Originally Posted by johnebgoode

Does the buffer have a variable speed control? If so then, great. For those of you looking to purchase a polishing machine, (as we call it), look for one with this feature. Makita, Flex and Milwaukee are a few reputable names to look for in regard to durabilty and a variable speed control.
One key to being successful with a polishing machine is to keep the pad cool and stay away from the edges. When it heats up, so does the surface your polishing. When that happens you burn the clearcoat and then you're screwed. The speed of the machine and a lack of material on the pad are the key to keeping the surface cool. I've seen it all too often, when an individual does this and burns his cars finish. Dont be too aggressive with the pressure put on the surface . Go nice and easy and use a low speed till you get the feel of the machine. It'll pay off in the long run.

Originally Posted by GM Kid

Yes, it does--although I'm getting mixed signals about which speed to use for which application. There's a little wheel on the back of the buffer that goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being the fastest. In the CD that came with my buffer, Barry Maguire recommends using 4.5 for nearly everything. When I bought the machine at Barrett-Jackson, though, the 50-something guy who sold it to me said that he uses setting 6 for polishing, setting 5 for waxing. I lurked a bit in the Maguire's online detailing forum and saw that people like much slower settings--3 or 4.

The 4.5 setting worked well for me.