Why should you NOT use the orbital buffers from Walmart?

T

thedarksyde

New member
So I was in the cleaner isle at walmart, getting a new bucket and scratch-X and they have a low cost orbital buffer...



What reasons should I NOT be using this (At least until I can get a PC)
 
No real reason not to use it. It will speed application of chemical paint cleaners and waxes. But don't expect much in the way of usefulness in breaking down polishes to remove swirls or marring. The only real reason not to get it is that you could save the $20 or so and put it toward buying the PC sooner.
 
You have no choices when it comes to pad selection. Save your $$$ & wait for a PC or hunt Ebay for a bargain. Got a 7336 for $70 + shipping .... looks like it was used once or twice.
 
Yeah, even working within its limitations you'll have to consider what pads are available for it. Most of the bonnets I've seen for those things would mar automotive paint. The foam pads might be OK, but I'd just save the money towards something better too. Under $100 is cerainly possible for a PC if you keep your eyes open. Used Cyclos go cheap on ebay from time to time too.



And if you're dealing with Audi clear (like the TT in your tagline) you'll need all the power of a PC and then some ;)
 
I wasted several years using three of those things, one after the other, wondering why I couldn't do anything more than remove wax with crummy quality terry and foam bonnets as the only choice of accessories.
 
Thanks, for the most part the question is confirming my suspicisions about them. Your answers are what I was looking for. Thanks for clearing that up, and helping me out.
 
Being that I have one and it's a 10" terror, I'll keep using it for it's sheer area, as a wax/polish removal tool.

I'll probably get some terry bonnets for the 7424 and see how that goes, but I have a ton of bonnets for the ol' 10 incher, so I might as well keep using it- that is all it's good for.

It's not professional by any means, but it is a big saver of precious elbow grease.
 
uh. . i use one because my arm gets tired. Opposed to nothing, an orbita will more uniformly cover an area than you can.



but everyone here seems to agree, pad/bonnet selection is lame; choose carefully.
 
Yeah, that is a tool that could really use some upgrading. If that were to happen , it wouldn't be that bad
 
I've never seen this particular buffer either but these would be my reservations based on my limited experience with a PC, I've never seen or used a Cyclo :



The Wal-Mart buffer is an orbital (oscillating) buffer and I'd guess the Wal-Mart buffer has 1 or 2 speeds, the PC has probable 20 speeds (never actually counted) between 1 and 6 on the speed dial.



The Wal-Mart buffer comes with a terry cloth bonnet & this isn't going to do much cutting so the functionality of the buffer is limited to really light polishing & waxing.



PC pads come in different sizes, different cutting ability, different designs, and different attaching methods (Edge pads vs velcro) that will allow it to do everything the other buffer can do & do so much more ... and do it better.



The Wal-Mart buffer will save wear 'n tear on your arms but don't expect it to do much more than the simple task(s) that it was designed to do.
 
Your looking at the wrong aisle, instead look at the power tool department for rotary orbital sander with a 5" hook plate which is about the same cost as the wimpy buffer, but you get tons more power and torque and you can also use any of the large seleection of loop foam pads for Sonus and LC.
 
2000_EBP_civic said:
so all the people that work the cash and stock the shelves are residents of china?
Click to expand...

BUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNN!:p



I'm sure we'd all like to get our $.02 in here, but let's keep the thread on track.

This might be a lively topic in the 'Off-topic" forum...
 


Originally posted by audipower (Astabula)

because there communist company. that takes away jobs from americans and gives them to China.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by 2000_EBP_civic (toronto)

so all the people that work the cash and stock the shelves are residents of china?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Originally posted by audio1der (Calgary, AB)

BUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNN!:p



I'm sure we'd all like to get our $.02 in here, but let's keep the thread on track.

This might be a lively topic in the 'Off-topic" forum...
Click to expand...



:confused: Why are three guys from Canada arguing about American jobs?
 
The reason why I had to go three of these machines is because they are poorly made and either broke altogether or the padding that is glued onto the oscillating part delaminated. Unfortunately it's a case of you get what you pay for in addition to only two choices of bonnets.
 
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