Hi - I have been checking out all the posts I could search with "polisher" and it would seem the Porter Cable 7424 is the hands-down favourite, but at my local clip joint it's $229!
I'm looking at a Simoniz Random Orbit machine for...$22...spedd is fixed at 3800 opm - what do you think?

Brian

 

Google it........get it for $105 shipped. You won't be sorry.

The new XP model may be $20 more.

 

What danimal said.


All this for two bills.
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-udmsfx-kit.html

 

i got my 7424xp from coastal tool. 119$ with the 6" backing plate and weight. then search for some lake country kompressor pads.
3800 is a tad bit high but not overkill. if you go this route be careful. its really not the speed as much as using high quality pads. most generic buffers use wool pads which can eat right thru the clearcoat. the lc pads are designed for a specific use ie; polkishing ,glazing wax application

 

Check out the Meguiars unit. It is comparable to the 7424. I have the 7424 and love it. But not at that price.

And variable speed is a must. Polish med/high. Wax application low/med. Oh, yeah-a must!

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_85i6oo18tr_b

 

Don't bother with one of those cheap department store models. You should be able to get the PC7424 for ~$100.

 

Stick with the Porter Cable 7424XP, our cars have a very hard clearcoat. You'll need something that will remove more clearcoat imperfections at a fast but safe rate. Autogeek has it for $119. You won't be sorry, you'll be hooked!

Porter cable 7424xp, 7424xp, Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher, Porter Cable polisher, car polisher, buffer, sander-polisher

 

Try here.

www.tools-plus.com/porter-cable-7424

 

Thanks for all the tips, folks. I'll keep looking (but don't forget I'm in Canada and I think those lesser prices are $US?)

Brian

 

How would we know? You don't show your location.

 

No matter where you are, do not waste your loonies on that cheap polisher. You will be disappointed. Get the PC or the Meguiars'.

 

Yes, sorry about the missing location and such. I have not, as yet, looked into all the bells and whistles, avatars, signatures, etc. etc. I'll get there!

 

Not to go against what Dan said but just a word of caution. I bought my boss a PC off the internet, new in the box, it was 99$ + shipping. I was trying to explain to my boss that you just attach the various velcro backed buffing pads by way of the hook and loop attachment on the PC. Mine came with that and my Lake County pads just pull off and on via the hook and loop (velcro). Well his didn't come with the hook and loop attachment, just the big white pad which you can not attach the velcro buffing pads to. SO MAKE SURE THE ONE YOU BUY COMES WITH THAT ATTACHMENT! Its call the hook and loop attachment and it cost me another 35bucks from Porter Cable. My PC was 149$ so I guess when it doesn't come with the hook and loop they can sell it cheaper.

 

Waaay too much money for an absolutely fantastic machine. You an easily find one for half that price, but most definitely make sure it comes with a backing plate, or purchase one seperately.



Waaaay too much money for a worthless piece of junk. Speed alone means nothing, it has to be able to take some pressure in order to accomplish anything. You need amperage so that the machine doesn't bog down at the slightest hint of pressure.

 

Thanks Mike, and all others . I've been convinced to buy the P-C, but here in Canada it's no so easy to find cheap (not that I'm an auto parts expert, either).

I did find this place and it's only about a nice Xfire's drive away...
eShine Canada: Porter Cable 7424XP Swirl Buster Kit

but we're still talking two bills...

 

Jeez. That's as high as the ba...tail on a draft horse!

I wonder how many I can bring over as "Personal Hygiene Equipment"?

I could make a killing...

 

Must be paying for our health care with my detailing money ;^)....

 

Porter Cable 7424 Car Buffer / 7424 Polisher at Tools Plus

velcro backing pads seem to be cheaper at this site...

 

Thank you Sonoronos.

That is a much better price on the lake pads.

 

Hey, it is yours and you can polish it as fast as you want to .....right??



Just kidding, you should get the Porter if you think you need a polisher. An alternative that I have achieved similar results is for $25, buy a Mothers (Yellow) paint ball. You use it with a drill and you would not believe the results. There is no way it can cause swirls if you follow directions and it is not hard to get used to. After you use it, clean with soap and water and you are ready again. Since I have had mine, my buffer never has had a need to come out again.