imported_doug
New member
This is the soft plastic rear bumper on my wife's '00 Audi A6. This has happened a few times. How do you repair this stuff? It is pretty soft.
Buffpro "drum-style" polishing tool
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Redcar GUY
New member
wish I could help>?
but I have no IDEA???
But I have to ask, how did it happen?
but I have no IDEA??? But I have to ask, how did it happen?
Pats300zx
Super Moderator
Carguy..this is just an idea. Have you thought about trying one of those paintess dent removal places? I have one near me that I have used with good success. One of the other services they offer is nick and bumper repair. Just an idea if all else fails.
imported_doug
New member
Believe it or not, this happened merely parallel parking and VERY gently touching the car to the rear. It was a mercedes so I doubt it had a rough bumper - must have been very unlucky contact with a license plate mounting screw.
Pats300 - I didn't know some of those guys did "nick and bumper repair" - I'll check into it.
Pats300 - I didn't know some of those guys did "nick and bumper repair" - I'll check into it.
vettefan67
New member
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >
<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Brad4rdHay [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Could try gently heating it and molding it back into place. [/b]</blockquote>. . . test on inconspicuous area first. That will change the appearance of the bumper in that area and could require a bigger fix or even a replacement if not done 100% correctly.
Best to leave that to a professional if it does require a heat gun treatment.
<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Brad4rdHay [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Could try gently heating it and molding it back into place. [/b]</blockquote>. . . test on inconspicuous area first. That will change the appearance of the bumper in that area and could require a bigger fix or even a replacement if not done 100% correctly.
Best to leave that to a professional if it does require a heat gun treatment.
imported_buda
New member
Have any of you detailers heard of or used the new drum-style BUFFPRO polishing tool?
They claim that this unique tool, invented by a detailer in Florida, will eliminate buffer swirls and holograms in the paint.
Anyone have any input on this tool.
Regards
Bud Abraham
They claim that this unique tool, invented by a detailer in Florida, will eliminate buffer swirls and holograms in the paint.
Anyone have any input on this tool.
Regards
Bud Abraham
imported_TLMitchell
New member
There's a few videos of it action on YouTube. It looks like something better suited to polishing floors, IMO. In the vid I saw it looked unwieldy and although it appeared to do the job on large, flat horizontal panels I have no idea how you would use it in smaller areas.
If it were truly a better mousetrap I think you'd see someone on detailing Forums using one. Thus far I haven't.
TL
Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
haven't used the product, although the detailer who designed it had offered to demo it for me several months ago. Unfortunately my schedule was crazy and I could not commit any time for the generous offer.
My understanding of the premis is this. By moving the polishing pad in a single, straight line motion 'buffer swirls and holograms' are not possible (since both require some circular motion to create). While I agree in this regard, surface marring is still surface marring. So instead of having marring that appears in a circular fashion you will have surface marring that runs in straight lines. At the end of the day we still have a pad rubbing abrasives over the paint.
The question ultimately is whether or not the linear buffer is going to create a better finish (vs. just changing the pattern). In theory I don't believe it will (but I could be very wrong). The reason?
Abrasives, particularly aluminum oxide clusters that diminish over time, tend to produce the most even finish when they are free to roll across the paint like ball bearings. This promotes a more even break down of the cluster as it separates in to the actual aluminum oxide 'crystals'. I don't see who this type of motion is going to promote the abrasives from dislodging from the pad and rolling across the paint. I would fear, rather, that the abrasives are more likely to remain lodged in the pad and develop a wear patter. Think of a pencil that is slightly tilted. It actually becomes sharper as the edge of the graphite is worn down.
So while this tool is interesting and may work very well, I don't see anything that is going to produce a better finish. Rather I see something that appears to have some benefits to volume detailers who can use more aggressive compounds (since customers are less likely to notice straight line marring). At the end of the day the results may be similar, any subsequent marring will be arranged in a different pattern.
GoFast908Z
New member
That system makes my arms hurt just looking at it.
