Small buffer

rasbury

I have a large electric buffer for doing the large surfaces but I would like to find a smaller one for tighter areas.   Are orbital polishers just a vibrate basically? I would like to get air powered but do not have a compressor... 

Willhound

Orbital means it spins around but rather than in perfect circles it travels in an orbit, or non-concentric. Less chance of leaving a burn mark from settling in one spot too long. I think you'd be wasting money on an air model. Electric does a great job and can run it anywhere there's power or a generator. Not sure what you classify as big but I love my Porter Cable orbital.

Liberty44140

I use one of these in my makita corded dril and it works awesome for small spaces 

https://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Genuine-Wool-Buffing-Ball/dp/B0077S80BE/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1566139334&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A2913548011&s=automotive&sr=1-8

rasbury

That looks like it would work great and will get one...but I'm also thinking about something more one handed also rather than my really big buffer...I see random orbital...what exactly does that mean? I don't have heavy heavy oxidation but do need something that will have
 Some action! I wish I had a compressor...

aero3113

If you went air, your compressor would be constantly running and would need a large tank to keep up with it. I recommend electric also.

Willhound

Random orbital means that as it spins it constantly changes the direction of the orbit (the non circular pattern) so that a new area is constantly being buffed to avoid burn marks and give an even finish. It does this by using two offset gears that spin the head. Although there are hundreds of variations in the pattern it isn't truly "random" since there is a limitation on the different patterns but there are so many it would almost be impossible to track them.

Ian

I have a number of the Ryobi One+ tools and so the 6” and 10” units are part of my set. The 6” is a good one handed unit I use for first step with the 3M and the bigger for buff up and shine.

i got these to make use of the battery system I have and they work well for me. 

rasbury

Thanks..the thought of fighting with that big friggin buffer...and battery?

Ian

Actually the small one is pretty nimble to work with, even one hand, balanced pretty well. The larger is 2 handed but also easy to use and balanced well. 

rasbury

yea, that is what I'm looking for...just have to see if the wallet can handle it!

Spyderweb

I use a 3” random orbital from griot’s garage for the small areas

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/3+inch+random+orbital.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

Ian

@rasbury a good investment and decent pricing if you want to build up a few tools with the common battery system. I also have a fan, pump/inflater, lights, vacuum, saws, drill etc and happy with the tools. 

rasbury

@Spyderweb looking this over finally and it has a set of three recommended pads to buy with...that the ticket?

rasbury

So, I pulled the trigger on this...145 bucks with Amazon free shipping...comes with a case and 8 pads...same brand. Dam Amazon.

Handymans342

I thought this was about food

rasbury

Lol @Handymans342

Spyderweb

@rasbury So which did you get?

rasbury

@Spyderweb i got the one you suggested just went to Amazon and got a whole "kit" from the same company- can't wait to get it and get to work. FL boating is just getting started!

Dream_Inn

ok, I changed the topic from Buffee to Buffer.  It was driving me crazy!

rasbury

Thanks lol...handy keeps looking for a picnic basket...

Spyderweb

Good for you @rasbury.  I’ve found it’s a good complement to my Makita rotary and porter cable dual action.  Makes it easier to do so many of those little areas that the bigger tools just aren’t made for.  I even used it to polish my daughters headlights on her 2010 car the other day.

rasbury

So it came with like 3 different color pads..will have to read up. I've kind of winged it and experimented with different pads...never found a step by step with what type pads to use...

Spyderweb

Orange is called a "correcting pad".  That's the one I've always used.  It's coarser and more effective if some oxidation.  Black is called "finishing pad".  It's a softer pad, not as aggressive, perhaps better for a product like 3m Finesse II.  Red is called "waxing pad".  The softest.  I've always used Collinite 885 paste wax, so not very conducive to machine applying. 

rasbury

That's what I'm thinking...putting wax on at 10000 rpm sounds like a big mess!

GMSLITHO

I usually apply the wax by hand and remove with a  machine 

rasbury

me too...

rasbury

This little polisher works really well...you have to get the hang of it...I wish it has a wool pad...the most aggressive foam pad is not aggressive enough but it does a pretty good job and light/small enough to handle.

Spyderweb

I wonder if using a more aggressive polish would help?

rasbury

probably...when I use the larger buffer with the 3M heavy oxidation one step, it really leaves a very nice finish....so a heavier grit would probably require a lot more to finish to s nice clear surface...

rasbury

Making progress but dang! I'm not going for show room...in the FL sun it is not going to last so not going for great, going for good and it is looking good. I got the swim platform looking better than it ever has and hopefully the sealer will keep it cleaner. 
The disappointment is the small buffer- the backing plate flew apart...so the description it an orbital buffer. Which means what, it goes around in a circle? And then there is a random orbital.. what's the difference? I still have around the helm do I need to get it replaced.

Spyderweb

"the backing plate flew apart" - Wow, how does that happen?  I know you haven't had it long.  I would contact Griot's garage and let them know.  Maybe send a picture.  you might get lucky and get sent a new plate.

The tool is actually a "random orbital".  I checked mine, and the front of the box says "orbital" and the back says "random orbital".  So inconsistent labelling.  So random orbital is spinning around AND vibrating.  Not as aggressive as full orbital, but less likely to get yourself in trouble.