Let’s face the fact that whatever your route is, there is a good chance that your car will be getting dirty from top to bottom. Trust us when we say that driving a dirty car doesn’t exactly feel good at all. It feels even worse when you know that the car you’ve spent thousands on is filled with scratches all around. Lucky for you, there are buffers and polishers that can help you get rid of those unwanted flaws.
Whether you’re just a plain car owner or your the owner of an auto shop, a buffer is one tool that you can never live without. This useful tool is capable of removing any noticeable blemishes or scratches at the body of your car. Everyone knows that your car is a reflection of who you are so you must always keep it tidy.
There are many buffers in the market right now and it's a tough job picking which is the right one for your car. To narrow down your choices, let's talk about orbital buffers. Orbital buffers are the best buffers around as these slow-action products are the safer alternative to standard buffers.
Even if we narrow this list down to these buffers, you’re still going to have to browse through numerous brands. It’s vital that you buy only the best for your car as poorly made buffers can do more harm than good. That being said, let’s take a gander at the five best orbital buffers you can buy now.
Top 5: Orbital Buffers Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.7 | ||
9.9 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.1 |
Let’s kick off this list with a well-known brand in the industry which is Dewalt. The DWP849X is a 7-inch/9-inch variable speed polisher that is equipped with a 180mm Velcro packing pad, a bail side handle, a horizontal side handle, and a spindle threat that’s about ⅝ - 11 inches.
It offers some of the best power and performance mostly thanks to its 12-amp motor. It is the perfect tool for polishing cars and boats. It can also be used for finishing metal and concrete surfaces.
This buffer is compatible with wool and foam pads meaning you can easily change the pads depending on your needs. As one of the top polishers in the market currently, Dewalt’s offering is packed with features and the right processing power you need for getting rid of those nasty scratches on the surface.
A great feature of this Dewalt buffer is that it comes equipped with the company’s exclusive Controlled Finishing System with soft start. This gives you better control of the polisher’s speed, thus improving the finish quality of your car.
One of the best features of this buffer is that despite its strong and consistent performance, it is relatively light after weighing at about 6.7 pounds. What this means for you is that you can polish surfaces for prolonged periods of time at angles you are comfortable with. Most heavy duty polishers are heavy so holding them long enough will wear down your wrists.
The lightweight body goes well with is ergonomically designed handle that comes with rubber overmold that adds an extra layer of comfort for you. Even if you are new to buffing or polishing your own car, this Dewalt piece is perfect for you as it is very easy to handle.
Pros
Cons
If you’re going to buy your first buffer or polisher by the end of this article, then you must ensure that what you are buying is well worth it. Aside from having great reviews, you must also look for tools that come with an assortment of extra items. By that standard alone, you should get the Torq TORQX Random Orbital Polisher Kit.
This 9-kit piece sells at a medium price range and what you’ll be getting is a solid polishing kit that is usable in most cases. The problem though is that if you aren’t well experienced with DIY polishing or buffing, you might not have a good idea about which items are suitable for which tasks. If you aren’t careful, you might end up damaging your car further.
The Torq TORQX Random Orbital Polisher Kit dos away with nasty scratches and defects from all painted vehicles. This product mainly caters to pros and experienced cleaners but with a little help from them, even newbies will make the most out of this polishing kit that can also apply wax, sealant and glaze in a few minutes.
If you are an expert in this task, then this tool set is perfect for you. The entire kit is designed for multiple purposes so you can fully fix or detail your car with this kit that will only set you back over a hundred dollars. Aside from its versatility, the tool itself is lightweight and compact so it is very easy to bring.
Some users claim that the torque of the tool is low thus making it less effective in polishing. However, we highly believe that this just requires high know-how of polishing and buffing to make it work.
Pros
Cons
Also coming from a highly respected brand, the Black Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander is a very popular choice among car owners and this acclaim comes with good reason. Before we get to the juicy part, let’s take a look at what this product has to offer.
First off, it offers a random orbital action which results in a high-quality finish with high removal rates to boot. It also comes with a hook and loop system that allows for easy paper changes just in case you need to do so. Lastly, the Random Orbit Sander from Black & Decker also comes with a dust sealed switch which can keep all those pesky dust and debris from getting into the crevices of this tool.
The makers of this tool claim that it is one of the fastest random orbit sanders there is. It can efficiently remove foreign materials for a crystal clear finish every time. Another strong point of the product is that it is compact and lightweight, meaning it is very easy to have around for emergencies. Furthermore, the ergonomic design guarantees smooth handling through and through.
With a cheap price, this random orbit sander is very cheap especially considering that it comes from a highly reputable name in the industry. According to customer reviews, the product is very efficient and it manages to do all of its claims. They have also praised its hook and loop system that provides easy access to its disk.
Despite its notoriety among users, there are those that claim this product easily breaks and it is not just an isolated issue. Most users are saying that the on/off switch isn’t very durable. However, we are sure that if you do well in keeping this sander safe, it will remain as good as new for months to come.