I enjoy my weight lifting, but I'm no Bob or David lol. Muscleman
I enjoy my weight lifting, but I'm no Bob or David lol. Muscleman
bmw5541
New member
Great explanation Todd.
After reading your post, I understand what you are talking about. I think your new title should be "Professor Todd".:cornut:
I also agree with Jeff. It looks real heavy, and I can't imagine how much fatigue it would cause. It seems to me, that this would be better suited to detail plains.
After reading your post, I understand what you are talking about. I think your new title should be "Professor Todd".:cornut:
I also agree with Jeff. It looks real heavy, and I can't imagine how much fatigue it would cause. It seems to me, that this would be better suited to detail plains.
Junebug
JAFO
It looks like a belt sander, and probably works like one too. I picked one up at a local detail shop and it was "different". Not for me!
Lazzman
New member
Correct me if I am wrong but if your are skilled at using a buffer or even an orbital, there should not be any over visible Holograms or swirl marks in the finished product, correct?
Had to chime in because I never really had a problem with swirl marks on a freshly polished car. At least not from a standard visual perspective i.e. in the outside in the day light. Can't speak of how it looks under a fluorescent light but who looks at paint under a fluorescent light except us detailers.
Had to chime in because I never really had a problem with swirl marks on a freshly polished car. At least not from a standard visual perspective i.e. in the outside in the day light. Can't speak of how it looks under a fluorescent light but who looks at paint under a fluorescent light except us detailers.
imported_Stokdgs
New member
This monster is only good for straight horizontal and vertical, few bumps, etc., panels, I believe.
It wouldnt work on airplanes very well, because of the way the skin is formed, especially around the flaps.
And Underneath the wings !!! You would die trying !!
Oh, and how about trying to hold it at a 90degree angle to do those long way tall Tail sections ??
It might serve dual duty as a fertilizer spreader ?
Just kidding, to whoever owns them - thanks for the idea, but no thanks..
Dan F
It wouldnt work on airplanes very well, because of the way the skin is formed, especially around the flaps.
And Underneath the wings !!! You would die trying !!
Oh, and how about trying to hold it at a 90degree angle to do those long way tall Tail sections ??
It might serve dual duty as a fertilizer spreader ?
Just kidding, to whoever owns them - thanks for the idea, but no thanks..
Dan F
imported_CH.Detailing
New member
Maybe if you specialized in truck trailers...?
imported_buda
New member
Since the initial post I have had the opportunity to use the BUFFPRO.
But before telling you my experiences let me tell you a story about the great Henry Ford, icon of the auto industry and founder of Ford Motor Company.
When Mr Ford has interviewing a candidate for a management position in the company he would take them to dinner and would watch the candidate carefully, if the candidate salted his food before tasting it, he would not hire the person.
Why? His conclusion was the man "reached conclusions without having the facts."
It seems to be me that most of you have reached facts and made conclusions without ever having seen the tool in action or using it yourself.
Now, let me tell you my experience with the BUFFPRO...
1. It weighs about the same as an electric rotary buffer, 11lbs
2. It has two handles and is perfectly balanced and very easy to handle
3. The axiel motion of the tool "drives" the tool into the side of the vehicle being worked on so the weight of the tool is minimal.
4. It does create lineal marring as point out, but I can tell you this lineal marring is much easier to take out than inconsistent rotary swirls and holograms
5. While a large looking tool it can be get into as many of the small areas of a vehicle as a rotary buffer. If you saw the video of it being used on a boat you would see it can be used in "small areas" with easy.
6. Like the rotary buffer the user has to have some common sense and skill in using the tool, just like a rotary buffer, but not as much. The tool does the work and does not have to be guided as carefully as a rotary buffer does by the user.
7. And, like the rotary buffer the user has to have the ability to diagnose the paint finish problem and after doing that to choose the right pad and the right compound to correct the problem without causing more damage than they are correcting. In fact, that is what I find is the cause of most swirls and holograms is that the detailer chooses to aggressive a pad and/or too aggressive a compound in working on the paint finish.
In summary my experience with the tool is positive. The only thing require is a open mind about things that are new.
