Polishing Before and After

Nacho Boat said:
QUICK QUESTION -- What is the best way to clean the wool pad after a weekend of polishing???
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I fill a bucket with water & Snappy Clean when I start polishing. As the pads get dirty I just toss them in the bucket to soak. You can also spray them with Simple Green. You can then throw them in the washer (not dryer) or just rinse them in the sink.

The thing I like about Snappy Clean is generally (always) when I'm through using the buffer I'm too tired to worry about the pads. They can soak for several days until your arms recoup :thumbsup:

http://www.topoftheline.com/polisher-pad-cleaner.html
 
Nacho Boat said:
QUICK QUESTION -- What is the best way to clean the wool pad after a weekend of polishing???:
Click to expand...

I just throw them in the clothes washer with all the dirty boat cleaning towels. They come out looking like new and last for years. I can't remember the last time I had to buy a new wool pad.
 
I'm shopping for a better buffer/polisher. I think I'm going with a Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight, but the Makita sounds pretty effective, too. Most of my power tools are DeWalt.

I need something light that doesn't require a lot of pressure to be effective. My current cheapo buffer is killing my upper back and shoulders.

I just finished another attempt at polishing one side of the lil' Ray and I'm stalling as I get ready to do the port side.:grin:
 
I'm still using my 35 year old Black and Decker. Years ago B and D was a great brand known for quality. I'd say it has provided value and shows no signs of giving up. The Makita seems like it is the modern day equivilant. Both are the same size and weigh about the same. If I were in the market for a new rotary, I'd probably buy a Makita.
 
I read on line that the Dewalt polisher is actually the same Black and Decker model that has lasted so long and has produced great results. As testified by the post above the B&D polisher has a great reputation!!

I went the Harbor Freight route this year and it served me well this year over 4 days of compounding. It was the $59 model with a 20% off coupon.. I order Meguiars W4000 wool pads for it and they worked wonderfully. Put them through the washer and they came back good as new.
 
DaNinja
I bought the Harbor Frieght one and it died in 3 hours after I began.
I then bought the Makita 9227C and it's been great. It's not light but it's not bad by any means. You're a Ninja so you should be fine. For the tough work, compounding, it makes quick work. The Porter Cable 7424 is great for the polishing and waxing.
 
Alegria said:
I read on line that the Dewalt polisher is actually the same Black and Decker model that has lasted so long and has produced great results. As testified by the post above the B&D polisher has a great reputation!!

I went the Harbor Freight route this year and it served me well this year over 4 days of compounding. It was the $59 model with a 20% off coupon.. I order Meguiars W4000 wool pads for it and they worked wonderfully. Put them through the washer and they came back good as new.
Click to expand...
I believe it's the same company. Stuff that works well as B&D get produced as DeWalt. Kinda like the way GM used Olds in the day.
 
Nehalennia said:
DaNinja
I bought the Harbor Frieght one and it died in 3 hours after I began.
I then bought the Makita 9227C and it's been great. It's not light but it's not bad by any means. You're a Ninja so you should be fine. For the tough work, compounding, it makes quick work. The Porter Cable 7424 is great for the polishing and waxing.
Click to expand...
I just finished the third hit on the little boat and it is now gleaming.:smt038
This Ninja has some seriously broken shoulders and neck. I could probably trade off a little weight for a machine that doesn't require as much effort from me. My cheapo buffer guarantees a trip to the hot tub.
 
I've had my Harbor Freight polisher for over 4 years now and it's still going strong. I've done plenty of boat, cars, and trucks with it, and it hasn't missed a beat. Not bad for the $25 I spent on it.

Doug
 
That Harbor freight polisher is the best deal goin. I run mine at less than 1 (which is barely moving) most of the time and it has not burned up yet. Plus it's rather light weight.

Jack
 
I have to go the the laundrymat my wife won't let me wash the boat cleaning stuff in her $1200.00 washer.. $7.50 later I'm back in business.. BTW the Sears is not a bad deal on the buffer.. mine is 4 years old and had done several boats each year at our dock.
 
Hey Jack,

Sorry I missed you when you were down, hope to see you soon.. Which model Harbor freight do you have...I see a few on their sight and they have a local store were I want go get one tomorrow...

They have the 3 below:

,




..

Not sure which to get as I need to compound the gelcoat, but have to be careful with the blue hull, not to burn..
 
Thanks Todd, Will be picking it up tomorrow..have a lot of compounding to do and the porter/cable just won't get it done.
 
Hey Barry,
Yea sorry we didn't get together. Todd is right the middle one is the one I use. You need to buy a couple wool pads as they don't come with the polisher. If you need any tips PM me.

Jack
 
So....do you guys really like the Harbor Freight polisher or just find it to be a bargain? I have been looking at the Makita which runs around $200 and of course is an excellent unit, but would not pass on a product that gets the job done for about a sixth of the price. I have read mixed reviews on the subject so far.
 
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