The Lowes sander is the Porter Cable model I have. It works just fine and is the same random orbital polisher. Make sure you get a new backing plate and pads though because the ones that come with it are junk.

While I agree with your comments in part, wouldn't you recommend that for a beginner/intermediate user, they should start with less pressure and inspect the area since there are other variables such as product type, pad density, etc. that come into play? My approach when instructing detailers is to take a less aggressive approach in the beginning, inspect the work, then increase pressure and other factors as needed. The reason is that not all products on the market work the same. Here's an example that I've experienced when testing and developing our products: Two well-known companies' products we tested side by side both claimed their polish removed 2500 grit sanding marks, however because one of the products' cutting powders didn't diminish as quickly as the other, the results were different, given all other factors were equal (same pad, polisher, pressure, technique, etc.). The product that didn't break down as quickly as the other had more cutting action and therefore a much different result. This is why we always instruct our customers to take a less aggressive approach--you can always increase factors such as pressure, product type/brand, pad density, polisher speed, etc to get a different result. While this is not as critical for polishing as it is for compounding, the concept is the same. The surface is also a critical factor; if a boat is painted vs. gel coated, the technique should definitely start with a less aggressive approach. Given that I don't know the level of expertise readers of this thread have, nor the products and tools they are ultimately using, my suggestion is to start less aggressive and adjust from there. JMO.

-Tim
Performance Boat Candy

Does this buffer have the same orbital action as the porter cable? My paint is in perfect shape so I use book keen polish. I'm just looking for something easier then doing it by hand.

Thanks

They already have one but it's made in mexico:lolhit:

Excellent points - all of them. One of the very first and most important rules of detailing is "least aggressive pad / process / product first." Said another way, it's a whole lot easier moving up the scale to get the correction level needed than it is fixing a worse mess that you just created.

I cant speak for what a porter cable does. This one seems to either go full circle or semi circle action. It works fine for what I need, But Im not getting into hard core work. Like I said for the average waxer this thing will do great.