Cicago electric powel tools polisher?

flat4 · 04-22-09, 06:30

I've been detailing for about a year, all by hand. My dad gave me a brand new Chicago Electric Power Tools 7" Electric Sander/Polisher that he bought a year and a half ago. It's never been used and came with two pads. I want to try it out but it's not a random orbital so i'm scared i'll burn the paint. I really just want to apply and remove polish and wax to the car right now. Eventually i'd like to move up to paint correction. SO my question is, is this an ok polisher to use for the first time?

jking · 04-22-09, 06:40

I have one and I hate it. It smells like the motor is burning up if you use it for only a short period of time. I am looking at the Vector for $79.99 and will be buying it as soon as I can afford the pads to go with it. I use the Chicago to remove some deeper scratches, but for an overall job it is useless.(IMO)

flat4 · 04-22-09, 06:44

so is it worth learning on before moving onto a more expensive buffer? I've heard some good reviews on it so i'm suprised to hear you say that.

eyezack87 · 04-22-09, 09:50

Get a test panel to practice on before taking it to your paint. Just be warned that some of those things are faulty, while others are not

Eliot Ness · 04-23-09, 11:52

At the least I'd buy a good Backing Plate and some decent pads to use. It takes the standard rotary 5/8" Backing Plate.

The main thing you'll notice on these is the speed control isn't the best, but they aren't bad to practice on. Below is a link to a very good rotary guide you might want to read:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ypolishing.pdf

flat4 · 04-23-09, 05:06

thanks guys for all the help and the link, it's just what i was looking for

superchargedg · 04-23-09, 06:35

I have had one for over 2 years and luckily for me it still works fine.....but i use the flex 3401 a whole lot more then i use this rotary.

LoiG37 · 04-24-09, 07:37

I have one of this too, and I use it mainly for headlight restoration.