there are by far cheaper alternatives, you can get a massive 230mm angle grinder at bunnings for cheaper than that and get a polishing pad to suit and it will last alot longer and buff alot faster than that!
though I dont know were to get the pad disk , I have used them in the past at a car dealer
unclejake,
May 5, 9:12pm
^ A Bunnings anglegrinder is too fast and only spins. The variable speed DA in the link is a far superior tool
jono2912,
May 5, 9:17pm
Yeah, just read that in the description (somewhat) - Cheaper version of the above one then maybe! I didn't have much luck looking.
ginga4lyfe,
May 5, 9:18pm
Really! i found that fast was good, just apply the polish to the disk lightly, dab the stuff on the pannel with the pad, then turn down the speed to spread the stuff, then wait a little while and high speed buff it back off, it always came up beautiful! though you can alter the speed on alot of them if you find its too fast
jono2912,
May 5, 9:21pm
Ah okay, doesn't sound to bad then! It was just an issue with paint burn they mentioned.
ginga4lyfe,
May 5, 9:23pm
Find the pads before you look for the other half, no good having a big tool sitting around that you cant use!
jono2912,
May 5, 9:24pm
Good point. Haha cheers
unclejake,
May 5, 9:28pm
If the Bunnings units are variable speed then they are OK, but you need to be careful.
The other problem with an angle grinder is the spigot is often far too short to fit a buffing pad. You can buy pinion extensions but that adds cost
unclejake,
May 5, 9:31pm
I think the one in your link is already cheap
The other option is a variable speed 180mm sander/polisher such as the Hitachi. I have one and the variable speed has always been dodgy, to the point where it is no longer useable. It also required a pinion extension to fit a lambs wool pad
unclejake,
May 5, 9:34pm
These used to be a quality tool 372964316.
thejazzpianoma,
May 5, 11:00pm
Thats the right kind of thing, Supercheap also do one for about the same money which is what I have got.
What you do is forget the pad they come with and go to an auto paint wholesaler and grab a farecla velcro quick change pad set. You should get a soft grey pad and a firmer pad in the pack for something like $35.
Then just buy the farecla product for your needs. Do everything by the book i.e correct farecla pad for the particular farecla product and you will get a seriously professional finish for very little outlay.
I have done some long posts in past detailing how to go about polishing properly with farecla gear if you have a look in the search function.
Remember, read and follow the instructions and watch the farecla video's on youtube. Machine polishing is different for each brand and product. You need to understand how to use a spritz bottle etc when polishing and what speed and technique is correct. Its easy but you must follow the instructions.
unclejake,
May 5, 11:24pm
You most certainly have. but your advice against using the pads on that TopQ buffer is sound
thejazzpianoma,
May 6, 3:28pm
Thanks, the thing is as far as the paint is concerned, if you are using proper quality pads and product it can't tell whether you are using a $700 Hitachi or a $90 Supercheap Polisher (because the supercheap one has the same fitting, speed settings etc). The only difference is in how long the tool lasts, which in the case of the cheap one is plenty for enthusiastic home use.
Incidentally, most of my cars are black yet I have no trouble at all getting a swirl free concourse quality gloss with that setup.
I agree Rupes are good. In saying that I have used a hitachi 5 days a week for 5 years now and it is still going strong. They are a couple of hundred dollars cheaper and also sold throughout the automotive industry by paint companies so cant be all that bad.
As for cutters, polish etc it also can depend on the colour. Farecla is a great product but 3m have brought out a cutter designed for blacks and difficult to cut colours that is far superior and cleaner to use with less splatter.
Another cut and polish option is Maguiers (sp) it is sold funnily enough in the wharehouse but is used by many for show car finishes.
unclejake,
May 6, 5:28pm
^ No issues with super slow start and hard to control variable speed on that Hitachi!
I must get mine fixed. It drives me nuts
brad166,
May 6, 5:34pm
No havent had any problems with the control speed or slow spinning. Maybe you should get it checked would surely be a simple fix for an appliance technician.
The only thing with it that took some getting used to is the handle setup, which is a very minor thing to get used to
jono2912,
May 6, 8:30pm
Hey guys, thanks for the advice!
Have got some meguiars stuff here to use up first, then will try that farecla stuff.
Will also grab some pads too. Cheers
danni_2254,
May 6, 8:33pm
I'd rather have a piston buffer.
jono2912,
May 6, 8:49pm
Got a link for that!
richard198,
May 6, 9:21pm
They still are!
danni_2254,
Jan 22, 1:52am
Nah, homemade.
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