Best Budget Buffer/Polisher

[3800SERIESII]

Looking to buy one since I will be buffing the Firebird this summer, and doing it by hand takes a while...Around $40 or so?

[BonneMe]

$40 isn't enough for even a decent setup, it's about enough for a couple pads and a few compounds. To polish you need some power behind it, anything under $100 is adequate enough for waxing really.

The PC is the oldest design out of these, but all 3 are rated equal... Griots has a couple cable lengths so you probably wont need to deal with extension cables.

Porter Cable http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html



Griot's Garage http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-o ... isher.html



Meguiars http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-a ... -g110.html

[3800SERIESII]

Thank you for your input on this. I had no knowledge of waxing or polishing before this. I really like the Porter Cable orbital.

[00Beast]

I have the PC, it does a good job, it's not going to burn your paint up like a rotary buffer can/will. Figure $200 for the buffer, pads and compounds, and maybe a small container of wax. I love AutoGeek's free samples of wax, a "sample" of Liquid Souveran is enough for 2 coats on a Bonne.

[3800SERIESII]

Sounds great. Will be buying that model of the PC soon. $200 for everything sounds reasonable. How do you get the free samples of wax on AutoGeek.com?

[harofreak00]

Spend $50 or more: http://www.autogeek.net/free-samples.html

[3800SERIESII]

Great. What "sample" wax do you prefer from the choices?

[00Beast]

Read the reviews. As a general rule of thumb, paste waxes are better for darker colors, and liquid waxes work better on lighter colors, at least for your top coat.

[crash93ssei]

I would go with the Griots Garage polisher. More power and a better warranty then the others. The PC is a great tool, but is pretty weak when it comes to correcting deep paint defects.

Lake Country CCS 5.5" pads in orange and white are my go to choices, I use black as well sometimes on finicky paint. As for polishes go, Menzerna is my preference by far, Super Intensive Polish and the 106fa will knock out about 80% - 85% of the paint defects with the CCS pads I recommend.

Any wax you use after this combo will look amazing as the final look is 95% based on the prep not the wax anyway.

[95SLE]

Not a bad initial purchase. Add an orange, yellow and blue pad and you are set for the polisher and pads.

http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-o ... isher.html

Once you add the Menzerna polishes, a sealant, and a wax you are in the $250 price range.

You can save some with the Menzerna SI and a Wolfgang Sealant bundle. Megs 21 is a great sealant that will not break the bank. Look at the sample sizes of Dodo Juice 2 pack, your choice. Very afforadable for a top shelf wax.

Since we are at the end of winter look for the special deals with free shipping if possible. The AG code for free shipping is AG) I think.

You need to sign up for the VIP specials and get the weekly emails. Also check the BOGO every Saturday morning on the AG site.

[Grimm]

I second the Griots. If you wait for a sale, you can get it for close to the price of a PC with more power.