Is a rotary buffer the same as grinder?

[tuscarora dave]

I never used a rotary that was not air powered, From what I remember an electric rotary looks like a rotary disc grinder with a foam backing plate on it. Am I off base here or is this correct? If this is correct, I think I will trip over to harbour freight and buy one and practice on my hundred dollar "hoop-D" as I really don't care if the paint on it gets burned. I seem to get a lot of hogged up and severely scratched up jobs to do and want to be able to get them done faster.

 

[CharlesW]

I never used a rotary that was not air powered, From what I remember an electric rotary looks like a rotary disc grinder with a foam backing plate on it. Am I off base here or is this correct? If this is correct, I think I will trip over to harbour freight and buy one and practice on my hundred dollar "hoop-D" as I really don't care if the paint on it gets burned. I seem to get a lot of hogged up and severely scratched up jobs to do and want to be able to get them done faster.

HF has a cheap rotary, but I have no idea how it compares in quality to a higher priced one.
My personal feeling is that you probably get what you pay for.
You can find it here.
I think I remember it being on sale for quite a lot less at different times.

 

[dr_detail]

They are basicly the same, however, those deamed "grinder" usually are heavier and have no-load torque speeds much higher than "sander/polisher" models.