My Harbor Freight rotory buffer just made it through another round....

fxsales

fxsales

New Member
Mar 26, 2009
159
Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
1990 Laguna Cuddy
Twin 1997 Mariner 135's
Engines
1997 twin Mariner 135's
This was round three, actually six as I use it for compunding (Maguiars 49) and polish, and use my old waxmaster for the wax. I was warned by many that it would make it through one round, so I always cut out the harbor freight coupons when they came. I also lent it to my buddy who did his 30' cContender with it....

If you are not fussy about designer brand names, and need a good rotory buffer for $29.95 check out the harbor freight model....

j
 
Next week I will be starting my second year with my $35 Harbor Freight "Chicago" cheap rotary tool.

I also purchased a couple of wool Velcro bonnets and use McGuire’s #49 then flagship.

It’s not too heavy and not to robust. Just right for the job of the DIY person.

chicago_electric_buffer__58342_zoom.jpg
 
Got to love Harbor Freight. They have taken the bic lighter approach to tools. There so inexpensive there almost disposable. Throw it away after its done....lol... been using them for years. A few years ago they opened retail location 15 min from me. The cataloge and online shopping was ok . But OMG its like being a kid in the candy store...i love it... wife hates it lol
 
Typically I steer way clear of Chinese tools but I have to admit I have become a fan of HF for tools that I use occasionally. I have in my garage an Inspection Camera for the Bilge, Pneumatic Riveter for Re-doing my sunshade and bimini support pole lanyards and velcro and of course a rotary buffer that has made it through one use so far.

If I polished boats every day, I would buy a Makita or Dewalt but not for a twice a year event!
 
I'm a Track Club member and get even better deals that way.

However, you have to admit, you get what you pay for. I normally just buy hardware and air tools but not the electric tools. I have gone through a couple of air rachets and air hammers but the price does make them throw away.

The sanders and polishers are very noisy, light weight, and cheaply made but if you are happy, that is all that counts. :thumbsup:
 
fxsales said:
This was round three, actually six as I use it for compunding (Maguiars 49) and polish, and use my old waxmaster for the wax. I was warned by many that it would make it through one round, so I always cut out the harbor freight coupons when they came. I also lent it to my buddy who did his 30' cContender with it....

If you are not fussy about designer brand names, and need a good rotory buffer for $29.95 check out the harbor freight model....

j
Click to expand...

i have the same one for 5 yrs:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
I had that HF rotary for about 3 hours and it went TU. They returned it, so that was nice. I then bought a used (barely) Makita for $100 and it's quite the machine.

I may get another HF so I can easily/quickly switch tools for different tasks. I'd like to have the HF ready to just buff off applied product. At least get the velcro backing pads. It makes switch pads so quick and you can have your pads for different products ready to go.
 
I bought one 2 years ago and it didn't make it through one wax application before the variable speed went to hell. I use it as a grinder now.
 
Use as a grinder or to test your grinder?
 
jason78 said:
... I have in my garage an Inspection Camera for the Bilge
Click to expand...

Sounds interesting. Please expound.

jason78 said:
If I polished boats every day, I would buy a Makita or Dewalt but not for a twice a year event!
Click to expand...

I know a fellow from another site who details boats for income. He has a Makita but he swears by his HF because of the weight. He buys the extended warranty for $10 and gets a new one every couple of years.

I have a $35 coupon, however, I may wait until it comes down to $29 and get the warranty as well.

Break

I have only use an orbital. Is a rotary hard to use. Any dangers I need to be aware of?

TIA
 
I have a Makita that I've used for about 9 years and love it. It is heavy and after spending 8 hours or more waxing my arms ache. I've thought about getting the HF buffer for those places on the boat that I have to stretch out to reach. The ligher weight of the HF buffer would be appreciated at the end of the day.
 
I bought the HF on sale foe $29 and the $10 Warranty and have done mine complete twice I burned up a cheap Sears before I got half the boat done. I would like to get a pad & bonnet for my 4" grinder to get in to the tight places; does any one know if they make such a thing?
 
I bought and love the Shurhold polisher. It's lightweight, compact but has plenty of power. It uses the velcro pads and since March Ive waxed the boat, 2 cars and my 2500 crew cab truck. Well worth the money.
 
Bucit said:
I bought and love the Shurhold polisher. It's lightweight, compact but has plenty of power. It uses the velcro pads and since March Ive waxed the boat, 2 cars and my 2500 crew cab truck. Well worth the money.
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Where did you buy the Shurhold? I've been thinking of getting one. Just curios where the best deal is?
 
Half Off said:
Where did you buy the Shurhold? I've been thinking of getting one. Just curios where the best deal is?
Click to expand...

I ordered it on-line straight from Shurhold. I've seen ads on this site (yesterday) for them with free shipping or $40 savings.
 
bought a Clark polisher from my local Carquest 5 year ago. made one boat and three cars, never acted right and burn up. Spend a lot of money there so that took it back and bought a $220 Milwaukee. Never new what a piece that Clark China speical was.
 
fxsales said:
This was round three, actually six as I use it for compunding (Maguiars 49) and polish, and use my old waxmaster for the wax. I was warned by many that it would make it through one round, so I always cut out the harbor freight coupons when they came. I also lent it to my buddy who did his 30' cContender with it....

If you are not fussy about designer brand names, and need a good rotory buffer for $29.95 check out the harbor freight model....

j
Click to expand...

Great to hear J! I remember when I posted this up a few years ago and a choice few had a hard time believing that we do over 250+ a year with these. Also, check out their newest 3500 with digital readout. I bought two last year to go along with the 3ks and they've worked perfect. A bit heavier, but when you need 3500 you've got it there. I think about 10.00 more.

Now if I could just get everyone too see that there is alot easier way to keep fiberglass shiny. :smt001
 
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