A smaller hand held buffer?

[Madshadow]

I do motorcycle custom painting primarily and use a Makita 9227 buffer for polishing. I'm looking to get a smaller buffer that uses 3" foam pads and can be controlled in one hand for use in buffing smaller parts (side covers, etc). I'm tired of trying to control that Makita one handed while I hold my parts down :)

Any recommendations? I'm having trouble finding what I want online.

Thanks,

Mark

[Madshadow]

I guess I should have checked the store at autobodystore.com first :)

[Phil V]

I bought that Chicago Pneumatic mini-buffer from Len and I can attest to the fact that its great for buffing/compounding bike parts. I was surprised how much I use it on cars as well. If there is just a small spot to buff on a car its a lot easier to use the mini buffer than to get out the Makita 9227C. I really like that CP mini-buffer set. The mini-DA sander is also an excellent tool for working on bike parts but I find I use the mini-buffer a lot more than the mini-DA.

[Dennis N. Schmidt]

Nothing wrong with the Mini-Buffer except for the fact that it's air powered and uses quite a bit of air at that. In my opinion for this purpose nothing beats a Sioux (also private labeled for Milwaukee) close quarter drill with the appropriate arbor and pad. It's small, it's light and it runs all day for pennies rather than dollars of electricity as a large compressor will consume. It also has virtually unlimited torque. The Milwaukee part number for this drill is 0375 for the 3/8" version and 0379 for the 1/2" model. The other huge advantage of this tool is that it's also an amazingly useful drill and not a single purpose tool.

I've got four of these in my shop and can't imagine living without them. They can get into places other drills have no chance of getting into and they are superior screwdrivers as well. Certainly one of the best tools that I own.