Buffer (aka "swing machine")

If you're a homeowner or somebody who's just gonna DIY a project or two, we're gonna give you enough information to make it happen with chemical warfare, but if you're a professional and you're doing floors, you got to have a buffer.

The bitterness of poor quality lasts longer than the sweetness of a low price, and the highest quality floor machine in my opinion is the HAWK Severe Duty Floor Machine – 17 “ - Buy locally if you can. Here's a link to purchase online here. 

The best value in my opinion is Powr-Flite Classic Metal Commercial Floor Machine 17" 1.5 hp Buy locally if you can. Here's a link to purchase online here. 

I did a little internet research in writing this, and the internet says that this is the most underrated: “Old-school American-built machine with exceptional longevity and a reputation for surviving abuse.

Mercury doesn't get talked about much in coating circles anymore, but their Lo-Boy machines have a cult following. Heavy all-metal chassis, 1.5 HP motor, triple planetary transmission, and a 5-year powertrain warranty. These things tend to stay in service forever” 

Buy locally if you can. Here's a link to purchase online here. 

You and I both know you can't believe everything you read on the internet, so obviously take that one with a grain of salt. (says this page on the internet).

17 inches is truly the sweet spot. Anything smaller and you'll feel like you're not being as efficient as you could be. Anything bigger and you'll have less pressure and won't get into the corners as well as you ought to. Again, all the photos above have links that pop open if you click on them in addition to the links in this text.

A lot of times, you're going to need a pad driver to go with your buffer. They're sometimes sold separately. I really like the Mal-Grit Heavy Duty Stripping Brush. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure it's less expensive than buying all the backer rods that it replaces, and it's certainly more convenient. Buy locally if you can. Here's a link to purchase online here - should be around $450 as of June 2026.