PC, Rotary, Buffers...Whats the difference?

[jchaz]

I have a 10 in buffer. But I keep reading people using a PC or Rotary piece of equipment. Would It pay for me to get either one of these and learn to use it. I do all my waxing by hand. And have came across some rough paint that I would like to smooth out( for personal and bragging rights). What would be your the least equipment that you should have on hand?

Jchaz

 

[sellncars]

I have a 10 in buffer. But I keep reading people using a PC or Rotary piece of equipment. Would It pay for me to get either one of these and learn to use it. I do all my waxing by hand. And have came across some rough paint that I would like to smooth out( for personal and bragging rights). What would be your the least equipment that you should have on hand?

Jchaz

Hello,
If your just starting out i would suggest a Porter Cable " PC ", I also have a 10" orbital " Buffer " If you want to call it that. I'd sell it for $5.00, its been in the box since i tried it something like 6-7 years ago. They dont do anything that you cant do by hand. Actually you can do more by hand then with this waxer. There are people on this site that will hook you up with some products to try, i would suggest Meguiars DACP #83 and go to lowes or even online and by a PC and some pads. The Meguiars pads seem to work and last very well. Less then $150.00 for the PC and a pad or 2. You wount be sorry.

Good Luck,
Sellncars

 

[Schuma Detail]

Basically, there are two types of Buffer or Polisher you can get. Your one, sounds like an 'Orbital Type', meaning that the pad spins completely still, just on one spot. The Orbital Types tend to do a more dramitic job, but because it has a tendancy to stay over one patch of paint, it heats the paint quickly and without proper training, you can easily burn the paint.

A PC is basically a brand-name, called Porter-Cable. People refering to a PC here are talking about their product known as a "Random Orbit Polisher". The Random type not only spins on one axis, but also the buffer pad moves around in a circle like fashion, while spinning in the meantime. This means, that it has less chance of burning the paint, while still giving a similar result. You can get the same results, with a little more effort.

 

[wifehatescar]

I also have a 10" orbital " Buffer " If you want to call it that. I'd sell it for $5.00, its been in the box since i tried it something like 6-7 years ago.

I threw mine away recently :LOLOL :bye

 

[sellncars]

I threw mine away recently :LOLOL :bye

They are garbage arent they? I dont know what i was thinking when i wasted my money on this thing.

Sellncars

 

[Bell]

Basically, there are two types of Buffer or Polisher you can get. Your one, sounds like an 'Orbital Type', meaning that the pad spins completely still, just on one spot. The Orbital Types tend to do a more dramitic job, but because it has a tendancy to stay over one patch of paint, it heats the paint quickly and without proper training, you can easily burn the paint.

A PC is basically a brand-name, called Porter-Cable. People refering to a PC here are talking about their product known as a "Random Orbit Polisher". The Random type not only spins on one axis, but also the buffer pad moves around in a circle like fashion, while spinning in the meantime. This means, that it has less chance of burning the paint, while still giving a similar result. You can get the same results, with a little more effort.

"Orbital Type"......you mean a "rotary" correct? I have never heard a rotary called an "orbital" before so this is why I ask.

While the PC can give you nice results it can't give you rotary results. It won't level paint like a rotary or wheel polisher. I have tried myself many times. Not even the Cyclo, which is more powerful than a PC, can give you true rotary results.

 

[jiffy]

A rotary is different from a random orbital. While an orbital will not do as good of a job as a rotary, 1. a rotary is (recomended) for experienced people, 2. an orbital can take care of a lot of problems with paint, and if it can't remove deep scratches it will likely remove 90% of the problem

Is that 10% remaining worth possibly ruining your paint with a rotary (in the hands of someone inexperienced with it)?

 

[cwcad]

Hello,
If your just starting out i would suggest a Porter Cable " PC ", I also have a 10" orbital " Buffer " If you want to call it that. I'd sell it for $5.00, its been in the box since i tried it something like 6-7 years ago. They dont do anything that you cant do by hand. Actually you can do more by hand then with this waxer. There are people on this site that will hook you up with some products to try, i would suggest Meguiars DACP #83 and go to lowes or even online and by a PC and some pads. The Meguiars pads seem to work and last very well. Less then $150.00 for the PC and a pad or 2. You wount be sorry.

Good Luck,
Sellncars

I have a pc. I purchased it from an online vendor. it has been a great addition to my detailing arsenal. If i were to do it again, I beleive that I would purchase the pc from Meguiar's because they have a lifetime warranty. It is more expensive than from Lowe's or other type businesses. I caught the detailing bug bad. I have done friends, brothers, and inlaws vehicles. It was good training for me.

My worry now is that there will come a time that the pc will need repairs. It has not happened but i am sure it will. Had I purchased from Meguiar's, I would not have this worry. But that is just me. A lot of people like the meguiar's pad. you will get great support form the MOL people. You will not get support from Lowe's.

I like the LC pads. Whatever you do, just take the time to read the tutorials for the pc. Then go and have fun with it. I know that i have.

 

[jchaz]

Thanks You Guys. All the abbrs. is confusing. I mean ssr ssr1 ssr2. I need the abbrs for dummies I guess. Thanks again

Jchaz

 

[cwcad]

Thanks You Guys. All the abbrs. is confusing. I mean ssr ssr1 ssr2. I need the abbrs for dummies I guess. Thanks again

Jchaz

ssr= scratch & swirl remover

ssr1=least aggressive
ssr2=more aggressive
ssr2.5= little more aggressive
ssr3= most aggressive

I thought that there was a glossary of term but I cannot find it

 

[JaredPointer]

Here it is.....

It's a sticky in two different forums.

 

[cwcad]

Here it is.....

It's a sticky in two different forums.

Thank you! Always nice to be shown. Appreciate the link!