Car Care & Detailing Washing, waxing, cleaning, caring.

Help Pressure Washer + Buffer!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:29 AM
  #1  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
Thumbs up Pressure Washer + Buffer!

What should I buy?
I'm in the market for a
Pressure Washer and Buffer.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:49 AM
  #2  
Black Betty's Avatar
Black Betty
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,148
Likes: 2,093
I have the PC and the Flex. If I'd bought the Flex first, I'd never have considered the PC. IMO It's much better. And much more expensive.

Flex XC 3401 VRG | Detailed Image

I'm still undecided on a new pressure washer. I'm considering this one:
Shop Worldwide Lighting Antique Bronze Flush Mount at Lowes.com
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 10:49 AM
  #3  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
^ Always helpful. Holy moneybags!!!!
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 10:53 AM
  #4  
Black Betty's Avatar
Black Betty
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,148
Likes: 2,093
Lol. Hardly. The Flex is a lot more than the PC. But in fairness, it's a lot more tool than the PC as well IMO. It's an investment. It a good value for me because I detail my own car as well as getting paid to detail other peoples' cars. The amount of time it has saved me over using the PC has more than made up for the difference in price.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 12:26 PM
  #5  
Goonz's Avatar
Goonz
Premier Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 60
From: Boston, MA
if you are new to buffers, get the porter cable as it is a bit more for beginners..the flex is the best but that's only if you know what you're doing..Porter Cable tends to be a bit more forgiving so I have been told and read..read this, it some awesome awesome info

Polishing Auto Detailing Guide - Detailed Image
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:02 PM
  #6  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
^ Goonz A++ for showing me that guide. This washing and buffing business is about to get to a whole new level. Oh ya wallets gonan be hurting.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:02 PM
  #7  
MSK's Avatar
MSK
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Goonz
if you are new to buffers, get the porter cable as it is a bit more for beginners..the flex is the best but that's only if you know what you're doing..Porter Cable tends to be a bit more forgiving so I have been told and read..read this, it some awesome awesome info

Polishing Auto Detailing Guide - Detailed Image
According to the link you posted... "When it comes to choosing a buffer, the Flex is the best all around bet for any level detailer. It can correct twice as many imperfections in half the time compared to the Porter Cable. That alone makes it worth the extra cost in the long run, not to mention you'll achieve even better results. The ergonomics of the buffer and unique features make it easy to operate, even for first time buffer users."

I'm looking at the same stuff as the OP. Why do you feel the PC is better for beginners Goonz?
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:38 PM
  #8  
Black Betty's Avatar
Black Betty
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,148
Likes: 2,093
Having used both, I can say that the Flex requires just a little bit more skill. Not a ton. However it's kind of like first learning to drive a manual transmission on a car with an unforgiving stiff clutch. If that's what you learn on, it's not so hard to you because you have nothing to compare it to. And once you have it, everything else will be easy.

Having used both, I'd always recommend the Flex over the PC. It's not hard to learn at all. Just a little more advanced to control it well thatn the PC. Have patience and practice first on an older finish that's not your pride and joy and you'll be fine.

If it's a budgetary issue, go for the PC. Then as you get better and want to advance you'll find yourself springing for the Flex later anyway. I know this form experience.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 03:36 PM
  #9  
Goonz's Avatar
Goonz
Premier Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 60
From: Boston, MA
I was looking at it more towards the cost side along with the variety of pad sizes that can be used on the PC rather than that off the Flex, but again as i stated, Flex is superior. All depends on how much are you willing to spend..
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 03:39 PM
  #10  
Black Betty's Avatar
Black Betty
Lexus Defector
iTrader: (60)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,148
Likes: 2,093
Originally Posted by Goonz
I was looking at it more towards the cost side along with the variety of pad sizes that can be used on the PC rather than that off the Flex, but again as i stated, Flex is superior. All depends on how much are you willing to spend..
Very true. The Flex is almost 3 times the financial commitment up front. And the PC does have backing plates to use 4" pads where the Flex doesn't. Actually the 4" pads for tight spots is mostly the only thing I use my PC for anymore.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 10:49 PM
  #11  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
Hmm i think ill be good with a lower cost buffer for now.

I'm now looking at these:

Porter Cable 7424xp
Meguiar's Dual Action Polisher G110v2
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 10:54 PM
  #12  
A_Palaroan's Avatar
A_Palaroan
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 2
From: San Diego/Lake Tahoe
what about maguiers? they have a detailer too
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2012 | 09:56 AM
  #13  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
Ive decided to go with Meguiar's g110v2.

NOW, Pressure Washer suggestions anyone?
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2012 | 12:33 PM
  #14  
Goonz's Avatar
Goonz
Premier Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 60
From: Boston, MA
go to home depot and get the cheapest one..the less the pressure on a pressure washer, the better it is for your car..I know that sounds weird but keep your paint safe from too mush pressure..
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2012 | 12:46 PM
  #15  
Alan318's Avatar
Alan318
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 9
From: GTA, ON
Originally Posted by Goonz
go to home depot and get the cheapest one..the less the pressure on a pressure washer, the better it is for your car..I know that sounds weird but keep your paint safe from too mush pressure..
That makes total sense. But i think ill be able to adjust to the tool using distance... rim grime is a pain to get off without a little more friction... same with bugs on the bumper
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:01 PM.