Is this too heavy duty for buffing out surface scratches and waxing/polishing?

Found this in my dad's garage, is this too heavy duty?

 

Unless you really know what you are doing that polisher can burn through paint very quick. A DA Polisher is a better choice with the new softer paints IMO.

 

It looks pretty serious to me! Is it random-orbit, or is it the old school rotary style?

I would be hesitant to use it on a modern automotive finish; I think you could burn through the clearcoat in just a few seconds if you aren’t careful.

I think that was designed for “cutting” the lacquer and enamel paint jobs back in the day.

 

orbital polishers are more forgiving, that thing might strip the paint clean off

 

Hmmmmn...idk give it a go and lets us know how it turns out...

 

Crap!!!

 

Any recommendations on particular polishers at a reasonable price?

 

Personally I use a Rupes Bigfoot buffer, I like it but it is a little expensive for just personal use

Try a Griot brand dual action buffer. My friends love it for the cheap price

 

As mentioned above, Rupes is one of the best. I use the Griot 6" and it's great. For light use you can find DA's from around $60 and up. Just don't get cheap pads.

 

I have one of the cheaper Griot orbitals, love it. Just used it on Sunday too! Works like a charm.

 

A novice can make a mess of your paint really quickly with that type of rotary polisher. They make “holograms” if you don’t know what you’re doing (swirls in the paint).

As mentioned, the griots 6” polisher is great. Pair it with a 5” backing plate and 5.5” pads (rather than the 6” that it comes with). The smaller pads are more productive and will allow you to work faster if you’re doing polishing or correcting work. It also has a lifetime warranty.

Autogeek frequently has sales on this polisher.

 

Any polisher can burn the paint. Keep it moving and don’t apply extra pressure.

 

If that is a rotary it will do it much quicker. You have to be a complete moron to burn paint with a DA polisher.

 

I have a Cyclo Polisher - makes me look better than I am.

 

My method was developed after I f*ck up the hood on my car 28 years ago.
To test any polishing compound/equipment I always goin to nearest bodyshop garbage bin and picking up the hood.
That's my testing/training range. Pretty quick gives you an idea about chemicals equipment and skills.