Harbor Freight Rotary buffer

[Ron Ketcham]

I don't recommend that one machine buff if the temps are above 90F, however, that is not always possible.

The reason being that the carrier solvents in a product are evaporating quickly, which does not allow proper lubrication of the surface and breaking of the abrasives/burnishing components.

Does the gear head get warm or hot on a HF buffer? Yes, they do and why is quite simple.

A HF buffer costs, depending on the sale going on, between $30 and $50, while a DeWalt, Makita, etc are considered a "buy" at $200.

The higher price units have better cut and fitting gears, housings, etc than the cheaper ones, and loose fitting gears will create more heat.

I did take the head off of mine a couple of years ago and repack the gear drive with a high temp quality bearing grease, which seems to have been a good way to go and may explain why it has run for so many hours and projects.

Grumpy

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

I am not trying to give out bad advice. I am sorry that you saw it that way. I know that the rotary is very unforgiving tool and should be used very carefully but IMO, it just seems to me that even intermediate detailers were being scared out of using a rotary. That is what I felt when I was reading through various detailing forums. That may or may not be the case but I am just saying that is what I noticed. I just feel that a little bit of encouragement can go a long way. You may or may not agree with this but again, that is my opinion. I am not here to offend anybody.

To me, it's not about trying to put "fear" into people about the use of a rotary. In my mind, it's all about making sure they RESPECT the tool and what it is capable of.



As long as you are aware of what sort of damage you can do with it and understand how that damage is caused, you will know what to pay attention to when it comes to developing good technique and taking safety precautions. Some people may react by being "afraid" of the tool because of the potential to cause damage with it, but at the end of the day the only thing to be afraid of is not taking what you're working with seriously.

 

[VenzaDetailer07]

I don't recommend that one machine buff if the temps are above 90F, however, that is not always possible.

The reason being that the carrier solvents in a product are evaporating quickly, which does not allow proper lubrication of the surface and breaking of the abrasives/burnishing components.

Does the gear head get warm or hot on a HF buffer? Yes, they do and why is quite simple.

A HF buffer costs, depending on the sale going on, between $30 and $50, while a DeWalt, Makita, etc are considered a "buy" at $200.

The higher price units have better cut and fitting gears, housings, etc than the cheaper ones, and loose fitting gears will create more heat.

I did take the head off of mine a couple of years ago and repack the gear drive with a high temp quality bearing grease, which seems to have been a good way to go and may explain why it has run for so many hours and projects.

Grumpy

Thank Ron. Every time a get a reply from you...it seems that I learn something new. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

 

[VenzaDetailer07]

To me, it's not about trying to put "fear" into people about the use of a rotary. In my mind, it's all about making sure they RESPECT the tool and what it is capable of.



As long as you are aware of what sort of damage you can do with it and understand how that damage is caused, you will know what to pay attention to when it comes to developing good technique and taking safety precautions. Some people may react by being "afraid" of the tool because of the potential to cause damage with it, but at the end of the day the only thing to be afraid of is not taking what you're working with seriously.

This comment of yours should be posted on every single detailing forum out there. Excellent Advice!

 

[Ron Ketcham]

Isn't that the truth!



Charlie's excellent advice brought to mind a TV cartoon person.



Being capable and aware, respecting what they are attempting to do, taking care to think and consider their actions, their expectations, accepting valid and proven information, etc.



Many of the posts I read about the various forums bring that TV character to life.



Homer Simpson is alive and walking through the forums everyday!!!



Grumpy

 

[Batt4Christ]

I'm really late to this thread - but was searching for polisher information -



Anyway - while I don't disagree and won't argue that point - I'm wondering what damage the summers here in Arkansas are doing to paint/clearcoat. This past Summer, we had air temps at 110+. Surface temperature in the sun... I can only imagine (extremely uncomfortable to touch!). Gives one pause for thought!

SAE study and paper published a few years back found that if the paint surface's temp exceeds 105F or there about, it thermo stresses (damages) the all important film former/binder of the paint film (IE resin system)..

Grumpy

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

I'm really late to this thread - but was searching for polisher information -



Anyway - while I don't disagree and won't argue that point - I'm wondering what damage the summers here in Arkansas are doing to paint/clearcoat. This past Summer, we had air temps at 110+. Surface temperature in the sun... I can only imagine (extremely uncomfortable to touch!). Gives one pause for thought!

I would imagine it certainly would accelerate the possibility of clear coat failure/oxidation/sun-fade, but the big difference between just sitting in the sun and being overheated while buffing is that the additional force of friction accelerates damage even further and faster.