auto polisher/buffer which one

interested but heard all the stories of buffing thru the paint. advise.

I bought an earlier version of this one:

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html

I have found this buffer/polisher to be pretty much idiot proof. It will not harm your paint finish!
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/car+polishing/orbitals+and+car+polishing+tools/griots+garage+random+orbital.do

I've got one of those that Allan has and it does what it says it does without worry. I think you get a dvd and pamphlet that walks you through the whole process. Pads are expensive, but what isn't at Griot's? The industrial strength models are the ones you have to worry about. Looks comparable to the Meguiars version Mike refers to.

Allan's garage IS Griots garage!

I have the Griots buffers (small and large) and they are fantastic. Caught a long scratch along my driver side door from a misplaced clay pot next to the driveway and though it is still there, a few hours of polish with fine machine polish and then a good waxing made it all but disappear.

Snap on variable speed dial with variable speed trigger is the best.
I think Craftsman makes basically the same buffer. The key is a variable speed control dial... WITH a variable speed trigger. Set the dial to max out (1,300 RPM to 3000 RPM). The trigger will allow you even more control... as it is a progressive trigger (not ALL on or ALL off). Press a little on the trigger and you get a little spin of the pad. Press the trigger harder you get more speed. When you're buffing a tricky/delicate area, set the top speed to 1,300 RPM and feather the trigger. Buffing a hood, dial it up to 3000 RPM and give it full trigger.

You'll pay a bit more for this buffer... but nothing else will come close.
Buy something else and it'll be literally like comparing a smart car to a Lamborghini.
;o)
3M makes some great buffing compounds. My favorite 3M "Finess-it."

Variable speed and orbital are of course not the same thing.
A variable speed that moves only in a circular patern can be very aggressive and can result in swirl marks They are best left to the pros.
The orbital with speed control is not as aggressive and will generally be slower. They ,because of the random orbit will get a novice in a lot less trouble.tw

Next time you go to a car wash/wax place, take a real close look at the buffer guy. This is the "pro". If he can do it, so can you. A person of normal intelligence can learn to use a buffer in a very short time. If not, you will likely never own a car, much less care about high level detailing. All of us own a junker, or have a friend with one. Practice on that, then use your expert ability on your own car. This REALLY isn't rocket science.

Go to autogeek.net and there are plenty of how to videos by Mike Phillips showing techniques of using the random orbital or circular buffer. You can also go to Meguiarsonline.com

There is a learning curve to each and each is dependent of the polishers experience and the technique as well as the products used.

The so called "pros" at your local shop probably do not do good work-look at their finished product in the sunlight at various angles to see if swirl marks and rids still appear on the paint. A lot of times they use too harsh of a technique like using wool pads then not finishing down with foam pads and medium and final polishes. Instead they cover up their mistakes with a glaze which hides the swirls until the glaze wears off.

I know Meguiars and Autogeek have weekend classes and to learn first hand with a instructor standing by your side is invaluable and will speed up your learning curve.

If you are not up to the task and want to pay a pro to do it go to some place like autopia and ask for recommendations and aske to see their portfolio of finished cars.

IM SURE VINCE HAS A PICTURE OF HIS HE WANTS TO SHARE :)

GERD, IM SURE VINCE WILL TELL U TO POLISH THIS.