Orbital Buffers : Help or Hazard ?

[serious II]

I am confused about the use of random orbital buffers for automotive applications. I have read in various magazines that I usually find fairly authoritative (eg. "Hot Rod", "Car and Driver", "Motor Trend" etc.) that:

1)Orbital buffers are "great for that final touch" and also

2). NEVER use an orbital/power buffer because you are guaranteed to create a world of swirls.


How can the "conventional wisdom" be 180 degrees apart? Whats the straight dope?

 

[Losiho]

Orbital buffers are close to foolproof. I've been using one for about 6 years and have never scratched a car while using it.

Rotary buffers can easily burn and scratch paint, especially when attached to wool pads. They create a great deal of heat in one area, which is the problem. Orbital buffers do not.

 

[oilpan49]

I've used an orbital once or twice and while they are good for the "joe consumer" who wants an easier way to wax his or her car they are good for that. For other things such as polishing or compounding, a DA (Dual Action) polisher or rotary buffer works much better for these tasks.

I own a Makita rotary and I love it. They can burn the paint and the risk factor for damaging paint is higher. I've learned using common sense, keep the buffer moving back and forth at a slow to medium pace and the pad flat, you should be fine. Just my .$02,,,,,AR