Which Buffer?

[Venom_5]

unfortunately, i cant afford a PC .... but i dont really need a buffer to do my entire car

primarily, i would like to finish de-hazing my headlights (i have 60, 80, 100, 150, 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 grit sandpaper ... i think i just need polishing compound, is that right?) ... but i'd also use it to clean up counter-tops in the house ... and also to clean out rough spots on the Camry or the Outback

so which one of these two do you think i should go for?

Craftsman 7" Buffer/Polisher

Black & Decker 6" Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher

ive had good experiences with both brands (my jigsaw is B&D, all my automotive equip is Craftsman), but ive never really been one to use a buffer - i always do things by hand

i cant seem to do the headlights by hand

[eddie926]

Hey Venom, can't really comment specifically on either of those units, but in general those kinds of units are only good for applying wax, etc. They generally don't have enough power for defect correction work.

You can occasionally find a good deal on a used PC on eBay like this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porte...spagenameZWDVW

A brand new one can be had for $100 on ebay or at Coastal Tool

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...f4c+1211915216

So, if you're willing to spend almost $50 on the ones you listed I'd recommend waiting and saving enough for the PC. I think you'd be a lot happier with it than if you buy a cheapie. And for a guy that's as resourceful as you, after you used the PC a couple of times you could probably get a couple of detailing jobs and have it pay for itself.

Just my .02

Also, if you're primarily looking to do your headlights, you may want to consider the Mother's Powerball polishers that you use with a drill. You can pick them up pretty cheap at WalMart, etc. I've seen folks get really good results on headlights using those, and a lot people that use the PC or other quality polishers keep those in their arsenal for special applications so that might be something that could hold you over til you can afford a PC or better and still be useful afterward.

[Pb]

If you just want to spread wax around then those "buffers" are fine. But if you actually want to polish your paint, and fix swirls, and defects then you need to save up some money and get a real buffer.

Sell some stuff, mow some yards, etc. A PC 7424 is just a little more money.