East Coast Dave Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Any suggestion on an electric buffer to us on the boat? I usually do it by hand but looking for a little easier way. I've always worried about putting swirls in the finish. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Easiest and safest buffer to use is a dual action. It will not damage paint or gel coat and won't leave swirls. I have one from harbor freight, works great for occasional use. You can use a wool pad for cutting, and then foam pads for finishing. http://m.harborfreight.com/power-tools/polishers/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html The dual action is great for up keep and light oxidation, but if you have moderate to heavy oxidation a rotary will be best. You can buy other brand name dual actions for more money, but I haven't seen a big difference. And for the amount I use it HF works great. Search through this forum for tips. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/forum.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFE CUMMINS 6.7 Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Rupes LHR 21ES. Absolutely smooth and makes a big job go fast with the 21mm throw. Hold out a few more weeks and you could probably pick one up with saving a few dollars on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Chemical Guys Hex Logic pads work great with this polisher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted October 17, 2016 Report Share Posted October 17, 2016 I use the little portacable orbital buffer and have for years. Perfect for this type of work. Stop and pick it up and try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulligan Posted October 17, 2016 Report Share Posted October 17, 2016 X2 on the Portacable. Bought one for may dad and steal/borrow it all the time. I have a HarborFreight 10" non orbital when I need to really get into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck59 Posted October 17, 2016 Report Share Posted October 17, 2016 Griot random orbitor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Dave Posted October 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2016 Headhunter, Thank you for the offer. I figured I had the boats off the lift, I should probably start on my checklist if things that need to be done....the Pathfinder was getting a lift too much sun on the sw corner. Going to order some Zainos and get started. I should have it looking like new in no time. I'll let you know if I decide to take you up on it but I may just pick one up. Sounds like something I should have around. My arms and shoulders seem to get more sore than I remember them getting from doing it by hand just a few years ago.... I'll have to to stop by and show you the new, to me, HPX. I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted October 17, 2016 Report Share Posted October 17, 2016 Looks nice. The beer is cold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trf97 Posted October 18, 2016 Report Share Posted October 18, 2016 Griot is the best but quite expensive. I have the Porter Cable and it does what I need it to very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurem Posted October 18, 2016 Report Share Posted October 18, 2016 I have the Griot's 6" orbital and like it very much. Sometimes I wish I would have bought the 3" orbital so I could do my center console on the boat and other small areas on my truck and car. I have had it for about 5 years plus and it does have a lifetime warranty against defects. I have heard there return policy is easy but I have never used it. Lastly, they have videos (which I am sure other companies do) of how to use there products. dc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck59 Posted October 18, 2016 Report Share Posted October 18, 2016 I have found some very good deals on Griots 6" and 3" orbitors on Amazon. Autogeek is good a good source. I have also seen some nice kits through palm beach motors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted October 20, 2016 Report Share Posted October 20, 2016 For those of you willing to try it, probably a good time to mention the shark hide treatment. I think it was linesider who put it on his trailer, which caused me to look into it. After a little research, it sounded like it was safe for gel coat, so I decided to put it on my hull (nothing to lose with a boat this old, right?). Its been about a year now, and the hull still shines like the day I applied it. YMMV, but may be worth looking into Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Food Posted October 21, 2016 Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 Another vote for Porter Cable. I actually purchased one and a few years later bought another one. For me, it is easier for the wax on and then wax off without having to change bonnets, back and forth. Or having to remove wax by hand. I think for the price provides a quality product that gets the job done well for a DIY'er. What is important is to understand how to use your electric polisher properly, make sure it is in the random orbital mode, choose the correct speed, then make sure you use the correct buffing pad and removing pad. That said, also the correct sized products as well. Then, make sure and keep them clean. Soak them in a bucket with detergent with warm water for 30 minutes and rinse clean. If you look, you can find all this information. It is a bit daunting to get it dialed in, then it is easy. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Dave Posted October 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 I read the above link from hurricane. That gives a ton of detail and gives me the items I'll need for my shopping list. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted October 21, 2016 Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 I use the 6 inch Ryobi orbital buffer. Had it for years and it's about $20. There is not much of a change of burning the gel-coat and it doesn't sling polish like the larger buffers. I use it to apply polish and remove by hand. Also works good on my truck. https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/6-orbital-buffer_664 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Dave Posted October 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 What are guys using on the trailer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted October 21, 2016 Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 I use Shark-Hide metal protectant. But, you have to start with a clean trailer. If you apply Shark-Hide over an oxidized trailer, it will still look dull and oxidized. Shark-Hide also makes some cleaner for aluminum trailers. We had a discussion about this a while back. Might check the archives. Was thinking about my post (Ryobi Orbital buffer), it's good if you have light oxidation on the gelcoat, but a larger buffer and bonnet is required is you have med. to heavy oxidation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted October 21, 2016 Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 Dave, If you want to use my buffer stop and get it this week end. I head to Cabo on Monday to chase some marlin so I will not need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Dave Posted October 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2016 Thanks Chuck. I appreciate your offer. I Amazoned a porter cable 7424 XP and all the supplies. Gives me a reason / excuse to add to my tool collection. Good luck in Cabo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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