I think it's time to move up from hand waxing the car. I want to try an orbital buffer.

Does anybody recommend a particular brand? And what kind of wax do you use with it? Precautions/warnings? Proper method? I've never used one before, so I don't know much about it.

 

Truthfully, the ONLY time I use my orbital, PC7424, is when I need an abrasive to remove swirls or scratches.

That being said, the only one that I would recommend to home user....

Porter Cable
7424 or 7336

Shop around for the best deals.

Lowes carries the 7336 (which is basically built to be a sander but lots of people use as an orbital buffer).
www.coastaltool.com carries the 7424 pretty cheap.

 

Definetly the PC, you can pick up the 7336 at Lowe's for #109 and a pad kit from any of the online detail sites (Autogeek, Autopia, Premium Auto Care, etc.). Exceldetail has a great pad kit, checkhere for more info. Those sites mentioned above also have a package deal which includes the PC7424, pads, backing plate, MF towels, and products. The difference between the 7424 and the 7336 is the counterweight, the 7424 has a 5" CW while the latter has a 6". Other than that they're exactly the same.

 

I was wondering about this too today. I have a buffer already, but is it okay to use terry cloth applicators on it or should they be microfiber or something softer? I don't know if terry cloth will cause scratches in the paint or clear coat. Can anyone offer any insight into that? Thanks a lot!

 

Awesome, thanks a lot for the info, guys.

Another question... what kind of wax do you use with the orbital buffer? Just the ordinary stuff?

I mean, obviously I can't use Zaino with an orbital buffer, right? It would take a lot to use with a buffer, and Zaino isn't meant to be used like that, not to mention too expensive.

One time I was at the body shop and saw the guy take a buffer to my newly painted bumper, and he was using these 2 big different bottles of wax stuff. I forgot what they were, though. :sillyme: But he put quite a bit of that stuff on the pad and just went to town on the bumper. I'm just curious if there's a different kind of wax you are supposed to use with an orbital buffer?

 

PA, I timed out on my edit. As far as products go, it's a personal choice. If you're satisfied with the results you're getting with what you're using now, then by all means continue to do so. Some of the ones mentioned in numerous threads; Poorboys, Four Star, Optimum, Pinnacle, BlackFire, etc. are polymers. They have durablility and longevity over Carnubas. Some still prefer a 'nuba (S100, Nattys) while others will apply a layer of 'nuba over a sealant (UPP, EX-P).

As NSXNEXT stated, the PC is a great tool for removing swirls and surface defects, you can also use it to apply sealants/waxes. Slip a MF bonnet over the pad and buff away the residue. Operationwise, it's foolproof. Check out Better Car Care and the article by David Bynon "How To Use The PC" located here and the same article, somewhat rewritten is also available at Autopia's "How To" Library. This is a tool every enthusiast should have in his arsenal.

 

Thanks Hawhyen51, I was trying to find David's PC instructions.

 

So are terry cloth bonnets okay to use with a buffer or should they be microfiber?

 

My choice would be the MF bonnets. Because of thier plushness, they tend to scratch less than terry cloth.

 

I really recommand this site! this site has great infomation and great tools.
www.autopia.org

 

PA, if you want, I could show you some stuff at the meet in Windsor.

 

I will be paying close attn too,.............but you already know that.

 

Please do!! I've been a Zaino user, and I like it, but I'm just getting tired of doing things by hand.

Thanks a lot for the info, everyone. Especially the article, that's money.

 

Is there any differnce of using a 6" CW compared to the 5". Which is better for swirl removal?

 

The difference is the BP. Most pads average 6" and will fit on either BP. The 5" BP can take up to a 7" pad (I think). Some prefer the 5" BP with a 6" pad and others prefer the 6" BP/7" pad combo. Which ever one you choose, it's the pad's properties combined with an SMR that makes the PC an effective swirl removal tool.