Ok guys i have been doing a bit of research into one of these to apply polish and obviously buff the car.

I have been pointed in the direction of a few. But does anyone on here have any experience of them? Good/bad points? Any reccomendations?

Looked at the megs PC and the halfods (even thought its halfrauds its supposed to be pretty good)

Cheers

Don't these leave 'swirl' marks? I know they're quicker and get a really good finish, but surely after doing the car a few times, there will be swirls?

I've thought about getting one myself, but that possibility puts me off.

Just think if a little piece of grit got on the polishing cloth...........:eek:...Nar i'm keeping well clear

I prefer a hand job!!

If you see here:-

http://www.automotivedetailing.com/assets/articles_htm/baffled_buffers.htm

Basically its saying the orbital buffer is a lot better as it doesnt just go round like the rotary "grinder" looking ones. its revolves like also whilst spinning so it mimics the montion made by the hand when polishing. Also as far as grit.....clean your car and keep your pads clean :P

I have been speaking to some detailers on meguiars forum (helpful lot) and they are saying there is more chance of getting swirls from hand polish. Also means on the orbital you can use up to 75% less polish etc.

I have been sent some new products from megs as samples to try and im trying out P21S as well (rich concours carnuba) on it. any way i think im gonna leep looking so if anyone has any suggestions or personal use reviews let me know and ill get some pics posted of "pitch" soon as hes done <---name of car sorry!

Cheers

Alex

Dont bother with a buffer at all, unless you have got a robot with constant even pressure buffing synapses ! Stick to a good polish such as autoglym, and proper lint free dusters, and about three hours time to spend in the shade, with a beer, and the end result will be you dont have to talk to the war office for three hours and your car will be mint!

Don't these leave 'swirl' marks?

Spot on, I have one.

Don't bother. :thumbdwn:

Even when polishing by hand, you shouldn't use the 'typical' circular motion. I was told to polish side to side in straight lines by my bodyshop (bet they use an orbital buffer though!).

Proper machine polishers are worth every penny - the Porter Cable 7424 is the tool of choice of many serious car care enthusiasts, and now having owned one and used it extensively I'd agree. Used properly, there is no danger of inflicting further damage to your paint, but in terms of allowing you to correct defects, then wow! Say bye bye to swirl marks and scratches with ease. I've written a guide on polishing by hand or machine, but it's on a commercial site - anyone mind if I post a link? It goes through the whole polishing process in detail, and has a lot of pics showing what can be achieved, even by novices. My one word of caution is don't be tempted by the cheap rotary devices on sale in high street stores - they are a one way ticket to defects.

Theres a website that shows a great polishing guide here http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_polish.html,

I have no affiliation to this site so there shouldnt be a problem posting it, The guy that owns it is very friendly and a regular on SE, He has a leon with the reg WX51 TX? i think I have seen first hand his work on Jim from Star performances Audi S3 and the difference was absolutley staggering, My friend and I are currently looking into going halfers on a PC Buffer and a Tranny as we live near each other and will only use it a few times a year,

Look at this thread for Detailing pics of the afforementioned S3,http://www.seatenthusiasts.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=536549&postcount=146

Ta! On a serious note I'm always happy to help out anyone who wants advice on car care. I've made all the classic mistakes, thrown good money after bad, but now know better - just hope I can help some of you folks avoid the same pitfalls! Oh, and with luck I'll be holding a detailing meet in the spring - hope to see some of you there, I'll post details nearer the time.