The Best Buffers of 2011
Before you spend any money on a new buffer, you will want to find out which model is the best that 2011 has to offer. A buffer is a handy tool if you enjoy woodworking at home or you want to install or refinish your own wood floors. A buffer is a small, hand held machine with a face that rotates at high speeds. You attach different pads or faces onto the rotating disc, depending upon what you want to do with the buffer. If you own your own buffer, you can use it to sand stuff, polish things like your floors, your boat or your auto to a glowing sheen, or apply wax where you need it.
Makita
At about $400 retail, the Makita 9227CX3 Seven Inch Hook and Loop Electronic Polisher Sander is one of the best selling buffers on the market, especially with automotive and marine enthusiasts. This buffer comes with its very own polishing kit, including a hook and loop back up pad, a detachable side handle, a loop handle, a hex wrench, a wool pad, a wool bonnet and a handy 21 inch duffel bag to carry the entire kit in. The Makita is designed for comfort and weighs only six and a half pounds. It comes with an ergonomic handle with a comfortable grip and is easy to operate. You do not ever need to worry about straining your back using the Makita because the buffer's electronic speed control is powerful enough to maintain a constant speed under any load you put on it. This buffer also features adjustable speed, a soft start feature and a lock on button. Every Makita tool comes with a one year warranty.
Porter Cable
The Porter Cable 7424XP Six Inch Variable Speed Polisher is priced at about $260 and is a good value choice for people looking for a hand buffer. This buffer does not come with all of the extras that are included with the Makita, but at this price you could probably buy lots of extra accessories and attachments. The Porter Cable runs via electric cord and weighs only six pounds. It features a random orbit, swirl free polish, a variable speed dial and two handle positions for maximum comfort. The Porter Cable does come with one polishing pad and can be converted into a sander with 5/16 inch - 24 inch spindle thread accessories.
Royal
If you need a serious, heavy duty floor buffer instead of a hand held buffer, you should take a look at the Royal RYC200 Commercial 17 Inch Low Speed Floor Machine. At about $1,000, this floor buffer is a serious investment. The Royal operates on electricity and has a one and a half horse power motor with a twin capacitor. This machine is die cast aluminum and comes with a malish pad driver. You can purchase a solution tank separately for the Royal. This buffer is designed for commercial use on floors only, so it may only be a reasonable choice if you own a commercial property that you need to buff on a regular basis.
