How do I properly use a buffer?

[Nicolai]

This is a follow up to a previous post about how to remove fine scratches by hand. The consensus was that I need to use a machine polisher. I don't have an orbital polisher. But I do have a Milwaukee variable speed buffer. I have one just like this http://detailking.com/content/view/81/189/ I also have a large variety of pollishing pads, and loads of commercial products. Long story short I bought this stuff a few years ago because I thought I knew how to use them and while my finished work was OK I did rub through a couple of small high spots in one of my old timers. They were not glaring problems but I like to do things right and would rather not screw up the paint in one of my more expensive cars.

I would like to learn how to properly use a machine like this. Does anybody know of a good sites, books, video or just some good tips that shows how to use this without go through the paint? I can practice on my old mitsubishi montero so if I damage the first car it is no big loss.

Thanks everyone for the advice on the last post and I look forward to the advice on this one.

Nicolai

 

[drewjp]

Read around at the Autopia forum.

Best people to talk to about detailing stuff.

 

[Fester]

That polisher is like mine Ive burnt thru every paint that I used it on, definitely takes practice and more practice.

I would run down to your local body shop and pick out a hood from their scrap pile, and practice.

http://www.autopia.org/forum/
Try this site, and get a porter cable polisher, takes longer but more forgiving. the site will help you with what pad to use, I always use wool for paint correction and foam to polish smooth, its a process, did I say practice. Good luck.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

I second the Porter Cable orbital polisher.

It doesn't cost much and does an excellent job with little danger of burning throught the paint and you can use your existing pads and products, (except wool pads, they don't work well with orbital polishers).

Paint scratches that the Porter Cable can't improve are probably too deep to be helped anyway.

Leave the Milwaukee polisher for the pros who use them everyday and need the speed and heavy cutting power.

 

[bretfraz]

A rotary polisher is not difficult to use but it does take practice and constant attention. You'll get much better results with one than you would an orbital, but the orbitals are safer and have an easier learning curve.

It's hard to explain how to use a rotary correctly. When I've shown people how to use them, I've demo'd for a few minutes then put the polisher in their hands and watch carefully. It's one of those things ya gotta learn by doing. Having a test vehicle is a big advantage.

While I'm leery of promoting "instructional videos" off Youtube, these vids from Mike Pennington of Meguiars are excellent. The 1st vid talks a lot of how to use a rotary. Worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f8EQNVxxbw&feature=PlayList&p=71546C022DE9CE89&index=0&playnext=1

 

[cornfused]

Rotation should go off the edge of a panel not onto the edge (did I say that right

)

Pass over the edge fast and lightly, Don't push to hard and keep it moving or you will burn through. If you sand tooo much the paint will be too thin and you will also burn through.


EDIT: Sorry just seen this was a week old!

 

[02zx9r]

Check out meguires online forum as well, lots and lots of helpful threads to help you learn as much as you can without actually having someone there to show you the proper steps.

I find the Meguires forum more user friendly and things are explained better there, at least for me. Everyone is different.

 

[firemachine69]

Rules of buffing:

1) Do NOT let the buffer sit in one place

2) Let the cutting agent do the work, NOT your muscles

3) Go to the edges as little as possible


Follow those three steps and you'll do fine.