Tools

[dcobbett]

Any recommendations (brands, model numbers) for a horizontal grinder type tool that can also be used as a buffer. Sorry, air tools are out, must be electric. Also, anything special to look for regarding discs, pads, etc?

[Bigshrimpin]

Not sure about dual purpose grinder/buffer.

For buffers: the two that were recommend to me are makita 9227c and Porter-Cable 7424 for buffers.

I have the 9227c and I've only used it on my car. It's very nice.

Grinder:
I have a little Makita 4" grinder that's survived 3 boat projects and many other nasty jobs. Love it!!

[Finster]

dcobbett, I have a Nikota sander/polisher that goes from 1k-3k rpm and takes a 7" disk. It wasn't expensive and seems to be holding up good under the constant use.

[Abe's Rocket]

I picked up a Dewalt Buffer in pawn shop last spring. It kicks ass...and its paid for itseld twice with all the beer my friends have given me for borrowing it. hmmmmmm.....beer

[FELLOW-SHIP]

With my grinder if you used it for a buffer you could buff your boat all the way down to the stringers in less than a minute. [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
FellowShip

[Phan000]

I used to use a milwaukee buffer/sander when I ran a boat detailing service. Be sure to get the little 5/8 to 1/2 inch adapter and several wool buffing pads. You can flip the pads over and use both sides which is a great time/money saver.

They sell the buffer at the home depot but you will have to go to a marine store (B.O.W.) for the adapter and the Pads.

[dcobbett]

Thanks for all the input. To be more clear in my question, when I used the term grinder, I was thinking of grinding fiberglass, not metal.

[Scott]

The "metal" grinders have an accessory attachment the uses "sandpaper" disks and a flexible backing plate .... Removes fiberglass quite rapidly!! 36 and 50 grit chew through stuff REAL fast and WAY WAY too fast to use as a buffer 10k rpm


sanding disks kits for grinders
I have the “buffer” as Big shrimpin mentions the 9227 … and have the sanding disks for that also but the smaller Makita works better for glass removal IMO

I also have one of these …a DA sander / polisher. Another good sander although I go through sandpaper quick with this one. I use this more after the rough grinding is done
Porter Cable