what grinder for buffing?

[Reel Time]

 picked up a 4.5" porter cable grinder with a 7" buffing wheel, which didn't cut the cake.

 got 2' into polishing and the sucker started to pour out smoke. either its a bad one, or the 7" buffing wheel was to much for it.

 what grinder ya'll use? 

 also the porter cable one was 10,000rpm, which i do believe is a bit fast as it was throwing buffing pad fuzzy's all over the darn place. it says 3,000 rpm max on the pad's disk, although i was never much for directions

[wb]

slow speed, orbital, for sure, or you will muck it all up

10000 rpm good for cutting steel or removing rust, but no buffing.

keep it clean and cool so as not to burn or burnish the finish.

I use a Craftsman 7" orbital my wife got me a few years back.

OK who am I kidding you can't see the outside from the inside of the boat the buffer has never been out of it's box.

But what I said...

[Reel Time]

 i dont care for those orbital car buffers,, i haven't had luck with them doing anything.

 although i did just spy a craftsman 6" buffer sander angle grinder thingy,,,, 1650 rpms and 80 bucks.

[SouthPaw]

I use a dewalt variable speed polisher. Have it for work also though. A bit pricy if just buffing the boat is your only use.

[Maritime Matt]

For rub rail to waterline and tops of gunnels I use a Makita variable speed rotary buffer. I've heard the Harbor freight  one works ok as well just won't hold up for commercial every day  use. I use a wool pad at slow speed.   

[L.T.]

I have a Porta cable, works great.  You must have a bad one.  1800 to 2200 rpms.  Use the sheeps wool pad.
I've been told by a McGuires rep that,  the foam pads generate too much heat for buffing gel-coat.