Why do people prefer the PorterCable (which is around 120 dollars) over something like a Black and Decker WP900 (which is like 50 dollars)? Is it that much better? Is there a danger of using other orbital buffers?

 

Don't buy that. It's a piece of junk for what you'll be using it for. I've had a number of them or ones like them. The PC blows them all out of the water and is a much better tool , that's why it's more expensive. I've had about a half dozen cheapo ones like that before I got the PC and I've thrown them all away. It absolutely will not take any swirls out of your finish and does a crappy job of polishing. It's not really even random orbital, it just vibrates like hell. The Flex is even better but more expensive. I don't have one yet because I'm waiting for Detailed Image to put them on sale for 30% off.

The simple answer is yes, it's that much better.

 

I got the Craftsman polisher/waxer for Christmas. Crapped out on me the very first time I used it. Thinking about getting the PC later on.

 

I guess that answer my question. You get what you pay for hu? I was planning on getting a PC sometime soon; i learned that hard an expensive way that swirls/scratches cant be removed by hand.

 

the PC is great as a beginner tool, but that's the lowest you would want to go. I have a Flex now, and it blows the PC out of the water.

 

I love my Cyclo

 

How often do you guys use the buffers to justify the cost of one? The flex one on detailed image is like 300 dollars i think.

 

Damn! I knew somebody whose opinion I respect was going to say that. I've thought about selling the PC and getting a Flex the last time they were on sale. What specifically do you like better? Can you get the same results quicker? Less effort? More comfortable? I know you can get more correction with the same products and pads.

 

+1

The PC is a FANTASTIC tool to begin with, I honestly can't recommend it enough. The Flex on the other hand is several steps above in terms of performance. Owning my own detailing business, I wanted to step up my equipment and get a Flex. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be given a brand new one and I LOVE it. Customer jobs are MUCH easier with the Flex.

 

haha, sorry BB!

My opinion on the flex:

Pros:
More solid construction
More even pressure distribution
Less vibration (more comfort)
Much less effort
Less time to work product in due to higher speeds
More correction due to higher speeds

Cons:
Cost
Trams on curves more - due to higher speeds

 

Your thoughts on my post above on exactly how it makes the job much easier?

 

Like Finagle already mentioned, the higher OPMs on the Flex gives me better cutting power, and thus reduces the amount of passes required on my customer's vehicles. IIRC, the Flex generates 50-60% higher OPMs than the PC.

 

You might want to consider the Flex as well.

 

the pc is AWESOME for people who are not experienced and you can't damage your car unless you really try. for most people the pc will be MORE than enough.

buy it enjoy and use it. I have had mine for about 5 or 6 years and its been used over 1,000 times by me, friends, etc. Used to show a lot and would wax my car, friends would use it to wax theirs, took it to fl. etc. you won't be sad