Hand versus the Buffer!

[MyCar_SE]

Only recently (in the last 3 yrs), I've been taking care of my car. I've been claying and waxing it every other month. I've been doing this all by hand. It seems to work for me. As I'm browsing through these post, I find that many people use the top end buffers (ones that are at least $100).

What is the difference between using your hands or the buffer?
Is it worth investing in a high end buffer?

Can someone tell me how different is it to use buffer instead of doing it all by hand? Such as quality of the paint, etc...

I need some pros and cons.

[PhatRoyale]

Pros - Job gets done faster, hands don't get as tired, get more out of the detailing product
Cons - Price and cost of replacing pads etc.

Overall, yeah, its worth it.

[MyCar_SE]

I like having a better result... and if the Buffer can get me a better result, I guess it's time to shell out some money and get a nice buffer.

[eyezack87]

The price of the pads and polish isn't too bad actually. Its just a great big initial investment at first that has a very good return. I'm still using my original pads from 2 years ago even though I have polished well over 20 cars with my rotary

PS, I find that pads die faster with a PC than rotary

[MyCar_SE]

What is the price range for my initial buffer?

[eyezack87]

What kind of buffer do you want to start with? Do you want to dive into the more dangerous rotary or the idiot-proof Porter Cable?

If PC, I had great customer service with Detailed Image. My 5 melted backing plates were replaced off the bat with no proof needed. They still help me now with any PC problems I might have
http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Pack...P-65-Kit-P333/
^essentially that is the kit I bought with Menzerna Polishes. Pricey but totally worth the initial investment

[Mr. G]

I had found some kits at Properautocare that may be worth a look. I got the one they call the KBM one and it work great on the wifes Matrix.

[ToyotaJimD.]

Unless you have defect removal to do, or you really like having extra equipment around, you may not need a high-end setup.

If you're doing the job you like by hand and just want to do it easier, try a PowerBall 4Paint and a good cordless drill.

[MyCar_SE]

That's a good opinion. I need opt to use a cheaper setup. My paint isn't in a bad condition.

[searle]

As all the others have said, most folks can do fine with hand application unless they need to do some defect removal (swirls, etc) and then the DualAction Orbital polisher becomes almost a necessity rather than a convenient option. Dont get a high-speed rotary unless you have old cars to practice on and/or have a very experienced detailer friend to help you learn how to use it safely (safely for the paint finish) - it is simply too easy for casual users to do more harm than good.

Given your paint is in relatively good condition, the DA just helps product application go a little faster and more smoothly but is far from a necessity (but is a nice to have). I tend to use my DA when I am doing paint "cleansing" (mild cleaner) or minor "defect removal" (swirls), but still apply my glaze/oil and my waxes by hand (unless really in a hurry) - just a personal preference. Even a cheap DA will give most of the DA benefits, but if you can afford a good PC then even better (quality never hurts).

[MyCar_SE]

What kind of harm can I do if I am inexperience with using the buffer?

[private_number]

You can place buffer marks in the paint. Personally, i wouldnt use a buffer..and i havnt due to the lack of experience ive had in this field. I dont want to permanently damage my paint due to the reason that i did not know how to operate the buffer completely.

[eyezack87]

Rotary buffers are exactly what you describe private_number, those are the dangerous ones. A Porter Cable however, if you mess up, you have done something almost impossible lol. Essentially, its idiot proof since the learning curve is almost nil. I wouldn't turn away until you have the chance to try one out, a PC is a very powerful and versatile tool

[MyCar_SE]

Originally Posted by private_number

You can place buffer marks in the paint. Personally, i wouldnt use a buffer..and i havnt due to the lack of experience ive had in this field. I dont want to permanently damage my paint due to the reason that i did not know how to operate the buffer completely.

I agree with you totally. But doing I am looking for something ease waxing my car. My arms and hands become so sore after cleaning the car for 3-4 hours. By starting to use a buffer, I can hopefully reduce the time to show my car some love!

[searle]

Originally Posted by MyCar_SE

What kind of harm can I do if I am inexperience with using the buffer?

Depends on what king of buffer. As I said and others repeated, a Dual Action Polisher (such as PC and others) is quite safe. The only real problem can be from using too aggressive a cleaner/compound for too long or with too much pressure, especially in a small spot/area - but you can even have that problem by hand. Most mild cleaners, and all glazes and waxes, you can apply just fine. The only other problem could be from having a dirty pad containing grit particles (wool pads are more susceptible than foam to this) which can then scratch and introduce more swirls - but again that can happen by hand with a dirty applicator or towel.

Rotarys are quite different and dont have the helpful random motion of DAs. Rotarys are more powerful, and spin faster, and dont slow down much under pressure. Hence in the hands of a skilled professional they can do a good job faster. But in the hands of most consumers you are more likely to apply uneven force and/or introduce uneven wear/cleaning on ridges, and it is very easy to be too aggressive and remove too much surface paint. Also their higher speed magnifies the cleaner products cutting power, and again it is too easy to go too far too quickily.

Stick to a DA Orbiter and EVERYONE should be able to use it successfully. Just dont jump to the most aggressive cleaners available nor apply pressure for a very long time. Same as by hand, you are just trying to smooth the paint surface not wipe it away. You should have no problems at all, and will be very happy with how much effort it saves you. I do recommend you get and use a foam pad and not wool pads, but if you do use a wool pad/bonnet then be sure to keep it really clean and grit free.

Any other questions ? Hope that helps ...