Need buffer pad suggestions

[XtwentyNot]

Makita polisher, next to the PC, I call it my grinder!

[BrianM]

Originally Posted by Hogwild

Will all the lake country pads fit on the 7424?

They make different sizes of pads. I think that Porter Cable uses the 6.5".

Originally Posted by Hogwild

If I do go the rotary buffer route, which one would you guys recommend? It seems like the porter cable was the clear winner of "the orbital tool to use award" around here.

Go Makita B06040. Has orbital and forced circular modes. Not quite as robust as a professional rotary but does the job. I use the circular mode with a wool pad if I really need to cut with compound but besides that use the orbital. Been a great machine.

[mwg]

I am no expert on this but I went through the polisher/buffer debate last year. I ended up buying the Porter Cable 7424 polisher and it is very good for compounding & polishing (yes the lake country pads will fit on the PC with the correct backing plate). I used the 3m 3 step process (compound, polish, wax).

It is is difficult to screw up any finish with the PC due to the design; if you apply too much pressure the pad will slow or stop. I mark my pads on top to get a visual on how the pad is rotating.

When it came to waxing & buffing.. I apply the wax by hand and use a variable speed rotating buffer (borrowed from a friend) with a 3M super Buff pad to really bring out the shine. IMO the Porter Cable is not real good at buffing.. I plan on buying a Variable speed buffer this winter.

Good luck

[neil.anderson63]

Buy one Porter Cable or buy two of another brand. I've had the same Porter for about 18 years. I'm with Brian on his pad choices. Right on target. "I highly suggest picking one up if you have the means."

[LaRue]

While i have no experience with anything else, I have been using the Porter Cable in conjunction with Adams pads and polishes (Swirl & Haze Remover and Fine Machine Polish) and then Meguiars Flagship Premium Marine wax. Seems to be working for me.

I do see myself trying the Collinite in the future.

[jgraham37128]

Here's all you'll need to get the job done. Auto Geek is a great place to buy all of them.

[petermegan]

Originally Posted by jgraham37128

Here's all you'll need to get the job done. Auto Geek is a great place to buy all of them.

And you can do all that by remote control. I am impressed.

[jafo9]

I went through this debate last year. Initially, I bought the HF polisher. Didn't really like it but it was proof of concept that I didn't have to wet sand. I returned the HF after it died (about a week later) and bought a makita. That thing is a monster. Whatever speed you set it on, it will keep that speed pretty much regardless of the pressure. I ended up going with the Maguires setup for oxidation removal. I bought their 3 stage process of compound/waxes and I bought the different foam pads which Maguires recommended. The foam pads didn't hold up as well as I would have liked, but the final result was great. If you are going with foam pads, make sure and get a cleaner brush. I found that regular cleaning at high speeds helped a lot. I also stored the foam pads in zip lock containers to help keep them from drying out.

[Hogwild]

Originally Posted by jgraham37128

Here's all you'll need to get the job done. Auto Geek is a great place to buy all of them.

Are those the waffle pads or the CCS pads and what's the difference?

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by jgraham37128

Here's all you'll need to get the job done. Auto Geek is a great place to buy all of them.

Originally Posted by petermegan

And you can do all that by remote control. I am impressed.

Actually, he is missing the mini cooler full of beer.