Power Buffers

[Bill Kerkam]

Finally! Polish and Wax and Zingara is back in the water! As this is my first sail boat I am still buying all the necessary tools of the trade that I hope will serve Zingara for many years to come. Several people at the yard have suggested a "heavy grade" power buffer (with at least 2,000 RPMs) to polish and wax the hull. Apparently the salt air and heavy use produces a short life for the generic $35 buffer. I have seen some heavy duty "grinders" that could be converted but am not sure this is what I need. Can anyone recommend a brand name or specific type that I could purchase over the web or seach for locally? How much should I expect to spend? I would really appreciate any feedback!
Bill Kerkam
Zingara
1978 CD



bkerkam@yahoo.com

[sloopjohnl]

i use the same sander/buffer for the boat that i use for my cars.
it's a makita with speeds from 1000 to 6000 rpm. 1000 is what the manufacturer recommends for buffing and faster for sanding and grinding. too fast and you will burn up the paint and the pads. sure takes the work out of that preseason shine.

Finally! Polish and Wax and Zingara is back in the water! As this is my first sail boat I am still buying all the necessary tools of the trade that I hope will serve Zingara for many years to come. Several people at the yard have suggested a "heavy grade" power buffer (with at least 2,000 RPMs) to polish and wax the hull. Apparently the salt air and heavy use produces a short life for the generic $35 buffer. I have seen some heavy duty "grinders" that could be converted but am not sure this is what I need. Can anyone recommend a brand name or specific type that I could purchase over the web or seach for locally? How much should I expect to spend? I would really appreciate any feedback!
Bill Kerkam
Zingara
1978 CD

[Ann and David Brownlee]

We do it with elbow grease.

Ann and David Brownlee
CD31 #1 Windrush
Havre de Grace, MD



abrownle@sas.upenn.edu

[Mark Yashinsky]

Careful on the grinder/buffer style. If you find any car rags on the subject, they all say the "heavy duty" buffers, NEED a light hand in using them. The speed they run, will QUICKLY burn thru paint. Imagine this on aged gelcoat. Look into the random orbit style buffer/polishers made for the non-professional person. Name brand and to some extent, you get what you pay for. Sears is one answer. They have one that is two speed, apply vs buff, and have used it on the hull of a CD27, w/ 3M's cleaner/wax, and, on the hard, did it easily under an hour and the arms were not ready to fall off. And it looks GREAT.

[Fred]

Finally! Polish and Wax and Zingara is back in the water! As this is my first sail boat I am still buying all the necessary tools of the trade that I hope will serve Zingara for many years to come. Several people at the yard have suggested a "heavy grade" power buffer (with at least 2,000 RPMs) to polish and wax the hull. Apparently the salt air and havy use produces a short life for the generic $35 buffer. I have seen some heavy duty "grinders" that could be converted but am not sure this is what I need. Can anyone recommend a brand name or specific type that I could purchase over the web or seach for locally? How much should I expect to spend? I would really appreciate any feedback!
Bill Kerkam
Zingara: 1978 Cd

If your boat is gelcoat, not awl-grip,or some other paint, you ought to rent one.

The only thing you need a buffer for is compounding. As for waxing, just use any marine liquid wax. The liquid rubs off much easier than paste wax. It holds up just as well too.

You should only need to compound every few years. (on a white hull)

Never polish with anything faster than 2000rpm, or you're asking for trouble.