Pros
Cons
One thing that you should always look into before buying a polisher is whether or not the handle is great. Trust us when we say that the way you use the tool is more important than its quality. That’s why if you want to get your money’s worth, you must make sure that the polisher in your hands feels great to use. Here enters the Porter Cable Polisher.
Just by looking at it, you can clearly see that Porter Cable added in the extra effort to make this tool relatively easy to use. Its handle and side-handle are ergonomically designed to make polishing feel as comfortable as possible. At a medium price range, this is one of the best choices for beginners in polishing/buffing.
The Porter Cable 7424 features a 6-inch polisher that is powered by a 4.5 amp motor. This makes it perfect for random orbit cleaning. This tool is best used for polishing and sanding cars and boats as well so if you have one of each, you can save up on buying another extra tool.
The Porter Cable 7424 is also relatively light at 5.½ pounds so don’t have to worry about your hands suddenly hurting from all the polishing you can do. The 7424 also offers an electronic variable-speed dial that can run at 2,500 - 6,800 orbits per minute which can result in very clean polishing.
Reviewers have a lot of good words about the tool’s maneuverability and weight as it makes it very easy to use even for those who are new to handheld automatic polishers/buffers. The users also like the speed wheel dial which makes it very easy to change the speed at which the sander is going through.
Pros
Cons
Understandably, you might want to opt for something cheaper especially if you aren’t that crazy about detailing and polishing. If you are a car owner that just wants to have a polisher for safety measures and regular maintenance, then you might want to by the WEN 6010 6-Inch Waxer/Polisher which you can score for a low price.
The WEN 6010 6-Inch Waxer Polisher is an ergonomically designed tool that is designed with a contoured palm and body grip. In general, the design increase accuracy and control thus making it a great tool for beginners. Not only are you getting something cheap, you’ll also be getting that’s very easy to master.
What’s great about the WEN 6010 is that you can use it single or double handed. If there are tough to reach areas, you can easily use the WEN 6010 with one hand while balancing with the other.
While it is designed for waxing cars, the WEN 6010 can also be used for many surfaces. This includes tiles on the kitchen, the pavement on the garage and even wooden floors. Whatever that surface may be, the WEN 6010 is most likely capable of removing those unwanted grime and it will provide that reflective shine you want.
Praises and reviews aside, the WEN 6010 is a high performing polisher that is powered by a 120V, 0.5 amp permanent magnet motor that is capable of providing 4000 RPM. It also as a lockable on and off switch that makes prolonged polishing easier, and accidents less frequent. Lastly, this tool also comes with a 6-inch applicator bonnet and a 6-inch terry cloth bonnet.
Pros
Cons
best orbital buffer
If we were to pick which of these tools are worth every bang for your buck, we have to go with the Torq TORQX Random Orbital Polisher Kit. If you have a decent budget to spend, you can get this highly versatile tool set that may last you for a long time. If you are a newbie, then you can watch tutorials on buffing and polishing online so you can put this tool to good use.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is an orbital buffer?
An orbital buffer is a product used for polishing a car. They have a spinning head that rotates around an axis. This allows the buffer to safely polish your car, without fear of removing any of the paint under the clear finish.
Can an orbital buffer get rid of deep scratches?
No, orbital buffers are not designed to get rid of deep scratches. Since they don't cut into your paint coat, they won't be able to remove these deeper scratches. If you have deep scratches that need to be removed, you will want to use a rotary polisher, or let an experienced professional do so since they are more difficult to operate properly without damaging your paint coat.
Can I just polish my car by hand?
While you could polish and buff your car by hand, you'll find that an orbital buffer is faster and easier to use. They are also more powerful and will provide a better polish than you'd be able to achieve with just your hands.
What is the difference between a rotary buffer and an orbital buffer?
Rotary buffers and orbital buffers are both designed to help you polish your car. However, they have different uses and work in different ways.
Rotary buffers have a spindle and a pad that rotate together in the same direction. The pad spins more quickly than an orbital buffer, so if it is not moved correctly along the car's surface by someone with experience, it can burn the paint coat and damage the finish.
The spindle and pad of an orbital buffer move around a different axis. This makes the buffer vibrate. Orbital buffers are easier to control and can be handled more safely by people who are inexperienced. If you press too firmly on an orbital buffer, it will stop spinning, preventing you from accidentally damaging your car's paint coat.
Should I get an orbital buffer or a rotary buffer?
There are a few different considerations you should make when deciding whether to purchase an orbital buffer or a rotary buffer. Since rotary buffers can cause damage to a vehicle's finish when they aren't used correctly, you should only choose this option if you are experienced and know what you're doing. Orbital buffers are a much better option for people who do not have experience with buffing a car.
Professionals should also consider adding an orbital buffer to their tool arsenal. These products are great to use when finishing a polishing job.
What should I look for when buying an orbital buffer?
When selecting an orbital buffer, there are a few key features you should consider. First, you will want to look for a product that provides you with different speed settings. This will keep you more in charge of the polishing job you are doing and will make it easier to switch between removing scratches or applying the finishing touches to your vehicle.
Next, consider the weight of each option and how easy it will be for you to hold and control. You want to choose a product that you'll be able to use easily. If you do not have much experience using an orbital buffer, starting with a lightweight model will make it easier for you to learn how to use the buffer.
