Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Variable speed polisher

June 26, 2019, 04:08:53 pm

This post isn't about brands of variable speed polishers, it's about how the polishing pad secures to the base wheel of the polisher. I have used a cheap polisher for 6 or so years that the polishing pad attaches to the wheel by Velcro.. I brought back the finish on more than one FT using it. I was using the polisher on a scratched up "thank goodness" pu when the Velcro attachment failed and before I could get the wheel off the truck the paint was gone to the shiney aluminum in a 5 in circle. Thank goodness I wasn't on the bus or one of my nicer vehicles because it would be expensive. Throwing it away In case I ever get intoxicated enough to turn it back on.. In the market now for a polisher with a bolt thru the center of the pad.. Now everyone will say I am the only one on the forum that didn't know better already. Go ahead.... i have it coming.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #1 – June 26, 2019, 04:14:07 pm

Not sure how it failed. I use both, the Velcro on my 4" and 6" and the wool bolt through on my 9"

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #2 – June 26, 2019, 04:16:19 pm

Not sure either but doesn't stay on. Took many hours of use to fail but won't fail on me again.Just to remind those that use them what can happen.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #3 – June 26, 2019, 04:16:39 pm

I got the Porter Cable orbital polisher when I did our '97 U320. Worked well.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #4 – June 26, 2019, 04:19:59 pm

Key word here Richard is bolt or Velcro attached.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #5 – June 26, 2019, 04:21:27 pm

Mine is bolt on

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Reply #6 – June 26, 2019, 04:27:56 pm

Velcro is the culprit.. Doesn't matter if it doesn't fail but once in 500 hrs of use who needs the resulting bodywork is my point.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #7 – June 26, 2019, 04:41:32 pm

I have a variable speed Makita bolt through that has a bolt on velcro disk to attach the pads.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #8 – June 26, 2019, 06:50:27 pm

Dub I still do my polishing by hand. But I would do some research using Google and youtube. Also you may want to go to a local body shop and ask for advise. On some recent car shows I see polishers and buffers getting smaller. Call mothers or maguires and see what they say. A detail shop might be another could place to check.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #9 – June 26, 2019, 07:01:34 pm

10/4 Joe, I will be good with one that has a more secure bonnet securement. I just have to have faith a tool isn't going to come apart in my hands and damage my motor home.. I'm like you in that I do my cars by hand. Polisher can be handy for paint or gelcoat correction. I put enough hours on this one to go thru 2 qts of 3m and that takes awhile. Nothing pees me off more that taking on the difficult job of improving something and have a tool malfunction and make the vehicle worse.

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #10 – June 26, 2019, 07:11:55 pm

Cindy (of Barry and Cindy) have compiled some good information on cleaning and polishing the gel coat on a FT.  The copy I have is dated 2008 so it is a bit dated as to product numbers, but useful none the less.  She recommends the Porter Cable 7424 (current model 7424XP) which is available from Amazon for less than $115.  There are several Youtube videos on this dual action orbital polisher.  Some claim it is impossible to damage a finish with it.  Sounds like just the ticket for me! 

I'm also going to get a urethane flexible backing plate (Velcro) and some Hexlogic polishing pads from Chemicalguys.com.  Since the surface on our coach is in pretty good shape (gel coat with painted graphics), I'm going to try Gel Coat Labs One-Step Gel Coat Micro-Polish & Sealant which was also recommended by Cindy and is available from Amazon. 

Sound OK?

George

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Re: Variable speed polisher

Reply #11 – June 26, 2019, 07:29:24 pm

This is the exact model I use. Have had it for years and a favorite of body shops. Low speed (about 1400 rpm) and it draws lots of juice. MILWAUKEE H.D. BUFFER/POLISHER | eBay . These are built like tanks and will outlast you.

Never, never use a grinder to try and buff anything. Instant burn.

Here is a pad like I use. No velcro and I've never had any kind of problem. It cannot come off. It's wool but sometimes I use a foam pad. Again, they can't come off and ruin the paint. Milwaukee 49-36-2785 7" Cutting Wool Pad for 2738-20 Polisher (Single Pack)...

Make sure to have a handle on the buffer or you will get tired in a hurry. If the surface is oxidized, use a HF air jitterbug with 3000 wet or dry with a little water every 30 seconds or so. This takes the oxidation off on the super hard gelcoat.

The choice of finishing/rubbing compounds is your choice. List of compounds on this page. I like 3M quarts but smaller samples may help you decide what grade to use. rubbing compound | eBay

The buffer, pad and compound work great for restoring foggy headlight lens. Don't use a foam pad as it may tear if it catches on something.

Pierce

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