Ready to purchase an orbital buffer...tips?

mineo77 · 04-12-2010, 08:50 PM

So i am in the market to purchase a mechanical/electric buffer. Seems there are tons to choose from...any tips or suggestions of better ones?

JohnL135I · 04-12-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mineo77

So i am in the market to purchase a mechanical/electric buffer. Seems there are tons to choose from...any tips or suggestions of better ones?

Simple answer...........FLEX

http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/

Roshi · 04-12-2010, 10:49 PM

Very happy with my PC 7424XP.

REVNU · 04-13-2010, 02:59 AM

I like my Meguiars G110. More than enough power to remove defects and polish. I hear good things about the FLEX and PC 7424XP too.

The one thing that swayed me away from the flex is the inability to use smaller pads. I like being able to use 3" and 4" pads on my G110 for the tighter areas.

I think you will be more than happy with any one you choose though.

BlackjackMulligan · 04-13-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnL135I

Simple answer...........FLEX

http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/

+ 1 million

Red Bread · 04-13-2010, 09:52 AM

I've had both, and you can't go wrong with either a Flex or a Porter Cable. Plan on spending at least as much as the actual polisher on good pads, a quality backing plate and polishes. You really can't go wrong with Lake Country dual density pads and Menzerna polishes in my experience.

One other thing to consider, get a very high quality extension cord in the largest guage wiring you can afford. I had to replace the motor on my 7424 after it threw a fit over a 100 ft, small guage extension cord. This brings up the point that getting small parts for the PC is very easy, something I haven't found to be quite as true for the Flex.

rsjean · 04-13-2010, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iainthim

Very happy with my PC 7424XP.

+ 1 BILLION

HPFREAK · 04-13-2010, 01:20 PM

Flex and dont look back

mineo77 · 04-13-2010, 11:58 PM

thanks...i like the Flex. What pads would you rec for the newbie?

Greg@DetailedImage · 04-14-2010, 08:24 PM

My pad recommendation would depend on what products/steps you are doing. Here is some general guidelines with the Flex:

Purple and Yellow - Medium/Heavy Polishes
Orange and Cyan - Medium Polishes
Green - Medium to Light Polishes
White and Tangerine - Light Polishes, AIO
Black - Glaze, Sealant, Wax
Blue - Sealant, Wax

I recommend checking out these two kits, of which you can select any pad combination you would like by adding a comment in the comment field when checking out:
DI Packages Flex XC 3401 VRG, Meguiar's Polish and Hydro Pads
DI Packages Flex XC3401VRG Starter Package

If you want help selecting the right pads for you for the best products to help you achieve your detailing goals feel free to send me a PM or e-mail.

Greg @ DI

04-12-2010, 08:50 PM	#1
mineo77 Lieutenant Colonel 123 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2010 135i,1989 PRO3,2001 530i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland,OR iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i coupe [7.56]	Ready to purchase an orbital buffer...tips? So i am in the market to purchase a mechanical/electric buffer. Seems there are tons to choose from...any tips or suggestions of better ones? __________________ 135i coupe  6MT  TiAg  ///M sport http://www.rhominnovations.com www.musicarNW.com www.unitedBMWonline.com
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04-12-2010, 10:49 PM	#3
Roshi Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2015 M235 - MW, 6MT. Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: So Cal iTrader: (1)	Very happy with my PC 7424XP.
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04-13-2010, 02:59 AM	#4
REVNU Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2005 WRX 2.2 Stroker Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: The OC iTrader: (0)	I like my Meguiars G110. More than enough power to remove defects and polish. I hear good things about the FLEX and PC 7424XP too. The one thing that swayed me away from the flex is the inability to use smaller pads. I like being able to use 3" and 4" pads on my G110 for the tighter areas. I think you will be more than happy with any one you choose though.
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04-13-2010, 09:52 AM	#6
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I've had both, and you can't go wrong with either a Flex or a Porter Cable. Plan on spending at least as much as the actual polisher on good pads, a quality backing plate and polishes. You really can't go wrong with Lake Country dual density pads and Menzerna polishes in my experience. One other thing to consider, get a very high quality extension cord in the largest guage wiring you can afford. I had to replace the motor on my 7424 after it threw a fit over a 100 ft, small guage extension cord. This brings up the point that getting small parts for the PC is very easy, something I haven't found to be quite as true for the Flex.
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04-13-2010, 01:20 PM	#8
HPFREAK Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,884 Posts Drives: C6 ZO6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (8)	Flex and dont look back
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04-13-2010, 11:58 PM	#9
mineo77 Lieutenant Colonel 123 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2010 135i,1989 PRO3,2001 530i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland,OR iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i coupe [7.56]	thanks...i like the Flex. What pads would you rec for the newbie? __________________ 135i coupe  6MT  TiAg  ///M sport http://www.rhominnovations.com www.musicarNW.com www.unitedBMWonline.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-14-2010, 08:24 PM	#10
Greg@DetailedImage 125 Rep 3,515 Posts Drives: clean and protected Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	My pad recommendation would depend on what products/steps you are doing. Here is some general guidelines with the Flex: Purple and Yellow - Medium/Heavy Polishes Orange and Cyan - Medium Polishes Green - Medium to Light Polishes White and Tangerine - Light Polishes, AIO Black - Glaze, Sealant, Wax Blue - Sealant, Wax I recommend checking out these two kits, of which you can select any pad combination you would like by adding a comment in the comment field when checking out: DI Packages Flex XC 3401 VRG, Meguiar's Polish and Hydro Pads DI Packages Flex XC3401VRG Starter Package If you want help selecting the right pads for you for the best products to help you achieve your detailing goals feel free to send me a PM or e-mail. Greg @ DI
	Appreciate 0 Quote