Replies

1. 
   danmart | Sep 15, 2007 03:11pm | #1

   Boss

   Buffers: look around and compare before you buy.

   Here are some things that are important and you should consider them carefully:

   1. Will you use the buffer for woodworking only?

   2. Are you looking at polishing mostly large open/flat areas?

   3. Is the weight of the tool a limit for you?

   My experience: I use my buffer for polishing all kinds of hardened finishes on wood and autobody paint jobs. The tool I have is the DeWalt 849. I am really happy with this workhorse. It is heavy but that doesn't trouble me. I am 160lbs and no gym rat and its still in my hands for long periods of time. There are lighter models and lots of heavier ones. Consider that.

   Why the DW 849? the most important feature for me is the speed control. It is in 2 places. You have a wheel setting feature that you can put as low as 1000rpm and slow it down further with the variable speed trigger. This is the feature I love for getting in delicate areas and not "burning thru" the finish. The speed you select with the wheel is the fastest that you can go when you "hog" the trigger. Its an adult supervision governor for the impatient types.

   I use foam/sponge like pads and keep them separated in plastic bags according to the polishing compound that I use with the pad. Its very important not to mix an aggresive compound with a polish pad. You can NOT get one pad and use 4 different compounds. It will not work and you will be unhappy and frustrated.

   I feel strongly about one thing: do not go out and buy a fast turning buffer with no speed dial that prevents you from "over doing it" as you go. I know a few friends who told me "Oh Dan you're too picky" and they use all purpose buffers and try to control the buffing with the trigger only.

   Their work always has the telltale signs of swirls and burns. This is after hours of hard work.

   For me, its been my saving tool when I get that ugly orange peel and I have to get rid of it. That's your baby.

   Good Luck on your choice

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/15/2007 8:14 am ET by danmart

1. 
   peter28 | Sep 18, 2007 03:45am | #2

   You make a hell of an assistant.

   PG

1. 
   danmart | Sep 19, 2007 12:48am | #3

   Peter

   Sorry-didn't mean to get in the way there. I was sitting on the back porch with a lap top when I saw this. After all the fenders, wings and propellers that I have buffed, I thought I could  vector the guy close to the decision point. Like they used to say in the AF, target rich situation - pick your dot.

   Dan

1. 
   peter28 | Sep 19, 2007 01:20am | #4

   Dan

   You misread me, I was really glad for the help. It was a great answer.

   Are all you AF guys that sensitive?

   Peter

1. 
   danmart | Sep 19, 2007 04:06pm | #5

   Nah. I just felt dumb after I punched that off and realized I was in the expert area and not the general discussion. Just a brain cramp. Then I was still too slow to fix the @#$% and delete it. So that's the story. Any way I think I'll go spin my buffer and get happy.

   later

   D 

2. 
   Don01 | Sep 23, 2007 06:56pm | #6

   I picked up a new in box Makita 9227 right angle unit at a pawn shop. It has all all of the features, is easy to handle. Do not get one of those 2 hands required 10" buffers that are sold for automotive finishing unless you are dealing with large flat surfaces. They do not offer multi speed nor do are they easy to control. They are cheap though.

   The Makita has a hook and loop pad to which I attach the various 3M style abrasive pads. This gives some additional flexibility when prepping surfaces.