Do you guys use an electronic buffer?

[CadillacMac]

I've got an orbital buffer I was nervous to try, but it seems to have done a good job.  My only question is this: using this thing with a liquid cleaner-wax on a 10-year-old paint job, there was definitely a bit of paint on the pad when I was done.  Is this OK, what happens with normal use on an older paintjob?  Or do I need to return this thing and stop being lazy/trying to pretend to be a pro?

[76eldo]

When you use a buffer with any kind of compound or cleaner wax you are removing a bit of the dead and oxidized paint on the top layer.  If the paint is lacquer or single stage enamel you will have some color residue on the pad.

On a base coat - clear coat paint job the top layer is clear so you should not have color on your pad.

Some of the newer dual action slower buffers make it almost impossible to harm your paint.  Just be careful on any sharp body lines and edges so you don't buff through.

Brian

[CadillacMac]

Thanks Brian! I've got this guy, shouldn't be TOO intense...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-10-in-Orbital-Buffer-Tool-Only-P435/205975768

But it is a 10-year-old Maaco paint job I suspect.  (I think the garage I took it to farmed the job out to Maaco.)  I imagine it's safe to assume there's no base coat/clear coat on my car!

[Jon S]

Doubt that could do much harm.  It's an orbital buffer; not a high speed polisher.  I've used those years ago on my Pontiacs, but have never used one on the Cadillac.  That gets hand glazed/waxed only.

[Dan LeBlanc]

I have a Meguiars dual action polisher.  Love it.  I've had orbitals before and still like to use them for regular maintenance, but, for putting on a shine, the DA polisher is the way to go.

[D.Yaros]

I get good use out of my Porter Cable 7424 Dual Action Polisher.  Highly recommend it!

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I purchased one of those Maguire polishers, and after a short time, tossed away the batteries and hooked up a lead to the terminals and hook it straight to the vehicle's battery via alligator clips.   Can work all day (Virtually) without having to constantly stop to re-charge the batteries.

I run a thirty foot lead, and it will allow me to go anywhere around the biggest of cars, and my boat.

Bruce.

PS.   You know when it is hooked up the wrong way as the pad will undo itself if turning backwards.

[Walter Youshock]

I got a used Black & Decker professional series circular polisher about 20 years ago when I had to wet sand the '57.  It owes me nothing.  There's more miles on that buffer than all my cars combined.  This year, I had to change the cord and get a set of brushes. 

[1954 Fleetwood Series 60 Special]

I purchased one of those Maguire polishers, and after a short time, tossed away the batteries and hooked up a lead to the terminals and hook it straight to the vehicle's battery via alligator clips.   Can work all day (Virtually) without having to constantly stop to re-charge the batteries.

I run a thirty foot lead, and it will allow me to go anywhere around the biggest of cars, and my boat.

Bruce.

PS.   You know when it is hooked up the wrong way as the pad will undo itself if turning backwards.

In Australia we call that Aussie ingenuity, in America they call it Redneck. LOL

[Dan LeBlanc]

This is the one that I have and really like

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mt300-dual-action-polisher.html

[Chris Conklin]

PS.   You know when it is hooked up the wrong way as the pad will undo itself if turning backwards.

Doesn't it always spin backwards down under?