I have been around long enough to remember how the detail industry rejected velcro attahcments prefering the screw on method of attaching a pad to the buffer, because that is the way they had always done it.
I remember how the industry rejected foam pads because wool was the only way to go.
How the industry rejected liquid compound because the only good compound was a red paste compound.
What you all have to realize is that things change and you need to look at the changes with an open mind if you are going to grow and prosper in the business.
Just some well intentioned thoughts
Bud Abraham
But before telling you my experiences let me tell you a story about the great Henry Ford, icon of the auto industry and founder of Ford Motor Company.
When Mr Ford has interviewing a candidate for a management position in the company he would take them to dinner and would watch the candidate carefully, if the candidate salted his food before tasting it, he would not hire the person.
Why? His conclusion was the man "reached conclusions without having the facts."
It seems to be me that most of you have reached facts and made conclusions without ever having seen the tool in action or using it yourself.
Now, let me tell you my experience with the BUFFPRO...
1. It weighs about the same as an electric rotary buffer, 11lbs
2. It has two handles and is perfectly balanced and very easy to handle
3. The axiel motion of the tool "drives" the tool into the side of the vehicle being worked on so the weight of the tool is minimal.
4. It does create lineal marring as point out, but I can tell you this lineal marring is much easier to take out than inconsistent rotary swirls and holograms
5. While a large looking tool it can be get into as many of the small areas of a vehicle as a rotary buffer. If you saw the video of it being used on a boat you would see it can be used in "small areas" with easy.
6. Like the rotary buffer the user has to have some common sense and skill in using the tool, just like a rotary buffer, but not as much. The tool does the work and does not have to be guided as carefully as a rotary buffer does by the user.
7. And, like the rotary buffer the user has to have the ability to diagnose the paint finish problem and after doing that to choose the right pad and the right compound to correct the problem without causing more damage than they are correcting. In fact, that is what I find is the cause of most swirls and holograms is that the detailer chooses to aggressive a pad and/or too aggressive a compound in working on the paint finish.
In summary my experience with the tool is positive. The only thing require is a open mind about things that are new.
I have been around long enough to remember how the detail industry rejected velcro attahcments prefering the screw on method of attaching a pad to the buffer, because that is the way they had always done it.
I remember how the industry rejected foam pads because wool was the only way to go.
How the industry rejected liquid compound because the only good compound was a red paste compound.
What you all have to realize is that things change and you need to look at the changes with an open mind if you are going to grow and prosper in the business.
Just some well intentioned thoughts
Bud Abraham
GoFast908Z
New member
11 lbs is way heavy for a rotary. My Flex rotary weighs like 5 lbs, and my Makita is about 7. So split the difference and 11 lbs is right around double AFAIK.
imported_CH.Detailing
New member
Sage advice. 
ut:
ut:imported_Stokdgs
New member
I never salt my food before tasting it - where is Henry Ford whenever you need a new job ???
Also been around long enough to see and paint with lacquers and enamels.
Before foam was invented all we had was different grades of wool and wool blends, and way back then, I learned to not swirl, etc., paintwork, and the Painter had to also colorsand and buff out the paint he just finished applying.
I think before 3M, Dupont made rubbing compounds as well as alot of the chemicals used in auto body shops.
Have always been open to changes/improvements, as I am sure we all are and welcomed foam, and velcro-backings because they were going to be easier to change, and removed weight from the end of the Rotary.
The only videos I have seen of this thing is some guy buffing the side of a Greyhound bus. I have never seen a video of a guy using this on a Porsche, Volkswagen Bug/Beetle, any small vehicle with a lot of curves, etc..
Not sure if I could ever afford one - much less the way higher cost of the belts it has to use (kind of like a big belt sander), and how long they last, how hard is it to change, you know, all that stuff.
As it stand today, with all the "improvements" to pads alone, the current foam pads I use on a Rotary, have a way shorter lifespan than any of the old-school wool/blended pads of the past, so I guess with newer technology, there comes the additional cost of replacement, or does that fall under "trade-offs"?
