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Old 04-02-2011, 10:39 PM   #1
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Best Electric Polisher?

Hello All,

I am looking for advice on how to ease the job of waxing/polishing our '07 Saffari 25SS. Specifically looking for the right electric polisher. Would like it to be reliable so that I only have to by it one time! Any advice/direction appreciated.

James
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Old 04-03-2011, 06:35 AM   #2
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I bought a used Dewalt professional polisher ($100 at a pawn store). It cuts through the oxidation really well. They have a very nice attachment you can buy at a commerical auto body work store, which allows you to pop pads off and on. I use double sided pads. Black for heavy oxidation, blue for medium oxidation. You wash them after you use them and let them dry out.



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Old 04-03-2011, 06:48 AM   #3
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I have had good luck with the Dewalt right angle polisher also. You will need a variable speed, I was compounding at about 1400-1600rpm . I like the wool bonnets with velcro backing, also washable.
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Old 04-03-2011, 08:07 AM   #4
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I bought a used Dewalt professional polisher ($100 at a pawn store). It cuts through the oxidation really well.
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Originally Posted by seldencove View Post
I have had good luck with the Dewalt right angle polisher also.
But, but, but...you guys are talking about cutting through oxidation & polishing vintage units...James is looking for something to maintain his late model 2007 Airstream with clearcoat. Two completely different animals unless James' intention is to strip the clearcoat down to bare aluminum.

For maintaining the clearcoat, I imagine more traditional auto-maintanence techniques would be in order. I know Cyclo Polishers are used by car detailers for waxing...I think they would be much better suited for the task. A compounder is going to much too aggressive IMO.

Shari
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Old 04-03-2011, 08:19 AM   #5
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Shari has got it! I was waiting for the "oops" what have I done report if you used those crud cutter machines.
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Old 04-03-2011, 09:25 AM   #6
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Yes, I stand corrected, please disregard what I said, compounding should only be used to remove years of oxidation.
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Old 04-04-2011, 08:57 PM   #7
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Best Electric Polisher

Thakk you Brian, Seldencove, Shari & Melody for the great product information and discussion. Shari & Melody are correct: I just want to polish our 'Stream which is a late model and has a good finish. Do I assume it has the clearcoat mentioned?
James
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Old 04-04-2011, 09:04 PM   #8
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Hi Brian,

I have a very well used (20 years) Porter-Cable variable speed random orbital polisher that has been my trusty polishing tool and has never failed me. That includes use on cars, vans, motorhomes, motorcycles and trailers and yes.... even Airstreams. It provides superior speed control and a superb finish when used with quality polishes and waxes and doubles and a great finishing sander with a quick change of the pad.

I highly recommend it for simple polishing if newer Airstreams.
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Old 04-04-2011, 11:35 PM   #9
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Do I assume it has the clearcoat mentioned?
Yes, only early 60's trailers & older trailers and those that have been deliberately stripped &/or polished are clearcoat free. Mid-60's to present day have clearcoat or one sort or another - many in various stages of failure. Generally it can not be "touched-up" so the best thing you can do is to take good care of it when it's new (like it sounds like you are planning on doing) and preferably park it indoors when not in use.

Shari
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Old 04-05-2011, 04:19 AM   #10
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Good luck with it what ever you do! We use a cyclo polisher, there is no clear coat on this year model (it had it but they break down after many years).
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Old 04-05-2011, 06:13 AM   #11
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I like my CYCLO I use it on my cars too. It's an awesome polisher. No swirls, only shine.
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Old 04-22-2011, 10:57 PM   #12
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Thanks to all for your input on my polisher question. I bought a Turtle Wax 6" Orbital polisher and plan to use it very carefully!
James
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