Electric Polisher/Buffer Tool ?

[Joe_Black]

You definitely want variable speed and the larger size as the smaller ones, say six inches or less, can build up too much speed meaning heat which can bugger your paint. I've had a Snap-On brand from when I had a restoration shop 17 years ago and it's been super, needing only a bearing replaced in all that time and use. It's best feature was a dial for variable speed limit, so you could vary the speed with the trigger up to what the dial was set at. Whenever I got a new detailer that kept him out of trouble!

As for pads and compounds, stop by your local auto body supplier and you can get the "good stuff" there like 3M machine compounds and any variety of finishes. We used Meguairs commercial products in my shops along with some specialty items available from the supplier, such as swirl remover for use on really dark finishes like black. You'll get what you need there as well as proper advice on what to get and how to use. Just remember to go slow, watch the corners as heat builds fast there, pop the hood when hitting it and don't dig into panel gaps.

DO NOT USE ON CLADDING! It's a pain, but hand application can't be beaten on polpropylene parts.

[rickshaw]

I own the Porter Cable 7424 Polisher, I've had it for about 7 years without a problem. I bought from Amazon.com (No Tax & Free Shipping). I didn't use the Polishing Pad that came with it, instead I used Meguiar's Rotary Buffer Backing Plate (W64-5) with Meguiar's Soft Buff™ Foam Polishing Pads (W8006) also Meguiar's Softbuff® Foam Finishing Pads (W9006).

I would definitely recommend the Porter Cable 7424 for Polishing but I have never used it for waxing. I use Meguiar's Polishing Products, Machine Glaze 3, Show Car Glaze 7 and Swirl Remover 9. Then I Hand apply 4 coats of Zaino's Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish with ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator.
http://www.zainostore.com/
Before Polishing I wash with Dawn dish wash soap, this removes the old wax and then I use Meguiar's Clay Bar while the car is still wet

Like Joe Black said, Stay away from the cladding. I even would tape it off.

Hope that helps.
_____________
rickshaw
Original Owner
2001 Dragon #0467

[Y33TREKker]

I have a 10" slow speed electric orbital buffer I use on my car, but I bought a 6" for use on the VX since the body panels don't have as much overall area. They aren't the fanciest, or latest and greatest, but I've found that the compounds and pads are where your money is best spent. For clearcoat finishes, sponge pads and a good clearcoat polish will give paint that "always wet" look. The clearcoat polish I use is the type used by professional body shops, so you have to get it at something like an autobody supply store, but it shouldn't run more than $20/quart. #051131-05993 is the actual 3M part# I've used with success. It's safe for use by hand or machine.

[tom4bren]

"I've got the Porter Cable 7335 Random Orbit Buffer, similar to this one, from The Eastwood Company. I've had mine for several years and bought it specifically to use on the VX. It works great! Highly recommended."

I thought you only used a feather duster