Ive also put a few of the guys at DI's kids through college.

I use almost the same exact items as the OP, but ive found that M205 with a hydro tech pad can finish down nicer than the power finish and not really need the PO85RD finishing polish.

So if someone is looking into getting into detailing, the 2 bucket wash method is definately necessary, the porter cable buffer and pads are necessary, but if your car isnt scratched to hell, you can probably do a 1 step refinish with M205. And IMO a sealant is necessary.

 

wow, nice job!

 

what kind of porter buffer would you recommend?

 

If you are a newb, then go with the porter cable. It is a random orbital which isn't as strong and will be safer.
If you are very familiar with how to polish and have had a lot of experience, I'd go with a rotary buffer.
I copied and pasted what I read in DI..

Why is it important to use a buffer when polishing? (Return to Top)

While you can polish by hand, it is highly recommended to use a quality buffer for maximum results. When you remove imperfections in your paint, you are breaking down micro abrasive particles in the polishes to even out your clear coat. To do this by hand, you need to use a fair amount of pressure while moving the pad rather quickly. To put it in perspective, the standard in the industry for buffers is the Porter Cable 7424 XP. This buffer can generate 6,800 oscillations per minute at full speed, which is the speed recommended using when removing imperfections in the paint. Imagine trying to move your arm 6,800 times per minute for hours on end, all while exerting 10 ~ 15 lbs of pressure on the applicator pad.
There are three primary types of buffers on the market today, a random orbital buffer, a dual action buffer and a rotary buffer. Each type of buffer has it's pros and cons, and we offer at least one buffer for each type. The buffers we offer and will go in to detail with are the Porter Cable 7424 XP random orbital, the Flex XC3401VRG dual action buffer and the Makita 9227C rotary buffer.
Porter Cable 7424 XP

The Porter Cable 7424 XP is often referred to as the standard in the auto detailing industry. We've yet to come across a buffer at a lower price point that has enough power to effectively break down polishes like the Porter Cable 7424 XP can. This is on of the main reasons why the PC 7424XP is our best selling buffer.
The PC 7424XP is one of the first buffers detailing enthusiasts gravitate to for two main reasons, the lower price point and minimal risk of damaging your paint. The PC 7424 XP is a random orbital buffer, which means it oscillates rather than spins. This helps reduce the amount of heat generated on the paint and is very safe to use. Even at full speed, the risk of damaging your paint is very minimal.
Pros:

• Low cost compared to other quality buffers on the market
• Minimal risk for damaging your paint, even at full speed
• Easy to control and maneuver
• Various backing plates available for different sized pads

Cons:

• Can easily bog down when applying pressure due to the small motor
• Has it's limitations on deeper imperfections
• Very time consuming to achieve professional results
• Backing plate not included

Flex XC3401VRG

The Flex XC3401VRG dual action buffer is one of the few products that has made a major impact in the auto detailing industry in the past few years. The XC3401VR has the ability to correct imperfections nearly as fast a rotary buffer, but has a fraction of the risk involved. The Flex is a true dual action buffer, meaning it oscillates as well as utilizes forced rotation.
When it comes to choosing a buffer, the Flex is the best all around bet for any level detailer. It can correct twice as many imperfections in half the time compared to the Porter Cable. That alone makes it worth the extra cost in the long run, not to mention you'll achieve even better results. The ergonomics of the buffer and unique features make it easy to operate, even for first time buffer users.
Pros:

• Fast correction of swirls, scratches, water spots, oxidation and more
• Powerful motor that will not bog down under pressure
• Up to 9,600 OPM and 480 RPM at full speed
• Variable speed trigger allows you to reduce the speed on the fly
• Professional like results nearly every time you polish

Cons:

• Up front cost of the buffer
• Lack of various backing plates to change the pad size

Makita 9227C

The Makita 9227C is a rotary buffer that is perfect for the high end detailing enthusiasts or professional detailer. Rotary buffers can correct paint imperfections faster than a random orbital or a dual action buffer, however, they take lot of practice to master and have a higher risk of damaging the paint when used incorrectly.
The 9227C uses the standard 5/8" - 11 UNC spindle thread that most rotary buffers utilize, so finding a backing plate is not a chore.
Pros:

• Standard in the industry for professional paint correction
• Fast correction of swirls, scratches, water spots, oxidation and more
• Slow starting RPM speed of 600

Cons:

• Not recommended for beginner detailers due to the risk of damaging the paint
• No variable speed trigger
• Does not include a backing plate

Hope that helps!

 

work well done!

 

Nice work! Great joob with the polisher!

 

great job. im going to do the same end of march

 

wow what a big difference car looks great

 

Thanks guys.. appreciate the compliments! It was definitely worth the hard work!