I want it to look good for the concourse judges, or the prospective buyer, is it a single stage original paint, a two stage clear, or a hardened catalyzed (Imron), is it black, red, blue, white, beige, silver, or metallic, fresh paint or not, do I have to be CA VOC compliant, or can I use the stuff not available here... IMO, there are just way to many variables and choices out there to have one favorite. Throw into this mix all the products out there - add to it all those that are duplicated by private labels, all those that are glazes, but labeled as wax, or are cleaner waxes sold as wax -- well ya get what I'm sayin? More important than the final wax IMO is the prep. Is the surface free of minor oxidation and surface contaminants, is the surface smooth, has it been polished, is it devoid of surface marring and/or swirls. If the prep has been preformed correctly just about any wax, glaze, or sealant that works for you would be my suggestion. Someone who used to work for Meguires I think said it best... "Find what works for you, and use it often." Or in the case of what I've been doin' for the last 20+ years "hire someone who does a great job and pay him accordingly."
