Which buffer is best?
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.
The pads and attachments will add up but for the machine, the $120 is spot on. Refurbished ones hit ~$100.
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
Also check Amazon. They had it for around $100 a while back
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
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.
Last edited by Jabberwock; Aug 18, 2013 at 08:47 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: California
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.
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.
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
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
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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
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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.
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.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: PA
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!
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.
With the right pads and product a R.O./D.A. can make your car look good.
Last edited by HiloDB1; Aug 19, 2013 at 12:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: OK
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.
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.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
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.
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.
Last edited by LScowboyLS; Aug 19, 2013 at 04:24 PM.
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.
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.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: PA