Anybody experienced w/ random orbital buffers?

[bme107]

I'm looking for one for Christmas. Can you tell me the ease of use and the quality of finished product compared to your expectations. Name, model and price would be helpfull too if you don't mind.

I'm looking for a nice one, not the $24.99 Walmart ones. Meguiars has 2 but I don't know the prices. PorterCable has a really nice one for $175:eek:

Thanks

[TaeMachine]

i got the $25 walmart random orbits and they work fine. my bro uses it to add polish/wax and to remove them too. i use it all the time to remove hand applied polish and wax. jsut turn it on and let it flow over the surface

[HilfigerCelica]

Well I'm getting the one at Walmart too. I want to know what's so special about the very expensive buffers? I think any buffer would work fine as long as you use a little common sense.

[bme107]

I think that I'm getting this one. Porter Cable (http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_2000&L2=L2_2060&SKU=10625) as shown in Griot's Garage. After reading about it there and what to use it with I'm buying it from a cheaper store about ($120 shipped).

[chris1zz]

120 bucks? where? =)

[bme107]

Lapollos Tools (http://www.lapollostools.com/store/Porter%20Cable__SANDERS__Random-Orbit%20Finishing%20Sanders.html) has them for $107 & $114 before shipping ($15) depending on what size you want 5" or 6". The exact model # that Griot's sells is 97366, that is the 6" w/ carrying case and dust collector hose. We are going to use it mainly for polishing so the sanding dust collector isn't that usefull, so model # 7336 is the 6" w/o the extras.

Lapollos Tools also sells them from time to time on ebay, but the starting price is only $10 below their website cost and it usually gets bid higher than that anyway.

You will need to buy polishing/waxing pads similar to those offered by Griot's because the head has the "hooks" side of a velcro attachment on it.

Only advantage that I see by buying from Griot's is that they extend the manufacturers warrantee for life.

[TaeMachine]

i still dont know the difference between the $100 v. $25.

5" or 6"? i have a 10" and i only find 10" bonnets in my area.amaybe u have better bonnet selections in ur area

[bme107]

The difference between the $25 and the $100 is in the quality of the tool. The $25 I'm guessing is all plastic. (except the motor of course) The $100 has a metal body and a better motor and mechanics inside. More of a quality tool that professionals would use. It doesn't guarantee a better job, a cheaper model might suffice most people but it is just not what I'm looking for.

I don't have any better selection of pads and bonnets here. I would be special ordering them to fit this machine. $12-15 a piece if I remeber correctly.

Plus, it's for Christmas from my family, I might as well aim high;) .