As the title states, would it be okay to use my random orbital buffer w/ a clean terry cloth bonnet to apply swirl mark remover, or would you just suggest doing it by hand?
Lou

What kind of orbital?

Cheap generic $20 random orbital. I figure it will do better than applying by hand, but I want to make sure that it won't damage my paint more. It spins 2600 OPM under no load.
The six inch buffer described above is called Road Expedition I4526.
I also have a ten inch, which spins at 3200 opm's (another $20 one).

Those generic cheap orbitals do nothing really you'd be better off by hand

Do you really think they do less than doing it by hand? The reason for asking this, is that using one of these will *hopefully* match the effect of doing it by hand, without being dangerous to the paint. I bought these knowing that it won't cure paint past the ability of applying products by hand, and I'm pretty sure (open for arguments) that they do at least as good of a job as doing it by hand. I don't know, anyone?"

One thing I know about 3M SMR is that applying it by hand will be a long, tedious, and difficult process. However, you also have to factor in that the bonnet may be harsh and used in conjunction with the SMR may cause marring or it may be totally ineffective because this machine does not generate enough OPMs to effectively break down the abrasives in the SMR.

So, I guess I'll just have to test it out, and see what works. I'll probably end up trying like half of my driverside door, or somewhere that I know there are swirl marks, and check to see if it's damaging/doing anything at all. Thanks for the opinions.

You should use a black foam polishing pad to remove swirls, not terry cloth.