noAC

does anyone use an orbital buffer to apply wax and remove it?
are these things better than elbow grease?

SpikeyLee

It makes the job easier, but if you aren't careful/don't know how to use it properly, you can do some serious damage to your paint.

Whiplash

never have, never will..

cee_mon

IF you know how to do it....its does amazing work, way better than any hand application, BUT if you screw up you can damage the paint for life. You should only power buff your car twice a year.
Stick to hand, you can still do good work.

wormburner

Apply by hand always... remove with buffer, but change pads frequently, and each time you put the buffer down on the paint, check first to ensure there's no dirt/debris on the pad.

Ferio Vi-RS

Make sure the RPM's is not too high on the buffer or you will burn the compound/wax on the surface. I usually spray a little water on the surface for some insurance. Work the compound into the surface at a low speed and once the compound is pretty much ****** over the small area, you can kick it up a notch until the compound is dissolved. After that, change to a dry buffing pad and go over the area again and you should end up with a shiny surface.

In my opinion, you'll get a much better shine with a buffer than you will by hand because of the # of rotations a buffer is doing.

wormburner

Ferio makes a good point... "buffer" great for removing wax, but if we're talking about using a "polisher" to apply compound or the like, better make sure you take it slow.... a little polishing compound and too high an rpm and you'll have a shine right down to the freaking metal!

Practice on your girlfriend's car.... he he.