Should I buy this polisher from harbor frieght?

C

corvetteman

New member
Believe it or not I wasnt thrilled with the porter cable and have been debating to buy this polisher.



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507



46507.gif
 
You did not like the Porter Cable? :O



I have a Chicago Electric electric impact gun and angle grinder. They are pretty good for the price. Not sure how the polisher would be or if you would be able to find pads for it.
 
I would have to look around for pads first. I figure I need a couplse of foam pads and it comes with a wool pad. Would I need anything else?



I didnt like the pc but that may be because the pads were crap. I'm also cheap so this price works if the machine does the job.
 
spree17: do asearch for the Chicago Elec... We've discussed it at length.



$24.99. Throw away the backing plate and pads that come with it.

CMA for pads.



I sense that you think the PC and rotary are the same type of tool... Oops!



Jim
 
jim i know the pc and a rotary are different but please educate me a bit. I evebn was looking at a $20 buffer from sears because I know I can return that one if it doesnt do the job.
 
PC 7424 is a random orbital



That looks to be a rotary.



Rotaries are great, but there is a skill level needed for it. You can take 15 minutes or less and be good with the PC, a Rotary can take years to get completely good with. Don't be discouraged, but you can really ruin your paint with one of these puppies. They'll do a ton more than a PC, but many of us on the board have no need for a rotary because our paint simply isn't that bad. The PC fills the gap between hand and rotary. :)
 
if i used a inexpensive orbital but dont apply a lot of pressure and keep the speed low is it likely Ill do damage? How do people usually do damage? I'm more looking for help removing wax than applying anything. I'm worn out trying to remove wax
 
spree17 said:
if i used a inexpensive orbital but dont apply a lot of pressure and keep the speed low is it likely Ill do damage? How do people usually do damage? I'm more looking for help removing wax than applying anything. I'm worn out trying to remove wax
Click to expand...



Orbitals= non-heat creating.



I guess you're asking about the rotaries. People tend to burn the paint on the edges of panels where the paint isn't as thick. I've only used one a few times, my grandfather let me mess around with it before he got cancer. I'd say go for it, but learn on something you're not going to get too worked up about (a panel from a yard in fair condition) before you use it on your car.
 
I have the rotary from Harbor Freight and it is well worth the price if you want to get your hands on a rotary and not spend a whole lot of money. Believe it or not, this rotary is being pushed on some detailing websites for considerable more money and they are singing its praises. It is marketed under a different name than Chicago Electric though. But it is definitely the same thing. This is your chance to try out a rotary at a fraction of the price. So far, I have the PC 7424 and the rotary and the PC is by far my tool of choice. Because I am starting from the beginning. Given an aggressive enough pad and compound, the PC can take a finish down to the metal. Pros can do things with a rotary a PC 7424 cannot do but let me tell you it is not easy. I worked a rotary sanding wood and fiberglass for years and it is difficult to get use to the resistence from the pad (and the slinging) I am used to cutting through whatever I was working on. What is great about this rotary at Harbor Freight is that it is a variable speed, from 1000 to 3000 with six settings. Each one progresses 400 rpm. It is the real deal. And also, mine came with a 7" velcro backing plate. Exactly what you need for most velcro buffing pads for the rotary. The detailing website I noticed selling this rotary had the 7" backing plate separate for $16.95. When you include shipping it already starts to become pricy.
 
I have a harbor frieght near me so I could pick one up local. Any idea where I could get pads to fit it? You seem to be reccomending it but I'm not sure, lol
 
You don't use a rotary buffer to remove wax, that's not what it's intended for and a good way to mess up your paint.
 
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