two speed buffer/polisher?

B

brad10281

Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2005
RO Number
16601
Messages
36
I was looking at a two speed buffer/polisher that runs at 1400/1650 rpm's. Are these speeds sufficient or should I go with a true variable speed polisher? I need it to remove some light oxidation and get the shine back up. This tool will not be heavily utilized so I don't want to spend a fortune on it. This particular tool is $50 from Sears or there's another one that is variable from 1000-3000 rpm's but cost almost twice as much...and its out of stock, I'm using a $100 gift card from Sears. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
I think the problem with the $50.00 model is that it don't have the velcro pad that you need for the good bonnets. Need to be careful with the Craftsman models, Sears uses a different thread than everyone else on the arbor and nothing else will fit them except Sears.
Go to Harbor Freight and get one of their cheapies, around $30.00, get some 7" wool bonnets and go after it.
 
Thanks for the info, Think I'll grab the one from Harbor Freight that is $36 and variable speed. Thanks for saving me from what could have been a big headache figuring out all the proprietary accessories from Craftsman.
 
the plastic sears is lighter and easier on the arms. you probably wont ever wear it out.
 
"Think I'll grab the one from Harbor Freight that is $36 and variable speed."

I just last weekend bought that exact Buffer at Harbor Freight. It's on Sale right now for $29.95.
 
I had the day off today so I put a little elbow grease into it and used an oxidation remover/compound by hand. There's no more chalky residue so I guess I got the oxidation removed...I got a nice smooth surface again. I can't seem to achieve my desired results polishing by hand so I went out to check local stores for a polisher. All I could find are orbital buffers...will one of these work fine for polishing? I really wanted to finish the boat this weekend. A 6" orbital buffer runs around $15 - $20 around here. Let me know what you think, detailing is not something I'm very knowledgable about.
 
Go to Harbor Freight and get the Buffer. It's only 10 bucks more and it IS a 2-speed. Works very well and will do the job for ya. Plus you'll probably find other uses for it as well. How versatile is an Orbital Buffer going to be?
 
After I posted, I went to Harbor Freights website and found that there was one about 55 miles away from me. The wife didn't like the idea of me wasting all that gas just for a polisher. I told her I'd give her the $100 gift card to Sears...without hesitation, she said "Deal"! I'll probably head up there this afternoon.

"How versatile is an Orbital Buffer going to be?"
Agreed, I bought one years back for my car, used it once or twice and I think it found a new home at a friends house or maybe still at my parents place...anyway, I haven't missed it since I lost it.

Thanks again.
 
If you haven't missed it then there's no need to get another one that after using it once will get put away and not missed agin. Okay....so the one at Sears is a little more money and I'll agree with you that at todays Gas Prices it's probably no savings for you to drive 100 miles to save 10 bucks. But please do yourself a favor and DON'T get the Orbital Polisher.
 
made the trip up to Harbor Freight, had to get them to price match their own website and they still rung it up wrong...luckily I noticed when I got in the car and went back in to get it fixed. Anyway, this was definately the better tool considering it's variable speed from 200 - 3000+rpm. It worked excellent with the polish. I think I'm going to have to go over the boat with the compound again (using the polisher this time). The finish still seems to be cloudy but I was able to get a mirror like finish in one spot using the compound on the polisher. I'm not motivated enough to go over the whole boat again though. For now it's in better shape than it was.

I used Yacht Brite Pro Polish, is this enough protection from the elements (sun/rain and fresh water) or is there something better? How often should I apply the polish?
 
"We have the Harbor Freight Chicago model. Works great"

Same one I got.

Brad......Did you use a Polishing Compound before the Wax or did you just Wax using the Buffer? If you only applied the wax with the buffer and still have a haze then you're probably going to have to use a Polishing Compound on it first (with the Buffer) and then wax over it. I know that once done it's not a very inviting thought to start all over again and do it all over again....Buuuuuuuuuuuttttttt......If you want that finish....that's what you gotta do.
Just go to Wally-World and get a cheap Polishing Compound.......(Automotive Section....comes in a white can) for about $2.99......put some on and buff it in and off....It's in a Paste form and not that hard orangey paste that comes in the Green Rubbing Compound Can. This stuff is white and is very pasty....easy to work with....goes on easy and comes off easily too. A coat of liquid wax over it will do the trick.
 
I applied Meguiars 49 Marine/RV Oxidation Remover by hand (before I had the polisher) then went back over it with Yacht Brite Pro Polish with the polisher. It hasn't been outside of my poorly lit garage so I will get a better idea of how bad it is once I get it out in some sunlight. The Pro Polish is supposed to be a one step cleaner/polish/sealant...so I'm assuming that it will provide the protection from the elements that I need. I'm using it more as a last step protectant.
 
missnmountains,
I got the Chicago model as well, its a great tool considering it's low price.

Thanks
 
I made the mistake of going to Harbor Freight again yesterday.
Found an Electric Sander (not he Palm Sander) and for $9.95 I just HAD to buy it. THAT was my mistake......I just came in from spending the entire day outside with my newest acquisition sanding the Boattom Paint off the Boat. Not ALL the Bottom Paint but the slightly rough looking spots and what have you........Then as long as I had everything down to a semi-smooth (I say that because there are about 4 coats on it and I wasn't about to be there for the next two weeks stripping it all off) I figured I might as well do my annual Bottom Paint touch up etc. Now my back is killing me....my arms ache....my legs ache....my head aches....I think I have aches in places where normal people don't even have places.
Oh well......it's done till next year. Maybe I'll even get it in the water this week.
 
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