Coleman 6" Orbital polisher

[mzmtg]

I got a Coleman polisher/buffer like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42266&item=4345544079&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

for Xmas.

It came with a terry bonnet and a synthetic wool bonnet. I think I'll go ahead and skip those and get some decent MF bonnets to use.

As for the motion, it appears to have a typical random orbital motion. The pad spins freely while the center of the pad moves in a circle, powered by the motor.

What is the radius of the orbit on a PC?

I may try to get a regular PC backing plate to mount to it so I can use proper foam pads and such...

Anyone have any experience with this item?

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0140.jpg
http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0141.jpg
http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0142.jpg
http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0143.jpg
http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0144.jpg
http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/4821dscn0145.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Hi mzmtg,

I have one that's similar to that one. Polisher like these are good for applying a pure polish or a coat of wax but they are not very effective at removing swirls and scratches as they typically don't have the power. That said, I've never used this specific tool and it just might have the power and the speed to remove defects, you'll never know till you try.

If the thread in your arbor is 5/16 fine thread, they any dual action polisher backing plate should screw right in.

One thing for sure, machines do take a lot of the work out of applying a polish or a wax and typically lay down a uniform, even coating.

Mike

[Buellwinkle]

What I noticed from my PC random orbital sander/buffer that looks like what you have is that while it's rated at twice the speed of the 7224/G-100, the range of motion is a lot smaller so it can't possibly work as well for polishing/buffing. Also, with the speeds not being adjustable it seemed like it would do more harm than good. I tried it a little since I had the velcro backing plate for it already but much prefer the G-100 style buffers. I find the shape hard to use, too big and clumsy to use single handed as it's intended and no easy way to use it with two hands. The last thing you want is to drop it as you use it, specially on the car.

[mzmtg]

I used the Coleman to apply some ColorX to my truck today. It worked great.

I didnt have any problems holding on to it comfortably.

As far as I can tell, the only real disadvantage is the need to use bonnets over the foam pad instead of having a velcro backing plate.

On another note, I was very impressed with colorX. It got nearly all the stains off the white paint of the truck. I thought it would never look as a good as it does right now.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by mzmtg
On another note, I was very impressed with ColorX. It got nearly all the stains off the white paint of the truck. I thought it would never look as a good as it does right now.

ColorX is a very nice product. Good to hear it worked out for you. If nothing else, machine polishing takes much of the work out of the process and delivers better consistency results.

:xyxthumbs

Mike