Polisher / buffer

[Dayvo]

Been thinking about buying a orbital buffer , Any suggestions on what brand to buy . Supercheap have one for about $40.00 but they seem big and awkward . I have an old lambswool one which is well past its used by date so i want to update .

[V85000i]

don't waste your time at super cheap, i've got one of them, and it is sooooo gutless, the slightest bit of pressure and it stops spinning, they also spin very very slowly, they mainly wobble, pay a bit extra and get a proper one, the ones that look like nine inch grinders

[Scooter79]

pay a bit extra and get a proper one, the ones that look like nine inch grinders

I agree pay that bit extra for a good quality orbital sander. My personal choice is a GMC ROS150M which is at bunnings for $140. Then pay and order some 6.5" foam buffing pads. Either Lake Country CCS pads or Meguiars softbuff pads.

The one's that "look like nine inch grinders" aren't the best idea unless your experienced with them. A rotary polisher like V85000i describes is capable of generating incredible amounts of heat and can burn through paint in seconds. But in experienced hands they can make an old weathered car look like it just came out of the factory. An orbital sander/buffer is perfect for amateurs because is oscilates, not rotates and therefore can't generate much heat. Fool proof.

The supercheap buffers can only use bonnets but the good orbital sanders have velcro backing plates that you can attach your pads to.

[Boonz]

i payed $110 for my ryobi 9 inch with a foam buffing pad from mitre10 in SA
has variable speed and all and makes life so much easier when you polish your car

[Scooter79]

i payed $110 for my ryobi 9 inch with a foam buffing pad from mitre10 in SA
has variable speed and all and makes life so much easier when you polish your car

What model of Ryobi is it and what speed range does it have? I'll be stepping up to a Makita 9227CB when I have a spare $390. Speed range from 600 - 3000rpm

[Boonz]

think its from 800-6000 its pretty old about 5 years now

[Dayvo]

how are the pads held onto the polisher ? Is it velcro or something

[Scooter79]

how are the pads held onto the polisher ? Is it velcro or something

Yep. Good old velcro. The backing plate on the machine has the hook and loop and the pads have the felt type material.

[Dayvo]

ok THANKS FOR THE ADVISE GUYS , wILL HAVE A LOOK FOR ONE THIS WEEKEND

[Gus The Snail]

I use an old sander/polisher 2 speed 9" makita , it does everything , from grinding , cutting , polishing and even what its made for , sanding. I buy the screw on foam pads , they vary in "softness" so depending if you need a harsh cut , or a soft polish , you just grab the pad to suit.

Velcro is good , but if you dont put them on square.. it vibrates , and when your polishing/buffing for 5 odd hours , its rather annoying.

It also comes down to personal preference.. people swear by waffle pads , some by foam , and others by lambswool. It all depends on the user , and how they use it.

[Scooter79]

As a general rule lambswool pads a used for heavy cutting, and not recommended for use on an orbital. They have a much higher cutting ability than any foam pad.