polisher/buffer question

[Gizmolvr1974]

I'm planning on compound and waxing my boat this week. Have an older 6" polisher that runs at either 1250 or 1500 rpm. Looking at the newer polishers on the market they go up to 5-6K rpm. Am i good with what I have or should i look into upgrading to a more powerful polisher? Thanks!

 

[SkunkBoat]

all the wax and compound I've ever used said 1200-1800

 

[Fishtales]

I like the Porter Cable 6" polisher that I got at HD a few years back. It works great and light enough so you can get cleaning and waxing done without losing your arms....

 

[Joe Hurley]

 

[Joe Hurley]

Drake says to use 900-1200 rpms with a rotary on a wool pad. I would agree as long as your machine can keep the rpms with some pressure. My harbor freight stalls too easy and produces a choppy uneven finish even though it will spin at 5k.

Here’s the Makita rpm chart # 1 600 rpm, #2 900 rpm, #3 1500 rpm. I had good luck with the 3m heavy gel cut cut compound on Pats boat last weekend with the 3m wool pad using the Makita rotary.

 

[Joe Hurley]

 

[Gizmolvr1974]

Looks great. Thanks for the replies. Ordered the dewalt today.