toddwiens

I am wanting to buy a buffer.
I don't want to spend a bunch of money. Maybe under $120.00.
Any suggestions?
What have you found works best?

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I hear the Porter Cable 7424xp is one of the best random orbital buffers in that price range. It's pretty popular too.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The PC 7424 is among constant discussion, hard to go wrong and once good technique is learned. The pads and attachments will add up but for the machine, the $120 is spot on. Refurbished ones hit ~$100.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

Detailedimage.com usually has bundles on the Porter Cable where you get a few different pads to start out with. Check the Vendor Marketplace here on the forums for any specials or sales they may have on the buffer.

Also check Amazon. They had it for around $100 a while back

Jabberwock

Harbor Freight had a very nice variable speed random orbital buffer for sale last year for about $60 on sale. It was virtual clone of more expensive brand name buffer at 2X price. Quite a bit of chatter on it in the detailing forums. It may still be available. Be aware that to do a nice job you need to get a pro quality level set of pads no matter what buffer you get.

Sh1nra

^^^^ Agreed! Most of your money will go towards pads pads pads!


But back to topic
Griot's Garage 6 inch Polisher.
I manage to get one ( with 25ft cable) at $107 a few months back.
Porter Cable 7424xp is also a very good choice.

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

find one that offers a good warranty.
also, i recommend a corded buffer.
the battery for cordless tools takes a long time to fully charge, yet dissipate very quickly.
and the batteries eventually die and arent covered under warranty

Sevenevez

iTrader: (2)

MAn you can't beat the Griot's Garage Random Orbital its right in your price range and the results really put the nail in the coffin to me. i havent touched my Viper buffer since i got it. Heres a lil proof

Before:



After

HiloDB1

iTrader: (3)

Griot's Garage buffer gets my vote. Its a lot more powerful than the PC.

Griot's - 7 amp motor
PC 7424 - 4.5 amp motor

But its not the best. In its price range though its hard to beat.

Prochamber

Yes get one with the higher amp motor. I had a PC and sold it after about 3 uses because it wasn't powerful enough. It's a safe machine to use but that's about it. I purchased a rotary by Dewalt and couldn't be happier. I usually do all 3 cars in late Spring and then again in late Fall. All of my cars stay show room clean with less work having to be done. Later!

HiloDB1

iTrader: (3)

I wouldnt recommend a rotary buffer unless you are skilled and already familiar with it. Its easy to burn through your paint if you use it incorrectly. An R.O./D.A.(Random Orbit/Dual Action) buffer is defiantly a safer choice.

With the right pads and product a R.O./D.A. can make your car look good.

toddwiens

Thanks for all of the help!
Prochamber: Nice Benz!
As I get older, my joints can't take the hand waxing I used to do.
I used to literally wax my car with my hand. Using 1 Grand carnauba.
The heat from your hand melts the wax and you really feel when there is enough wax in the paint.
It also lets you know right away if there is any grit.
Car Care Online is an awesome source of information and products.
I buy everything from him & he is just a phone call away for getting your questions answered.

LScowboyLS

the best is about $58 over your price range, but worth it!

Makita 9227C

The 9227C is powered by a 10 AMP motor with variable speed that delivers 600 - 3,000 RPM, with electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load. The soft start feature ensures smooth start-ups, and the lock-on button is designed for continuous use at one speed.

HiloDB1

iTrader: (3)

I don't believe there is a best. Only the right tool for the job. A rotary is not the best for removing light surface imperfections or swirl marks/holograms or applying polish/wax and a R.O./D.A. is not the best for removing heavy scratches or for major paint correction. There are a lot of buffers out that are really good but it all depends of what you need it for and how much you want to spend.

Prochamber

Thanks for the compliment! Had her for almost 10 years. Currently about 300 miles from crossing over to 264,000. Stills run strong. Later!