What's up guys i just picked up a new 05 Berlina Black S2000 a few weeks ago complete with lots of swirl marks . I want to get into detailing and i already have a Craftsman buffer that i got as a gift still new in the box, haven't even opened it yet. Will THIS work well at getting swirl marks out and buffing? I've never used a buffing machine so i'm paranoid of destroying the paint.

I have a feeling everyone's going to tell me to get a PC .

 

it might work... but i am going to tell you to get a pc!!

cause i know for sure that the pc will work- and the one you are looking at would probably take a lot more work and more time to get a similar result. the pc isnt really a lot of money-
i say take back that machine (guess it depends on who gave it to you!) get your money and buy a pc.
or if it was given to you by your gf, you better try it first!
a good experiment would be to find someone in your local club who has a pc and have them bring it- do half of your car with the pc and half with the sears machine- i would love to read your review...

 

Looking at the specs of the buffer on the link you posted the max speed is only 2800 OPM. The PCs lowest speed is close to that and the max speed I believe is around 6000 OPM. You may be able to accomplish what you want with the Sears buffer but it would be unlikely IMO.

 

Like many things in life, you get what you pay for...in terms of taking swirls out, you will substitute time/elbow grease if you use an inferior machine. In this case the lack of occilation power is a concern as is the lack of quality pads for that size of head.
I've found that I have the PC on high and still doing multiple passes to get the results and I see a rotary in my future.