A really dumb question - hand vs machine polishing.

[tomg552001]

Polishes like flitz are used to maintain shine, where as the solid compounds and buffing wheels are more to create it.

[c_gismo]

What is the difference between using the color compounds with a power buffer and using your hand with a good metal polishing compound - like Flitz? Is it just time and effort? Does Flitz just replace the final step (luster) in power buffing? Or does hand polishing come after the machines stop?

Thanks.