I've found that when applying wax by hand, i use way too much. Which means it comes off like ****.

I like the random orbiter my dad has, but i stll clean the wax off with a hand towel. When using the random orbiter, i'll go over it twice, once horizintally, and once vertically. I haven't used it on my car since last august, and i haven't been terrribly happy with my hand waxing. Just be careful with any machine, and don't use one that only goes in circles. Having a random orbiter is nice for doing finish work, and rubbing compounds, etc.

And using that orbiter on my moms 01 camry (read: flat) was soooo easy compared to my car lol....

The thing about the motorized tools is I am afraid I would burn the paint if I do it wrong. I'd rather just take the time and do it by hand.

SOL:
A random orbital buffer,ROB, will give you better results than by hand. It is easier and less time consuming. Check out this link to Roadfly. http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums...1430487&page=1

Take a few minutes and read the entire post.

If you get serious about using a ROB then go to a body shop and ask for a car panel and take it back home and practice using the ROB. You will be surprised how easy it is. Most body shops will give you the panel as they have to pay to get rid of them.

I too am a wax noob, and I had some questions that weren't directly related to the ones asked in this thread so far. Namely, if my paint has chips and imperfections in it, will the wax have a negative, neutral or positive effect on those areas, besides making the rest of it really shiny?

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/
I actually found this link on this forum a while back.
Lots of reviews and other useful info.
Get a DA(orbital) buffer. They're worth every penny.
I like the Einszett metallic and ultra polish for getting rid of the scratches.
Menzerna as a final polish, then P21S carnauba on top.