Random Orbital Question.

[WhiteCrane]

I've said in the past that I do not want to get into hardcore detailing... but I have a birthday coming up and may treat myself to a full out detailing kit costing over $150 or so.

Now here's some big questions about a buffer.

Does it save you time? Does it yield better results than doing by hand. I'm not lazy, I don't mind buffing by hand.

I have a feeling Junkman may wanna answer this last one, but you're all skilled detailers so I ask in open forum.

Why is there such emphasis on the Porter Cable brand? It's just another random orbital buffer, right? There are other random random orbital buffers out there costing much less.

Much as I want to buy a kit from Adam's (and probably still will) I can't help but see some of the kits at Griot's Garage that include their own orbital buffer, waxes and polishes for much less $$$. I like Adam's but, I think we all agree that Griot's is also professional grade. It seems in this instance when you are considering a buffer to cost less.

Do you have any thoughts here? Should I buy the buffer from home depot and worry about the polishes from these specialty companies?

[garcmol]

I can't knock Griot's line 'cause I've never used it. However, the Porter Cable (PC) is what Junkman uses and Adam's carries. That's the line I went with, so my skills were honed using their techniques.

The PC is a very very very dependable machine that is very SAFE for your vehicle's finish. Therefore it is a favorite among a lot of detailers and hobbiests.

I've just began using a Flex as well as another step to get better at this. I've yet to use a rotary polisher.

The key to this type of detailing is time and patience! I won't say you can't get the same results by hand, but I will say that the time you spend doing it by hand will quadruple the time it takes with a PC. You've got to love doing this or you'll rush the job, and disappointment will follow.

Good luck with decision and happy, soon to be, birthday!

[WhiteCrane]

Oh wow, so a PC will save time? Ok.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

So the PC is not orbital?

[2LTRS]

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

So the PC is not orbital?

The pc is a random orbital

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[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by 2LTRS

The pc is a random orbital

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Gotcha!

[Gramps]

The Griots 6" random orbital buffer blows the Porter Cable away...much more powerful and just as safe...and cheaper (it includes a backing plate),,,and it has a life time warranty. You simply cannot beat that for an entry level machine. It takes the same pads that fit the PC.

The PC is over rated in my view...it struggles with 6.5" pads when dealing with really bad paint correction. (use the 5.5" for better results). Its OK on paint that is not in bad shape. I like best for just putting on finishing wax or sealant...but for serious work when I'm in a hurry, the PC is the last machine I'd use.