Also, not sure about lugging 11lbs on and off a vehicle X number of times is going to be a real time-saver or not for my needs.
All I can be pretty sure of today, is that any AutoBody and Paint Shop - you pick one - is still using Rotary Power, big, shorter nap wool/blended, etc., pads, and maybe the newer compounds of the 3M variety in the good shops and the also-rans, in the not so good shops..
Maybe, when I see them all changing over to stuff like this, I might get a little more interested - hey I like to improve my skills and products as much as the next obsessed Detailer !!
Until then - .:yawn:
Good luck with your new tool, Bud !
Next time I go see my step-son at the University of Portland, I will see if I can give you a call and perhaps if you have time, you can show me your new machine, ok ?
Dan F
DanF
Also been around long enough to see and paint with lacquers and enamels.
Before foam was invented all we had was different grades of wool and wool blends, and way back then, I learned to not swirl, etc., paintwork, and the Painter had to also colorsand and buff out the paint he just finished applying.
I think before 3M, Dupont made rubbing compounds as well as alot of the chemicals used in auto body shops.
Have always been open to changes/improvements, as I am sure we all are and welcomed foam, and velcro-backings because they were going to be easier to change, and removed weight from the end of the Rotary.
The only videos I have seen of this thing is some guy buffing the side of a Greyhound bus. I have never seen a video of a guy using this on a Porsche, Volkswagen Bug/Beetle, any small vehicle with a lot of curves, etc..
Not sure if I could ever afford one - much less the way higher cost of the belts it has to use (kind of like a big belt sander), and how long they last, how hard is it to change, you know, all that stuff.
As it stand today, with all the "improvements" to pads alone, the current foam pads I use on a Rotary, have a way shorter lifespan than any of the old-school wool/blended pads of the past, so I guess with newer technology, there comes the additional cost of replacement, or does that fall under "trade-offs"?
Also, not sure about lugging 11lbs on and off a vehicle X number of times is going to be a real time-saver or not for my needs.
All I can be pretty sure of today, is that any AutoBody and Paint Shop - you pick one - is still using Rotary Power, big, shorter nap wool/blended, etc., pads, and maybe the newer compounds of the 3M variety in the good shops and the also-rans, in the not so good shops..
Maybe, when I see them all changing over to stuff like this, I might get a little more interested - hey I like to improve my skills and products as much as the next obsessed Detailer !!
Until then - .:yawn:
Good luck with your new tool, Bud !
Next time I go see my step-son at the University of Portland, I will see if I can give you a call and perhaps if you have time, you can show me your new machine, ok ?
Dan F
DanF
imported_buda
New member
Again, all I can say is that one should not reach any conclusions without trying the tool first.
If you go to You Tube and type in BUFFPRO you will find any number of videos showing the tool used on cars in all kinds of situations.
Keep in mind a detailer invented this not because he was trying to make a million dollars, but because he was dissatisfied with swirls and holograms. And, I can tell you Jim Farrell is one of the best detailers I have seen. He has gotten as much as $4,000 to buff and polish client's cars to a flawless finish. He still details cars today with the BUFFPRO in Naples Florida.
Again weight is not the real issue either it is how the tool functions taking weight off the detailers hands.
It is not a "belt-sander" the pads are drums and they last much, much longer than normal pads.
Everything is relative. You can work faster with less fatigue than with a rotary and that is worth money when you are selling time.
Bud Abraham
If you go to You Tube and type in BUFFPRO you will find any number of videos showing the tool used on cars in all kinds of situations.
Keep in mind a detailer invented this not because he was trying to make a million dollars, but because he was dissatisfied with swirls and holograms. And, I can tell you Jim Farrell is one of the best detailers I have seen. He has gotten as much as $4,000 to buff and polish client's cars to a flawless finish. He still details cars today with the BUFFPRO in Naples Florida.
Again weight is not the real issue either it is how the tool functions taking weight off the detailers hands.
It is not a "belt-sander" the pads are drums and they last much, much longer than normal pads.
Everything is relative. You can work faster with less fatigue than with a rotary and that is worth money when you are selling time.
Bud Abraham
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