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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Polishers

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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/05/2004 : 09:04:47

Did the search and found some posts but couldn't find details about specific polishers. I'm looking at Milwaukee (sp?) but they have at least 3 kinds.

1. Fixed speed 1700 rpms (Model 5455)
2. Variable 0-1750 rpms (Model 5460-6)
3. Variable 0-2800 rpms (Model 5540)

Question is variable or fixed. 0-2800 may be too much??

One sales person said the switches on the variables is a common failure with variables and they cost $60 to replace. (He has the highest prices and I think he was trying to clear his shelf of the fixed speed he had in stock.)

Any comments? Experiences? Other brands that have been working without issues?

Thanks for any input.

Scooter
C25 '89 SR/WK #5878 "Square Knot"
Vandemere NC.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2004 : 09:38:41

Well, I'd agree on part about the variable speed switch being the most common point of failure. Most of the problems I've had with 'modern' power tools (Milwaukee included) have centered around those switches. The 55 year old "Thor" drill I got from my father continues to work just fine.

All that said, the variable speed switches are indeed worth the bother on many tools... (drills, sawzall etc). As to the importance of a variable speed switch on a buffer, I can't offer direct experience, but I'd think it would be geared for the perfectionist working with various grades/types of polish on a 'show' car.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2004 : 13:44:33

Last year I wanted to buy my first drill press. To me Sears makes consumer tools. I figured a 12" drill press from Sears was buying at the appropriate level. Leon suggested that I buy one from Harbor Freight at less than half the price. I was too snobish to buy Asian crap. I have used my drill press with it's index of dual tip cobalt drills twice. Moral of story, I should have bought a cheapo at Harbor Freight, it certainly would have lasted this long!

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Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2004 : 16:59:29

<br />I've got a Porter-Cable model 7336 variable speed orbital sander/polisher that goes from 2500-6000 orbits/minute. I've used it mostly for quickly putting a snazzy shine on my car without tearing up my elbows & shoulders playing the "wax-on/wax-off" game.

It ought to work on a boat with the appropriate polishing pads & polish. It's double insulated, has a simple two position on-off switch on top, and a wheel to adjust the speed (even while running). It would also work as a sander for taking off old bottom paint if you are so inclined.

IMHO the keys to success here are: 1) Not applying too much pressure. Let the machine just rest on the pad while you guide it, 2) Start with a CLEAN surface or you'll just be grinding in the dirt, and 3) get a good grade of polish.

I will defer to the experts out there for polish selection, although Practical Sailor just released a review of several different brands tested over the past year (11/15/04 issue). Meguiars was a highly rated brand.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2004 : 19:59:32

Scooter,<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...details about specific polishers. I'm looking at Milwaukee ... Question is variable or fixed ... One sales person said the switches on the variables is a common failure with variables ... Any comments? Experiences? Other brands that have been working without issues?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">In my opinion Milwaukee makes good power tools.

When I researched 7" sander/polishers a few years ago, I ended up with a Makita # 9227C, 0-600/3000RPM multi-variable 6-speed, soft start, torque-compensating governor, double insulated. It weighs around 7 lb, maybe a lb lighter than the competition. And trust me, when you're leaning into one of those suckers held up against the side or bottom of a boat for hours, every ounce counts! In the past 8 or so years, I've used it hard for everything from polishing topsides to heavy duty grinding. (Before switching from sanding/grinding to polishing, be sure to thoroughly clean gritty dust out of the unit. I use compressed air.) It hasn't missed a beat yet, including the fancy electronic switches. I think I may have replaced the brushes once.

I also have a Makita 5" right angle grinder which is much older, and has been used much harder. I've done one rebuild (cord, switch, brushes, bearings) which cost a tiny fraction the price of a new grinder, and it's still running strong.

I would specifically avoid Craftsman, Black&Decker, and about all of the really cheap asian clones of brand name power tools.

But on a contrary note, that cheap Harbor Freight/Chinese drill press? If I'd saved up all the metal shavings, fiberglass dust and wood chips it's cut so far, the pile would about fill a drywall bucket.

So far all I've had to do was replace the on/off switch which was damaged in shipping. However if anything serious breaks on it, I know I'll never be able to get replacement parts. (When I called Harbor Freight about the damaged switch, they pretty much told me to take a flying leap.

)

-- Leon Sisson

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2004 : 22:27:20

Scooter,
You're certainly starting off on the right track. I returned three different model polishers to Sears before I bought a Milwaukee - bulletproof. 1,700 rpm's is the correct speed for polishing. I agree with the comments above regarding the variable speed option - really not necessary when polishing. Just remember to do the sharp corners by hand.
For removing chalking I've found the No. 7 Rubbing and/or Polishing compounds work best with electric polishers. I use Collinite's No. 870 Fleetwax - but, (so far) I've found that product is best applied and wiped off by hand.
Good luck!

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