Which parts are which? (moved)

[infernooo]

Hi everyone,



I am a complete newbie when it comes to machine buffing/polishing, and today I bought myself a new toy... an Orbital Buffer.



However, even though it has instructions, it doesn't indicate which parts are which, so I was hoping I could post some pictures and you guys could help me out.



The booklet has 3 parts that I am unsure about - the polishing pad, the polishing buff and the polishing cloth. I'm assuming that the polishing pad is indeed the correct part circled in yellow on the first picture:

It seems to be 3 layered as you can see (but all layers attached)... when I replace the pad, does it completely replace all 3 layers (i.e. replace it with the same pad, but a newer one?) or I guess there are different kinds of pads? Also, do you EVER use the pad itself to polish/buff? or is it always covered with a cloth/cover of some sort?



The buffer came with 2 covers which appear to have 2 distinct sides on each of them.

The first cover looks like the following on one side:

and like this on the other side:

(It also has a drawstring to tighten it around the pad).



The other cover looks like this on one side:

and like this on the other side:

As you can see from the pictures, I am not sure which side is which (for the first one, do I use the woolen side, or the fabric-type side? and for the second one, do I use the rough side or the smooth, slightly shiny side?) or even which cover is which (i.e. which cover is the polishing cloth and which is the polishing buff?)



Thank you for your help everyone!

 

[Big Leegr]

Well, I won't say which is named what *for sure,* but the basic "duties" of the pieces are as follows:

The foam pad is pretty much a permanent fixture. I haven't ever seen replacements sold anywhere. It shouldn't be used uncovered. It is not "interchangeable" like the pads used on PC's. It is just a base for the bonnets to be wrapped around.

The non-"woolen" bonnet is used for application of waxes/polishes.

The "woolen" (not real wool) bonnet is used as a final buff to "bring out the shine." (not really needed with most "modern" waxes/sealants)

Personally, I'd skip using the "woolen" bonnet. I think you'll end up inducing some marring.

As to the second one, You should have more than just one, unless you plan on using it for just 1 polish, and applying the wax/sealant by hand. You shouldn't mix products on a bonnet.

I'm sure you would know this from reading through Autopia, but the buffer you have is not as powerful as a PC, so don't expect miracles from it. I doubt it will remove much in the way of swirls/scratches.

That said, I used to use one a while back (before stepping up to a PC, then rotary) and I liked using it. It allowed me to work in polishes/1 step waxes much more thoroughly/evenly/thinly than I was by hand.

Nice pictures, by the way. Very helpful. Hope this helped some!

 

[infernooo]

It did help a lot - thanks for the reply I think I have some playing around to do now!