Tweet
Chris's keys to the orbital buffer
Alright, I thought there should be some sort of guide for the orbital since there are so many written articles about the PC and rotary. So here it goes...
Intro:
Orbitals are a very simple form of a polisher. They are often sold at hardware and auto parts stores with many different brand names and sizes to choose from. Most orbitals can be had for under $40. The main goal of an orbital is to help apply a cleaner, polish, or protectant easier and faster than what a normal person can do by hand. They are often just a single speed and require bonnets to apply the product.
What can I apply with an orbital?
Orbitals can apply all polishes and sealants. However, they can not apply every cleaner. The most agressive cleaner you can use is the new version of M105. Here is a list of cleaners / cleaner polishes you can use with the orbital: M105, M83, M82, M80, M02, DC1, ScratchX, ScratchX 2.0, SwirlX, and Ultimate Compound. Again, ALL polishes and sealants can be applied with an orbital. Do not use M01, M04, M84 and M85 with an orbital. These products require a rotary polisher to break down the abrasives. If you do use these products, you will end up with some form of marring. To remove this marring, use a less aggressive product.
Can I use a Soft Buff pad with an orbital?
No. Orbitals have a PERMANENT BACKING PAD. You must use a Bonnet with an orbital. I will discuss later on how to modify your orbital to use a Soft Buff pad.
What is a Bonnet?
A bonnet is a material that will wrap around the backing pad of the orbital. A bonnet MUST be used apply the product. The permanent backing pad is not meant to come in contact with the paint. There are many types of bonnets available out there: cotton terry, microfiber, foam, and wool bonnets.
Here are the uses for each:
Cotton terry - this an excellent all around bonnet. You can apply any cleaner, polish or protectant with a cotton terry.
Microfiber bonnets are used to remove a hazed protectant. You can also apply polishes and protectants, but they can also remove the hazed protectant.
Foam bonnets differ greatly in quality. Some are as aggressive as a cutting pad. Please, use caution or just avoid these bonets.
Wool bonnets are not meant for use with an orbital. Even though you can still find them, don't use them. The orbital does not have the power to make use of a wool bonnet. I have seen advertisements on TW products that say you can wool bonnet with a compound. You can use M105 Ultra Cut Compound or Ultimate Compound, but do not use any other compound.
My reccommendation is to pick a bunch of cotton terry bonnets because they can be used for any product and won't break the budget.
How do I modify the orbital to use Soft Buff pads?
As discussed before, orbitals have a permanent backing pad. Soft Buff pads are commonly used with a PC or rotary. They are more effective in applying cleaners and use less product than a bonnet. To make the modification, you need to remove permanent pad. Then apply Velcro stips to the plate itself (the hook or spikey side of the Velcro). It is really an easy conversion, but the results will be worth it. Remember, use only Polishing and Finishing pads. A Cutting pad with a microfiber bonnet can be used to remove the hazed protectant.
What size orbital should I get?
This is one area where it is totally user dependant. When I chose my orbital, I went with a small 7" because the smaller size makes it easier to use around tight spots. Also, I felt that I could work the product in more than with a 10". Larger orbitals are better for applying products if you are in a hurry.
Should I save up and get a PC or buy an orbital now?
The answer to this question really depends on what you are using the polisher for. Do you detail a number of cars? Do you work with damaged paint? If you answered 'yes' to any of the following questions, a PC would be better for your situation. If you are just using the machine to apply a polish or protectant on your car, you probably don't need to buy a PC. Orbitals make applying a product normally applied by hand easier and save time, but they only have the power to correct light defects.
Hope this helps!
Chris - PorscheGuy997
Alright, I thought there should be some sort of guide for the orbital since there are so many written articles about the PC and rotary. So here it goes...
Intro:
Orbitals are a very simple form of a polisher. They are often sold at hardware and auto parts stores with many different brand names and sizes to choose from. Most orbitals can be had for under $40. The main goal of an orbital is to help apply a cleaner, polish, or protectant easier and faster than what a normal person can do by hand. They are often just a single speed and require bonnets to apply the product.
What can I apply with an orbital?
Orbitals can apply all polishes and sealants. However, they can not apply every cleaner. The most agressive cleaner you can use is the new version of M105. Here is a list of cleaners / cleaner polishes you can use with the orbital: M105, M83, M82, M80, M02, DC1, ScratchX, ScratchX 2.0, SwirlX, and Ultimate Compound. Again, ALL polishes and sealants can be applied with an orbital. Do not use M01, M04, M84 and M85 with an orbital. These products require a rotary polisher to break down the abrasives. If you do use these products, you will end up with some form of marring. To remove this marring, use a less aggressive product.
Can I use a Soft Buff pad with an orbital?
No. Orbitals have a PERMANENT BACKING PAD. You must use a Bonnet with an orbital. I will discuss later on how to modify your orbital to use a Soft Buff pad.
What is a Bonnet?
A bonnet is a material that will wrap around the backing pad of the orbital. A bonnet MUST be used apply the product. The permanent backing pad is not meant to come in contact with the paint. There are many types of bonnets available out there: cotton terry, microfiber, foam, and wool bonnets.
Here are the uses for each:
Cotton terry - this an excellent all around bonnet. You can apply any cleaner, polish or protectant with a cotton terry.
Microfiber bonnets are used to remove a hazed protectant. You can also apply polishes and protectants, but they can also remove the hazed protectant.
Foam bonnets differ greatly in quality. Some are as aggressive as a cutting pad. Please, use caution or just avoid these bonets.
Wool bonnets are not meant for use with an orbital. Even though you can still find them, don't use them. The orbital does not have the power to make use of a wool bonnet. I have seen advertisements on TW products that say you can wool bonnet with a compound. You can use M105 Ultra Cut Compound or Ultimate Compound, but do not use any other compound.
My reccommendation is to pick a bunch of cotton terry bonnets because they can be used for any product and won't break the budget.
How do I modify the orbital to use Soft Buff pads?
As discussed before, orbitals have a permanent backing pad. Soft Buff pads are commonly used with a PC or rotary. They are more effective in applying cleaners and use less product than a bonnet. To make the modification, you need to remove permanent pad. Then apply Velcro stips to the plate itself (the hook or spikey side of the Velcro). It is really an easy conversion, but the results will be worth it. Remember, use only Polishing and Finishing pads. A Cutting pad with a microfiber bonnet can be used to remove the hazed protectant.
What size orbital should I get?
This is one area where it is totally user dependant. When I chose my orbital, I went with a small 7" because the smaller size makes it easier to use around tight spots. Also, I felt that I could work the product in more than with a 10". Larger orbitals are better for applying products if you are in a hurry.
Should I save up and get a PC or buy an orbital now?
The answer to this question really depends on what you are using the polisher for. Do you detail a number of cars? Do you work with damaged paint? If you answered 'yes' to any of the following questions, a PC would be better for your situation. If you are just using the machine to apply a polish or protectant on your car, you probably don't need to buy a PC. Orbitals make applying a product normally applied by hand easier and save time, but they only have the power to correct light defects.
Hope this helps!
Chris - PorscheGuy997
Comment