On Friday, February 15, 2013 11:57:02 PM UTC-5, Mike the Strike wrote:
My old orbital buffer died, so I am throwing the question to US RAS members to suggest a replacement. I know they run the whole gamut from $29 to $999 - looking for a recommendation for a reliable and cost-effective unit.



Mike

A bunch of us in these parts (amateur glider refinishers getting some pretty outstanding results) are using a Dewalt variable speed polishers like the following:

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW849-E.../dp/B00004RHIP

You can often find refurbished ones for significantly less on eBay (I've had a rebuilt one for 10 years with zero problems).

For pads and polishes, I've been using 3M marine products for years with the appropriate pads:

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-13602-16863.aspx
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-11314-13850.aspx
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/3m-f...l-p-11292.aspx