Rotary Buffer or Orbital Polisher?

[BatleyBoy]

Got a couple of scuffs I want to try to get out if possible.

Am I better buying a rotary buffer or orbital polisher?

Any suggestions for a budget price machine, as it will be used only once in a blue moon?

[mneame]

if you have no experience of machine polishing then i'd without doubt go for a dual action maching. something like the kestral das-6, megs g220 or pc 7424 (110v machine).

this is because you will be less likely to inflict holograms / buffer trails and marring with this type of machine compared to the rotary. but you will still get cracking results if worked properly.

whichever you go for (rotary or dual action) you'll need to get quality pads and polishes to get good results. look to spend around £120 - £150 for a good starter kit with the kestral. i've got this machine and apart from the short power lead can't fault it. i've had the pc 7424 in the past (unfortunately stolen) which is also a cracking piece of kit but not as powerful as the uk 220v machines.

also get yourself a scrap bonnet from a breakers to practice on before going head on into machine polishing your car. the best results are seen with practice. it took me best part of a year of practice with a DA machine to get great results every time. although now competent with a rotary, i'm still learning all the time.

the other option you have would be to spend a little more and have the car professionally detailed. Expect to pay £200+ for a good detailer to machine polish your car. Then just maintain it yourself.

HTH

Matt.