[Liesjemt]

Ok, who hasn't heard that one?

Well I would like to try.

Never used one before, but I assume I'll be fine if I just read the instructions.

What do I need to look for in choosing one?

I've been considering this one:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...05-38307-TF10P

To be clear I'm not looking at anything over $100. Idealy under $50. This just isn't something I would be using all the time.

[Orataro]

I have a similar one by Ryobi and it worked out great on an old red truck I had. It brought back the shine of years of sunlight. Just get a few extra polishing pads. I did most of it by hand and finished it off with the polisher.

Good Luck!

[MSIGuy]

I wouldn't trust that. I know your price range is under $100, but honestly, do you really want to be putting something sub par onto your paint?

What exactly is it that you think you need to buff out? Are their scratches or paint transfer that you're trying to get rid of or are you just trying to get rid of a few swirl marks?

If you're serious about swirl removal and can find the room in your budget you should look at the Porter Cable 7424 which is regarded as an excellent DA Polisher for the new user and even seasoned detailers. The Ultimate Detailing Machine is also a great choice, and this kit comes with all the stuff you'd need (a variety of pads for different tasks).

If you're looking for more information on how to use these I suggest joining http://www.autopia.org and reading up. They've got TONS of information there.

[Liesjemt]

Good points.

I just want the buffer to add to my normal wash routine. I figure on breaking it out about once a month (more often during show season). My car is a daily driver right now and puts up w the indignities of public parking lots and their assorted minor door dings. (Though not bad the paint is less than show perfect right now.)

In an ideal world I would like it to remove some soda spatter down the side from some @sswipe this past summer. I'm hoping to get some new vinyl before the start of the next show season & plan to have a pro give the exterior some love between pulling off the old & putting on the new. (BTW the vinyl prevents me from using many waxes, polishes & other products. I was hoping the buffer would help offset that.)

I guess I'm trying to decide if its worth it, at this price range, to pick one up.

Otherwise I'm sure I know someone around here that will let me borrow theirs (if I buy my own pads of course) a few times so I can decide if I'll really use it enough to invest in a quality one.

[xBliz]

i have a harbor frieghts one and its never left a scratch on my show & go vr4. i love that thing to death. theyre so cheap that if they break, you dont care because it lasted as long as it did, and you can buy another one if you need it.. and like i said, ive never had an issue with mine. ive had it for about a year now & use it on my vr4 almost monthly [its a 93, it needs it.]

[MSIGuy]

If you're looking to just have a DA polisher primarily to apply waxes and sealants then a PC 7242 with a gray pad (no cut) or something similar would probably be a good idea.

If you're going to take your car to a "professional" detailer make sure they know what they're doing. There are lots of people out there that call themselves professionals but will end up doing more harm than good marring and halograming your paint. I know that Autopia.org has a list of recomended detailers that do quality work. Look at that and search for one in your area or post and ask. You will want to look for one that has a nice protfolio (most good ones will have TONS of pictures).

I find that you can usually tell a great detailer from an average one from looking at their pictures and inspecting things like the door jams (they still need to clean and wax that!) and the wheel wells (cleaned and dressed). One that takes the time and has the attention to detail to do those areas usually are the ones that go the extra mile to really make the car look good and enjoy their job.

[Orataro]

Originally Posted by Liesjemt

Otherwise I'm sure I know someone around here that will let me borrow theirs (if I buy my own pads of course) a few times so I can decide if I'll really use it enough to invest in a quality one.

Your more then welcome to give mine a try if you like? It's just sitting in my storage here. Next time your in the Valley let me know. Not sure when I'll be using it again being the xb is gone.

[Liesjemt]

Your more then welcome to give mine a try if you like? It's just sitting in my storage here. Next time your in the Valley let me know. Not sure when I'll be using it again being the xb is gone.

Thank you Ron, I might take you up on that when it warms up.

It's been about a year I should be due for jury duty soon
99% of the time I'm in the valley has been for jury duty

[dre]

well the key here is you get wat u pay for i never used one myself but i think if ur going to get one dont low ball urself

[Blue_dragon_192]

Here is where I would start:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php?

The people on that site are like you guys here. Friendly and love their cars.
They have great knowledge and share with everyone.
From what I have seen, the Porter Cable is the way to go. I use all their products and I love them....

Hope this helps.

Blue

[MSIGuy]

The PC 7424 is great, but you can get the Ultimate Detail Machine that has 20% more power, and corrects faster for like $20 more.

[brodey1]

I'll second the notion to go check out Autopia, everything you'll need to learn on how to machine polish correctly.

I went with the "Ultimate Detailing Machine", Menzerna polishes, and Lake County pads.

I would highly recommend spending some time at Autopia, especially if you are entering shows.

I haven't machine polished my box yet, I'm really looking forward to it, it will be super easy due to all the flat areas, not many curves to deal with !!

The machine you are looking at really only has the ability to apply wax, it has no "paint correcting" properties