[chuck53]

Like a lot of people here, I have one of the $35-40 Harbor Freight 7" polisher sanders. For my needs, it does a good job especially for the price I paid for it.
However, I really need a lighter, smaller version of that unit to get into some of the tighter places on my boat, something in the 3-4" size.
I've done a fair amount of Internet searching and I found some units but all fairly expensive, professional models.
Anyone have any suggestions for a smaller version of what I have that won't break the bank? I know I could put an adaptor on my power drill, but I prefer a right angle unit.

 

[Gladrags1]

How about getting a right angle VSR drill with a buffing wheel? You mentioned a drill with an attachment but wanted a right angle unit which made me think of the right angle close work drill available at harbor freight.

Tod


Mandolin, Bayfield 36 out of Rock Creek, Chesapeake Bay.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chuck53]

Thanks for that tip. I guess I need to make a run to HF to look at options.

 

[CharlzO]

I picked up a Porter Cable dual action last summer, that seems to work very well. Plus you don't run into the speed issues that sometimes can arise. I also purchased a velcro backing plate setup with pads and things, but it's served pretty well on a few different projects. it's about a 6" size or so? 5.5? Something like that. Haven't had it out since Fall lol. Got mine from detailedimage.com I think it was.

 

[chef2sail]

If you want to do the right job get the right tool. The 40-50 dollar polishers are just toys

Buy a Makita

MAKITA Polisher Sander W/Tool Bag, 7 In - Electric Polishers And Buffers - 14F044|9227CX3 - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[Minnesail]

If you want to do the right job get the right tool. The 40-50 dollar polishers are just toys

Buy a Makita

MAKITA Polisher Sander W/Tool Bag, 7 In - Electric Polishers And Buffers - 14F044|9227CX3 - Grainger Industrial Supply

I read Maine Sail's thing about washing-compounding-polishing and he said the same thing.

What is the difference between the really good ones and the cheap ones?

I saw this at Home Depot: PRO-SERIES 7 in.Variable Speed Sander/Polisher


It says 10 amps, 220 to 3300 rpm, that's all good right?

I'm only doing a 22' boat, if I don't need to spend $300 on something I'll use maximum once a year I'd rather not.

 

[chef2sail]

I read Maine Sail's thing about washing-compounding-polishing and he said the same thing.

What is the difference between the really good ones and the cheap ones?

I saw this at Home Depot: PRO-SERIES 7 in.Variable Speed Sander/Polisher


It says 10 amps, 220 to 3300 rpm, that's all good right?

I'm only doing a 22' boat, if I don't need to spend $300 on something I'll use maximum once a year I'd rather not.

Well had a 60 dollar Roibi from HD which I used for many years. Took forever to do the job and i thought it was a good job.......thats until.....I read Mainesails sticky and recommendation. Having met him and followed his advice on other items I did so with this.

Since Haleakula was out of the water this year, decided to bite the bullet and by the real tool. I got the whole kit on line for $212 ( 2 pads...and the buffer plus carrying bag.. The good pads are $20 a piece at least. All i can tell you in 1/4 the amount of time I was able to get a 32 year hull looking amazing. Pads and machine make a 800% difference. Not just a small one...800% Low effort...no swirls. No jumping buffing...No slowing down on the machine. It also has a thumb advancement variable speed control which lets you start your buffing at a lower rpm and with the thumb advancement work up to increasing rpm without stopping the machine. Once you use this, you will wonder how I did that I put up with the old one.

Seeing as I will have a boat for a lot of years to come the investment seemed a now brainer. This year wont be my last rodeo of compunding and buffing.

 

[chuck53]

Obviously not everyone is reading my text. I have a 7" polisher. Yes, it is a cheap one but I only use it once every 2 years. I want another cheap polisher in the 3-4 inch size to get into the tight areas on my boat. Again, once every 2 years.

 

[CharlzO]

Griots 3" Random Orbital Buffer - Best Three Inch Orbital Polisher by Griots Garage

Might work?

 

[Minnesail]

Sorry, I kind of hijacked things thinking of my own chalky 40-year-old hull sitting out in my driveway.... I need to de-tarp it and get polishing.

Anyway, I like the idea of an angle attachment for a drill that someone mentioned. I bet that would be handy.

 

[miatapaul]

I have seen spot polishers sold by auto detail places. Here is a 3 inch starting at about a hundred bucks:

3" Random Orbital - Griot's Garage

I have not tried that particular one, but other things I have bought from them have been top notch. It is random orbit so it will not be as fast or take as much off as an orbital. But it is safer around tight spots.

 

[Tanley]

Have the Makita and I just use a smaller backing plate on it. Haven't had any issues getting into tight corners, sometimes I'll remove the loop handle. It's really not that heavy.

Rotary Flexible Backing Plate, lake country rotary backing plates, makita 9227 backing plate, dewalt 849 backing plate, circular backing plate

 

[jimgo]

What about something like:
3 in. Mini Buffing Accessory Kit

or

1-1/2" x 2" Cylinder Buff Bob

or

Aluminum Polishing Tool Kit - 14 Piece
(obviously not using the rouge)