[hamzawm]

Ive always used a random orbital buffer with no variable speed change, but just bought myself a variable speed 7 inch polisher/sander. What speed should i be setting it to for polish and wax?
Thanks in advance!

[Brentster]

I have a Flex and run the baby wide open for polishing and setting 4 out of 6 for waxing.

[hamzawm]

Damnn, isnt that too fast for polishing? and ya i saw a meguiars video also set it to about 4000 rpm's as well. Ill give that a shot tomorrow!

Thanks!

[Envious Eric]

you guys are talking two different machines!!!

the FLex he is talking about is a DA, not a rotary.
what you are talking about is a rotary, I am assuming a makita, harbor frieght brand, hitachi, etc.

you should stay in the 1000-1200 range if you are just learning how to use it (assuming you are just by your question here). higher the speed, the greater the risk of doing damage. It might take a couple more passes to remove defects at slower speeds, but it will work. Also, use the pyramid method of breaking down a polish:

spread it at 600
work a pass at 900
work a couple passes at 1100-1200
work a pass or two at 900 again
final pass at 600

Dont work in one spot too long, and dont go super slow like you would a DA polisher for the most part as you can burn paint easier that way.

and dont use it to apply a wax, either buy a DA for that, or do it by hand