You may also want to consider looking for a polishing kit that includes an orbital buffer, polishing pads, and polishing compounds. This will ensure you have all the materials you need to polish your vehicle and may save you money.
What other accessories do I need to use when polishing my car with an orbital buffer?
If you're planning to polish your car, there are a few other products you'll need to purchase in addition to the orbital buffer. First, you need to select a pad to use for polishing. There are three different pad options you can choose from: wool pads, microfiber pads, and foam pads.
If you are inexperienced, you'll likely want to choose a foam pad. You can find foam pads available in different softness levels. A foam pad is less aggressive than the other pad types, which is why they are better for beginners and newer vehicles.
Microfiber pads are another option to consider. They typically come in two different types. One type is better for more aggressive polishing to remove scratches, while the other is better for applying the finishing touches to your job.
Wool pads are another option, but should really only be used by people who are trained and experienced.
In addition to needing pads for your buffer, you'll also want to purchase a few polishing compounds. There are different compounds designed to be used at different stages in the buffing process. Some of the compounds are more aggressive and should be used when removing scratches and blemishes, while others are gentler and designed to be used when finishing the job.
You can also finish buffing kits that include a variety of pads and polishing compounds. Choosing one of these kits can help you make sure you get all of the materials you'll need to use alongside your orbital buffer to polish your car.
How do you use an orbital buffer?
First, you want to set up your buffer and put on the buffing pad you want to start with. You will then want to put a few dots of polish on the pad.
Without turning on the buffer, press the pad against the car in a few places you'll be working. This will help make sure the polish gets more evenly spread around the area you need to work on and that it doesn't fly off the pad when you power on the buffer.
Then, you can turn the buffer on to a medium speed setting. Work on a small area at a time and press down enough to hear the pressure change, but not too hard.
Slowly and gently move the orbital buffer across the area where you're working. After finishing one section, repeat the steps for another section. Be sure to overlap the areas where you're working to ensure the polishing job is well-blended.
After completing the area you want to work on, you will want to switch your polishing pad and compound. Choose a finish pad and compound to put the final touches on the vehicle and make it shine.
Final Verdict
Before you buy the Torq TORQX Random Orbital Polisher Kit though, you need to thoroughly check if it is the right tool for you. Same goes with the other buffers/polishers on this list.
official top 5 review's Reasons to get an orbital buffer
Using an orbital buffer to tackle home and automotive upkeep is a fantastic way to save time and money.Here I share my top five ways to use this versatile tool and explain the benefits of owning one!
Orbital Buffer Benefits
What makes an orbital buffer better than other electric buffing tools?The motion of the pad rotates, but also vibrates and oscillates on a varied orbit, which creates these benefits:
- Prevents overheating of the surface you wish to buff
- Helps avoid too much abrasion of one area which lowers the risk of surface damage
- Reduces formation of swirl marks other types of buffers can generate
- Evenly spreads wax or coatings onto flat or curved surfaces
- Allows interchangeable pads for compound application or for polishing
5 Uses for an Orbital Buffer
1. Bring Back Vehicle Shine
The number one reason to own an orbital buffer is to use it to apply wax to your automobile, boat, ATV, or other vehicles.The flexible buffer pad allows you to fit into the curves and contours of a vehicle body without producing excessive pressure points that can cause damage to the clear coat.
The speed of rotation the electrical orbital buffer creates helps warm up the wax for better penetration and spread and saves a lot of time and sweat over hand waxing, leaving the surface with a more even glass-like luster.
2. Diminish Fine Scratches from Automotive Paint
Using an orbital buffer can help lessen or eliminate the appearance of scratches and return a more even surface smoothness to the paint, while also brightening up the color.Starting with a more aggressive pad to work out scratch marks, then following up with finer grade buffers will bring your car's paint job back to life.
Letting the power of the tool do the heavy work for you saves hours over laboriously hand-sanding and buffing out minor scratches before applying a wax or sealant.
3. Eliminate Scuff Marks from Surfaces
An orbital buffer quickly eliminates annoying scuff marks from car fenders, furniture, or flooring without fear of damage.I use one without additional product to clear stubborn marks from walls, outdoor furniture, even shoes where I prefer not to apply a liquid that may leave behind a stain.
4. Apply Sealants or Coatings
Applying an even sealer or topcoat finish on cars, boats, or wood is a breeze when using an orbital buffer.There are buffer pads in such a wide variety of grades; you can quickly achieve the perfect polish and sheen you desire.
The pressure you can apply by using the tool helps maintain a more even layer of material over the surface, while also forcing it down into microscopic pores on the surface, which creates a professional-looking final finish.
5. Polish Metal, Furniture and Wood Flooring
When you want to restore the look of metal or wood surfaces, bring out that orbital buffer!Refresh the look of older stainless steel or aluminum appliances by using the correct pad and polishing compound to clear away stains or rust, bringing back a vibrant shine.
Use the buffer to recoat or shine up your wood flooring with much less stress. Touch up wooden tabletops with some furniture polish or a clearcoat letting the orbital action buff the surface to perfection!
