Orbital
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,310
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From: In the ether.
I think pictures would help, but if it's the kind that I'm thinking it is, the best you can do with it is run over it with the car 
Seriously, those aren't even good for putting on and taking off waxes or sealants.
If it IS in fact a random orbital similar to the PC, you may be able to make use of it.
If it's like this:
don't bother with it. You'll end up with vibratey hands and not much else.
Seriously, those aren't even good for putting on and taking off waxes or sealants.If it IS in fact a random orbital similar to the PC, you may be able to make use of it.
If it's like this:
don't bother with it. You'll end up with vibratey hands and not much else.
.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: oldsmar
wow - do any of you know the real significance of a random orbital? guess not. a orbital should primarily be used to apply the sealants - waxes...evenly. thats it. the only way an orbital could mess up paint - is operator error. anything on the bonnet will cause devestation depending on what it is. but i used to orbital my S atleast once a month. It will be the most even coat of wax you ever put on your car. oh and for the spots you cant get to - apply by hand. also - the plastic orbitals pale in comparison to the old school metal ones (that weigh about 20lbs.) Orbitals are fine - just make sure your bonnets are clean and you dont apply too much chemical.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,310
Likes: 18
From: In the ether.
In my experience, these kinds of orbitals suck even for applying or removing waxes and sealants, but thanks for the condescending tone. They will vibrate your hands off and are more work than just applying by hand.
If you want a random orbital that is easy to use, has more use than just applying or removing waxes, has the ability to use quality pads and MF bonnets and not just cheap oversized linting cotton bonnets, the PC or similar is the way to go.
If you want a random orbital that is easy to use, has more use than just applying or removing waxes, has the ability to use quality pads and MF bonnets and not just cheap oversized linting cotton bonnets, the PC or similar is the way to go.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: oldsmar
its easier to apply everything by hand - but those who want *better* results dont mind the work...or vibration. oh - forgot to mention this in the first post - the weight of the orbital will also help to work the chemical into the paint. what's this PC that you speak of?
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,310
Likes: 18
From: In the ether.
Sorry, but that type of orbital is a lot of extra work and vibration for not much result. The PC is the Porter Cable 7424 or 7336 - variable speed orbital buffer and about the most common buffer among enthusiasts.
Not only can you use it to apply and remove glazes, sealants and waxes with more speed, greater efficiency and a better result than one of those "buffers", you won't vibrate your hands off in the process. You can also use it to POLISH - remove swirls and scratches with polishes, compounds and pads of varying degrees of abrasiveness.
And really, don't talk to me about better results and not minding the work... I work hard, but I try to work smart. I've spent literally DAYS working on my finish - from wetsanding away orange peel, to removing body parts and panels, to touchup work, to multiple polishing steps with a rotary (Metabo) and random orbital (PC7424) polisher, to six coats of hand-applied (literally - bare hand application) Zymol Concours (about 1.5-2hr/coat), as well as having applied tens of other sealants and waxes on my car and clients cars.
My EXPERIENCE as a professional-level detailer tells me without a doubt that the $50 or so spent on one of those orbital buffers is much better put towards a PC, pads and a couple of MF bonnets.
Not only can you use it to apply and remove glazes, sealants and waxes with more speed, greater efficiency and a better result than one of those "buffers", you won't vibrate your hands off in the process. You can also use it to POLISH - remove swirls and scratches with polishes, compounds and pads of varying degrees of abrasiveness.
And really, don't talk to me about better results and not minding the work... I work hard, but I try to work smart. I've spent literally DAYS working on my finish - from wetsanding away orange peel, to removing body parts and panels, to touchup work, to multiple polishing steps with a rotary (Metabo) and random orbital (PC7424) polisher, to six coats of hand-applied (literally - bare hand application) Zymol Concours (about 1.5-2hr/coat), as well as having applied tens of other sealants and waxes on my car and clients cars.
My EXPERIENCE as a professional-level detailer tells me without a doubt that the $50 or so spent on one of those orbital buffers is much better put towards a PC, pads and a couple of MF bonnets.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 4
From: Durango, Colorado
animes2k:
Glad you showed up on this board. I have a Black and Decker 9" orbital that does a fairly acceptable job, but not the best. Then, I have a rotary/orbital compressor driven buffer that is just too heavy to properly manage for automotive use. It does much better as a sander for furniture refinishing. I think I'll check out one of the PC models you recommend. None of my cars were cheap, so neither should be my buffer!
Thanks,
Richard
Glad you showed up on this board. I have a Black and Decker 9" orbital that does a fairly acceptable job, but not the best. Then, I have a rotary/orbital compressor driven buffer that is just too heavy to properly manage for automotive use. It does much better as a sander for furniture refinishing. I think I'll check out one of the PC models you recommend. None of my cars were cheap, so neither should be my buffer!
Thanks,
Richard