What Is The Difference?

[Darren F]

What is the difference, if any, between a PC and a Random Orbital Buffer?

[imported_smprince1]

I may be not 100% technically correct, but the PC (Porter-Cable) is a type (brand really) of dual-action or orbital polisher and there are also other brands/types.



BTW, I found this definition of orbital on another site, it kind of defines why an orbital polisher is sometimes called a dual-action polisher:



The wheel of a random-orbital buffer, on the other hand, operates with two separate motions: a slow circular motion combined with an orbital motion. That is, as the wheel spins, it also orbits slightly off-center around a central point (sort of like the Earth spins as it revolves around the sun). This action essentially imitates hand motion . . .



Hope this helps.

[imported_GregCavi]

They are one in the same.



Porter Cable Random Orbit buffer is the full name of what we refer to as the PC.

[imported_Larry A]

Orbits have a 10 to 11 inch pad , have 1 speed and are harder to handel. Porter Cable have 5 or 6 inch pad , have variable speeds , and are easier to handel. You can get in tighter spots with P.C. then you can with a orbit.

[wannafbody]

the PC has a larger throw (8mm) and 6k OPM. A RO sander might have a 4mm throw with an 11K OPM.

[Darren F]

what is the difference between the PC that everyone on here talks about and the orbital buffers that you can buy in a store like pep boys

[BigJimZ28]

The one that you can get @ Pep Boys

is only good for putting on wax



A pc is strong enough to polish out defects