Anyone using a randon orbital polisher on a fibreglass boat?

[stevet]

Hi all

I am looking for some advice as to whether a random orbital polisher is suitable for use on fibreglass boats.

Are the results good? Are they as good as an orbital polisher?

l am looking at getting a polisher for the cars and would prefer to get one that is better for the boat.

thanks for all advice

Stevet

[Marchy001]

I have an old random orbital sander that I use for cars and boat. It’s better than by hand by a long shot. Do a search for “detailing how to” lots of good information in there.
Waxit.com.au have a few random orbital polishers if you prefer not sure if there is any real difference between them and a sander tho.

[ranmar850]

I have used a random orbital, just didn't do the job very well. Do some research, the polishing speed for gelcoat is much lower than for automotive paint. The instructions on the polish will give you speeds, most likely 600-1200rpm. Most single speed car polishers are much faster, 2300-3200 rpm. I have new new variable speed still sitting in it's box, will try out soon.

[EdBerg]

I haven't done fibreglass for quite a few years now but when I did, I used to use both machines for different purposes, I used to use the random orbital with wet and dry up to 1200 grit to cut and smooth the gelcoat, such as if it was badly weathered or when building a quick mold and then use the orbital polisher for the final polishing using a couple of different polishing grit pastes. As others have mentioned, the gelcoat will burn if you try to buff it too fast.

[Almako]

Yep Festool Rotex 150 with Festool cutting compound, its awesome.

[stevet]

thanks to all for their input - unfortunately won't be ale to stretch to the Festool Rotex - though damm impressive piece of kit

Am I right in picking up that for fibreglass the lower the speed is better to avoid burning the fibreglass? what is too slow?

cheers
stevet

[juggernaut]

Really depends on the condition of the fibreglass to start with. If its oxidised, rotary polisher like the makita 9227cb will be far better and quicker. If it has a nice shine to start with, the random orbital will be fine. Figreglass can take more abuse than the clearcoat on a car. So you can step on compounds and pad aggression with fibreglass, subject to the condition ofthe fibreglass. You can always use the random orbital to apply the final polish after compounding.

I have both the Makita 9227CB and the Flex 3401 VRG (forced rotation) polishers depending on the application. Also note that some compounds really on work properly with a rotary polisher/buffer and the right pad.