NEED RECOMMENDATIONS ON DIFFERENT BUFFERS

JC Daniel

Promoted Users
I would like you guys opinion on buffers, I have a full size dewalt but need something for small and medium areas as well so I am thinking I need 3 different size buffers to cover all the areas. I would appreciate any input as to what you would buy.
 
I just use smaller pads and backing plates, switched as needed, but I dont do it full time either. I use a 5 inch backing pad with 5.5 inch pads, and a 3 inch backing plate with 4 inch pads.

If my full size buffer wont fit, I have an attachment for a drill, problem with the drill is no set speed so its a judgement thing.

If your color sanding and buffing you want rotatory, orbital is more for detailing/fine polishing.
 
I like my Dewalt. If you're not going to do a lot, get a rotary from Harbor Freight. It's the pad and compound that count.
 
I also have a Dewalt and when it finally goes, I'm going to try to get something a
little quieter, it screams! but, anyway, it works good with the smaller backing plates and pads.
I use 4" pads the most and have sizes down to 1".
 
I would like you guys opinion on buffers, I have a full size dewalt but need something for small and medium areas as well so I am thinking I need 3 different size buffers to cover all the areas. I would appreciate any input as to what you would buy.

I have this Flex and it works very good for smaller areas, maximum pad size is 3” though.

https://www.flex-tools.com/en/products/pe-8-4-80-2/

The pneumatic 3” from Rupes seems like a really nice unit as well.
 
Big difference between a buffer and a polisher.
A buffer rotates and takes out scratches, a polisher usually is
a orbital or eccentric at slow speed and much less aggressive, more for
waxing or removing swirl marks from a buffer.
Most painters only use a buffer, with the milder pads & compounds available they
can actually polish as well.
 
My Dewalt finally failed a few years ago. I went with a Flex rotary, and it's been great so far. It's a bit lighter and quieter than the Dewalt. I have a small 3" Dynabrade for smaller pieces like headlight buckets, trim pieces, etc.
 
i have had one of these for the past couple years. really well made tool. lightweight so you can buff 1 handed if needed.

Jim:
That looks like a buffer but they call it a polisher, Is it rotary like a buffer
or dual action,orbital like a polisher?
 
I am a rookie when it comes to most topics on this site, including color sanding and buffing. I have been trying to figure out what tools and products I need. I have read the thread Eddie referenced many times. Are there downsides to buffing / polishing tight spots by hand? I'd rather spend longer working by hand and than try to go fast with a rotary and burning through. I have played around with some nibs in hidden areas on my car, and I have had good luck sanding to 2000 or finer and rubbing by hand with Meguiar's ScratchX.

I finally placed an order for some hexlogic pads and compounds from Chemical guys yesterday. After much debate with my wallet, I am going to try to use tools I have for my buffing needs (for now).
For "medium" tight spots, I plan to try a Dewalt sander that I picked up at a garage sale last summer. I also have a harbor freight rotary that I got at a garage sale (way to expensive new, LOL). The Dewalt is way lighter than the HF buffer, and I can run it 1 handed. I took the dust shroud off of it last night. Seems to me to be way better than a drill motor.
41sV1g8fblL._SL500_SS75_SS75_.jpg

DEWALT DWE6401DS 5-Inch VS Disc Sander with Dust Shroud
by DEWALT
Link: http://a.co/d/dNfRgQq
 
I have the flex pe-8. Light enough for 1 hand carefully, only rated for 3" pad max. If using a 4 or 5 inch, don't lean on it at all.
Buffed both my cadillacs no broblem no rush but definitely too weak for overalls on werkly basis. Made for small areas. $200

And rubbing by hand- hah. Use foam cone or small pad
 
And rubbing by hand- hah. Use foam cone or small pad

LOL. I ordered a cheap-o set of 1", 2", 3" pads and drill adapters. I will be practicing on the underside of my hood (lots of crazy shapes to get around).
 
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