What's the diff. between a PC and an orbital buffer?

I

imported_method

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What's the difference between a PC and an orbital buffer?



I'm just asking because PCs are very popular here and cost $100-$150. I was at Wal-Mart the other day and saw an orbital buffer for $9.95. There must be a significant difference if very few people on here use orbital buffers.



Can someone enlighten me?
 
Quality of the machine (you get what you pay for). Availability and selection of pads. The cheaper orbitals do not have the selection of pads for compounds, cleaners, polish, buff etc.
 
Quote: What's the diff. between a PC and an orbital buffer?



~One man’s opinion / observations ~



For comparison:



Specification:

Porter-Cable Random Orbital Buffer 7336

Electronic variable speed: 2,500 – 6,000 OPM

Spiral bevel gears, 100% ball and roller bearing construction

Power: 120 VAC, 50-60 Hz / 120V Vac

Motor: 3.7 amps

Non-Load speed: 2,500-6,000 OPM

Spindle Thread: 5/16� – 24

5/32� Eccentric offset (orbit radius)

Gear Drive: Spiral bevel

Size: 11 ½â€� long, 4’Width, 4.5â€�Height

Weight 5 ¾ lbs.

Counterweight: 6�- 699933, T15 Torx Screws to hold the counter-weights in place





~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*
 
Thanks for the replies. I read the link you gave, and it doesn't sound like an orbital buffer is any more dangerous to paint thatn a pc is.



I wonder if should get the orbital buffer at Wal-Mart and at least try it out? For $9.95 it would be interesting to see if it works. The wife's beater Ford Ranger would make a good test subject and I wouldn't care too much if that got swirls on it.



What do you guys think? Is it so cheap it can't possibly be any good?
 
the 9.95 buffer just won't have the power the pc does for working in polishes. that's all i use mine for. the 9.95 one was designed more or less the spread and buff wax. i do that by hand anyway.
 
It's true that it's not any more dangerous, but it's dramatically less effective at removing defects, plus the larger size pads absorb more of your product, which to me, (a spendthrift), always seems kind of wasteful.



If you don't mind a lot of your chemicals saturating into the larger pad, and if you don't really need to or want to remove defects, you merely want to apply and remove polish or wax, then it will work fine.



The key deciding factor should be whether or not your purchasing it with the hope of removing swirls and scratches.



Hope this helps...



Mike
 
OK, sounds like I will stick to polishing/waxing by hand. I was planning to do this anyway, but saw that buffer for such a low price I had to ask about it!



I have my very first order of Klasse AIO and SG coming in this week. Can't wait to try them.
 
My dad bought up a Coleman Orbital and plans to adapt a Meguair's Velcro backing plate and their yellow pads and Ultimate Bonnet. I am going to invest in a PC and see who has the better finish. I'm also going to steal his pads after he sees my finish and his jaw hits the floor.
 
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