What Buffer Should I By

[shinymopar]

My son just finished his detailing class and I was wondering what buffer to buy. He was using a DeWalt (not sure of the model) but said there was both a dual buffer and a rotary buffer.
His instructor said they're using DeWalt because that's what the school bought but he prefers the Porter Cable 7424. I haven't used a machine for polishing / waxing (always done by hand) but I'd like to get him the best buffer for the job. Since he is young and doesn't have much experience, what do you guys recommend ? Any explanation of what buffers for what task would also be very appreciated. Thanking everyone in advance, you guys are the best !

Also I hope everyone here at Autopia has the best of Christmases and an even better New Year !

[3Dog]

If he was using a DW443 Dewalt that is an excellent model. A PC 7424 is very similar with just a tad less power.
For rotary..Metabo
Dual Head is a Cyclo

Hope this help some.
What course did he take?

[shinymopar]

Thanks for your response. He took auto mechanics at high school but the class was really a joke. He took 'Auto Detailing' at the Workforce and Technology Center in Baltimore.

[3Dog]

Something that will help since he has a base to work from is.....go to a junk yard and get something like a hood to practice on.

[MorBid]

Wouldn't the Dewalt Rotary be the 849? Which is actually a high speed polisher. The 443 is a RO isn't it.

[3Dog]

Wouldn't the Dewalt Rotary be the 849? Which is actually a high speed polisher. The 443 is a RO isn't it.

I couldnt tell from his description if the used a rotary and talk of a ro or the opposite

[kempie]

http://www.properautocare.com/matwomopo.html
I have only looked at this one. Never used it. However I think if I didnt already have a rotary & PC that I would get this as it can do both. Plus you would only need one size pads.
Hows your crystal ball? Is this something he is going to be doing for a long time or just a passing fad? Seems this would be a "last a lifetime" machine for a personal use situation.

[Neothin]

I would start off with a PC. It's a great starter machine because it lets u learn how to properly use a buffing machine without the risk of screwing the paint up by burning thru it. besides, given enough time, a pc can achieve nearly the same results as a rotary.

[DanoWatt]

Just get a PC. I also have a rotary, but only use that for buffing after wetsanding, tough scratchs, and REALLY bad swirls. After I hit it with the rotary, I always step down with the PC.

I would recommend getting a PC and a harbor freight $25 rotary. It's a decent rotary, and you won't need to use it all that much.

[shinymopar]

Thanks to all !

[RAG]

I'd get two different dedicated machines - one rotary and one dual action machine. For the Rotary I like the Makita because of the way it fits my hand better than all the other makes I've used - I strip off the plastic handles it comes with and directly grip the metal on the front of the machine, offering more control. For the dual action you have to go with the Porter Cable - I have a couple and like 'em.

I guess it depends on what your son will be doing. While you can accomplish everything you need with a dual action polisher, it is about 1/4 as aggressive as a rotary and thus it can take a whole lot longer depending on the job at hand. So if your son will be doing cars for other people, I think he needs both.

Backing plate and pad selection are equally important, but that's another topic.

[PadawanPrime]

If you're gonna get a PC, then get the G-100 from Meguiars. It cost more, but you get a LIFETIME warranty. I have a G-100 BTW.

Peace.