What kind of buffer do I need, where to find ?

I need to pick up a buffer, to buff out my new clearcoat after sanding.
What kind should I get ? Orbital ? multi speed ?

Theres a couple used ones locally, they are orbital, but only single speed, will that work ok for my needs ?

Also, if anyone could suggest a good buffing compound and glaze that would help

Thanks

I really like my Makita


Go over to a big detailing forum, thats where you'll get the most feedback

Detailing forum, thats a good idea, didnt think of that.

variable speed Makita, very good tool.

Is this your first time buffing? If so you may want to use a dual head buffer, as there is less risk of burn through.

As for buffers I like the CYCLO brand.

I never buffed a car before i did my Duster recently, I also added extra clear when i painted it because I knew I'd need it. I bought a Sears single speed thats not exactly fast either. I did some wet sanding and took my time and hit each panel with 3M perfect-It #1 I am very pleased with my results, and I had no burn through on buffing anywhere, including the edges

Spend $250 and buy Makita, don't waste your money on garbage DeWalt, I can't remember how many of them I went through till I bought Makita, which has been driven over a few times and still going strong, I use it on regular basis,not as once in a few years project type of use.

I use a variable speed 7" rotary to do the major cutting. Well, for everything right now...but plan on getting a dual action for final polishing so I don't get swirls. Meguiars has a good forum for information on buffing and polishing technique. Since you're local, check out the guys over at Glaze Distributing. They sell wholesale to the public and are really good guys.

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I need to pick up a buffer, to buff out my new clearcoat after sanding.
What kind should I get ? Orbital ? multi speed ?

Theres a couple used ones locally, they are orbital, but only single speed, will that work ok for my needs ?

Also, if anyone could suggest a good buffing compound and glaze that would help

Makita, definitey, I have tried alot of different stuff ,but always end back up using 3M products, perfect -it, finesse-it, hand glaze, different pads required for each step

Porter Cable. Variable. Orbital. Adams.

I did my initial "cut and buff" yesterday. I used meguires buffing compound in the cream colored bottle, a wool pad, and my dad's old 7" craftsman 2 speed buffer.

results are ok for now. I may let it sit a few more days and maybe try something different to really make it pop.

right now, I'm happy with how it looks though. I wet sanded a few runs, some orange peel on the passenger door and fender, and buffed the whole truck, even the original paint.

an orbital will not work for cutting and buffing. you need a high speed like the makita or dewalt. I have both, I like the speed control on the dewalt better and it seems to have more power. Never had a problem with them braking, check the brushes, keep them clean and greased. The Makita is a little more maintenance friendly though.

I do like the Porte cable d/a polisher too but only for final polish and wax. The Cyclo's are pretty much the same deal. Good for polish and wax, wont help you on a wet sanded surface.

My duster was wet sanded and buffed a few yrs back when my cousin did the body and painted it. After a few yrs now it has lost its "SHINE". I want to buff it out to get the shine back. Will I have to wet sand it too?? Never did either so it will be my first time.
What do you guys suggest I do and use??

you shouldnt need to wet sand it again.

Thanks Adam...Im borrowing a friends Makita 4 speed. What would you suggest for compound??

If the paint just needs a tune up and still has some shine to it then start with a soft foam polishing pad and a fine polish/machine glaze. If it doesn't shine up quickly then get a fine or medium cutting compound and then go back over it with the machine glaze. Stay away from the heavy cutting compounds unless the paint is dried out like chalk.

Go slow and let the machine do the work.

Thanks for the info Neil!!!!

Mike, I agree with Neal, Dont go right to a compound. a Polish should be good. We use Maquires at the shop. 105 compound and 205 polish. Polish first with a yellow foam pad, follow it up with a black foam pad.

I have a old craftsman 7" I used to use for all, but now I will only use for cutting, and bought a porter cable random orbital with variable speed (from e-bay) for a great price, works awesome but a little slow but with foam pads it is very forgiving as far as not rubbing thru the paint, I also have a small air buffer 3" for tight areas that works rather well. I use 3m for my compounds that have always worked good for me, however they are a little bit pricey.

Buff Pro, by far the best buffer I have ever used!!

$450 plus $50 a pad ? No thanks.

$450 is cheap, check this out! Best buffer money can buy!
http://www.aircraftpolish.com/SPEC%20Machines.html

This is a great post

I need to clean up on of the rides and long ago id cut and buff a car with great results, but this was a long time ago and not my car,

Id do your car today mine will wait till I get a bit more practice...

Anyone know of a forum that may sell used buffers??

Used ones show up on Craigslist all the time. Pawn shops would be another source for used tools.

Thanks Neil....What do I look for to make sure its good??

Porter-Cable. Variable/Orbital. Adams. Griots.

Run it before you buy it to make sure it doesn't have any death sounds.

If it breaks you can always buy parts and rebuild it. On the ones I used to operate the trigger switch would fail or the electrical chord needed replaced.

One that was used a few times a year by someone like us is going to have a lot of life left in it, and those are the ones that will get bought up quickly. One that was used by a detail shop 5 days a week for several years is going to look the part and should be avoided unless you can get it cheap.

I ended up buying a 7" variable speed rotary buffer from my paint supply guy.
After wetsanding my new clearcoat with 1000, 1500, 2000 grit and then buffing and polishing the results have been outstanding.
Heres a couple pics.

another

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Porter Cable. Variable. Orbital. Adams.

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3m products for buffing