Community Forums

mward3 · 06-04-2015, 08:18 PM

Fellow RVers,

I have reached a point where I can no longer hand wax the RV, so I thought I would get an electric polisher/buffer to help out. I had planned on getting one that seemed rated pretty highly (a portal cable) but after checking it out in the store I felt that it would be to heavy for me (arm trouble and old age). I would like to get a good one but need one that is fairly lightweight. Would anyone have a recommendation for me? I don't like to think I am at a point in time where I would have to pay someone to do this for me.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Mike

MaverickBBD · 06-04-2015, 08:29 PM

I wish I could remember the one I got at Costco years ago. Unfortunately, it went when the s&b sold. I would recommend that whatever brand you get you get extra pads and applicators at the same time.

charliej · 06-04-2015, 08:41 PM

I bought a 6" griots a few years ago, and like it. Don't know the weight, but maybe it's on the web site.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/category...r+polishing.do

slickest1 · 06-04-2015, 09:11 PM

I bought a cheap one from Walmart (I think it said turtle wax on it) and it works great. It has two handles on it and is light weight. I paid around $40 and have used it on many vehicles. Very happy. Like said above get extra pads for it.

Lovin2Camp · 06-05-2015, 05:04 AM

Harbor Freight Tools has one that is very lightweight and inexpensive, I picked one up and it works great!

Steve N Sal · 06-05-2015, 05:30 AM

I bought a 6" orbital buffer from Walmart years ago (10-12 maybe) and am still using it. I paid $14.95 for it but I think the new ones are $19.95 now. The 6" foam pads are hard to find locally but I get them from a supplier in CA. It's not heavy at all.

Lued · 06-05-2015, 05:35 AM

I have had a Porter Cable 6 inch for 15 years or so, great little polisher.

jeryan59 · 06-07-2015, 07:48 PM

x2 on Porter Cable, I have had this for a number of years, I do my Motorhome, 40' Boat, 24' Enclosed Trailer and all my vehicles.

Dual Action Orbital Polishers and pads: Porter Cable 7424 : Porter Cable 7424XP: Lake Country Buffing Foam Pads

Bamaman · 06-08-2015, 07:21 PM

I also have a Porter Cable dual action polisher/sander. I have a hook and loop pad with a wool polishing bonnet that's used for polishing my aluminum boat.

The dual action polisher can also be used with 4 different style of foam pads to apply polishes to automobiles. They're popular because they don't get you in trouble.

I also have a high speed polisher that'll put swirl marks in paint jobs. And it's very physical to handle.

A third type of polisher is a orbital polisher. It's commonly used to remove wax and compounds with a terry cloth bonnet. It's easy to use, but not a tool used to apply waxes.

Harbor Freight has a dual action polisher on sale often for about $40. It'd be worth purchasing to see if you can physically handle it. They also have foam style applicators used to apply waxes and finishing compounds--cheap.

denlock · 06-08-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovin2Camp

Harbor Freight Tools has one that is very lightweight and inexpensive, I picked one up and it works great!

X2 on the Harbor Freight buffer. I bought one three or four years ago from them, and it's still going strong. I think I paid around $20 for it, but it might be more now.

atodalen · 06-09-2015, 09:34 AM

I've used one like this for several years. Ryobi RB61G Green 6" Orbital Buffer - - Amazon.com
It's nice and light and and can be used in one hand while holding on to the ladder or whatever with the other hand. Home Depot also stocks them.
Al

ralphie · 06-09-2015, 12:30 PM

Probably the best but most expensive is the Cyclo Dual Head Orbital Polisher.

Dutch Star Don · 06-09-2015, 01:09 PM

Mike......I have the Porter Cable and it's heavy and awkward to use sometimes. I had one like the Ryobi that "altodan" posted. It was made by Porter Cable and worked great until I finally wore it out.

My recommendation would be something like the Ryobi above for a few reasons. First, it's light weight and can be palmed in one hand. It's small enough to get into tight places like around doors and awning arms, but big enough to cover a lot of area. Lastly, it has parts you can easily buy.

Miramichi · 06-09-2015, 01:38 PM

Mike,

If you are having trouble with the porter cable then stay away from it. An RV has alot of surface area so you will be working with which ever machine you choose for several hours. I would recommend you get a larger orbital for the big flat spots and a smaller one hand unit like shown above for the nooks and crannies. You will find with either an orbital or a DA polisher you will probably be less fatigued than hand polishing and it will produce an better finish anyhow.

Good luck in your search!