Buying A Rotary

I am in the process of buying a rotary machine, waht would you guys recommend for me? I never used a machine before, always done everything by hand. Preferably would like something easy to use, that can forgive me if I do mistakes.

Thanks

Vince

 

Hi Vince, I started of with a Makita 9227C and I'm so glad I did...:thumb:

 

Usually people start off with a PC but many actually jump right to rotary. I am on the Makita bandwagon and would recommend the 9227c.

 

My recommendation would be to get the PC to begin with as its a lot more forgiving. If you plan on detailing for cash, you will need a pc at some point as some paints are nearly impossible to correct perfectly with a rotary. A pc is a safe way to learn polishing as its nearly impossible to burn paint and it is impossible to leave holograms. There are times when a rotary will be needed to remove DEEP scratches, but other than that, you can do pretty much anything a rotary can with proper pad and polish combos. I'm doing a 2010 Camaro right now with my PC as the paint is sooooo soft, even my beloved GI Green pad and Power Finish combo is holograming and marring like crazy. You will always have a use for the PC. Just my 2 cents.

 

My recommendation is for the Makita also. I was in the same boat about ayear ago, and I'm glad I went with the Makita.

Good Luck with your decision. :thumb:

 

First rotary - Makita 9227C. You are gonna love it!!!

 

check this
http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/f12/choosing-rotary-polisher-12473.html

 

I 2nd this. but if you do go with a rotary 1st then Makita is the one to learn with

 

I agree with the comments made by the very young 911 Fanatic

Rotary Polisher Comparison

A high-speed polishing machine, the high-end machines have a direct-drive with selectable electronic speed control that maintains a constant speed under varying loads conditions regardless of pressure applied.
• Porter-Cable 7428 - reliable , 10-amp motor, variable speed 0- 3,000 RPM, 9 Lbs weight
• Metabo PE12-175 – ergonomically sound , on / off switch, feathering variable speed 700 – 2200 RPM, 10-amp motor, 6 Lbs weight
• Makita 9227C –a reliable workhorse, ‘soft start’ trigger switch and variable speed 600-3000 RPM
10-amp motor, 6 Lbs weight
• DeWalt DW849– a reliable machine, 8 Lbs weight, 1000 – 3000 RPM, 8-amp motor

Used mainly by body repair / paint shops or very experienced detailers to rectify more serious paint film surface imperfections using a Velcro baking plate, foam or wool pads of varying coarseness and an abrasive compound or polish to remove swirl marks, scratches and paint defects, using their high (revolution) speed and friction (heat) to enable compounds to abrade the paint film surface that require more power /speed than a random orbital buffer can provide.

 

have to add to your list Togwt
Flex 3403(i think) - probably smallest rotary, only problem is it starts at 1100rpm. used for tight to get to spots.
Hitachi 18something(listed in my thread) - not many use it for some reason. looks exactly like Makita 9227c weights about .4lbs less. only speed ratio is different. 5 YEAR warranty!!!

 

I'd start with a PC or Cyclo. I had a Makita that did not last long at all. I'll never buy a Makita again. Looke at a Dewalt if you want a rotary. That's my opinion though.

 

i Would also get a orbital polisher before a rotary. I love my Flex's i would go with Flex or Festool if you have the $$$$ to drop

 

Get a Makita and you will never regret it.

 

id just stay away from flex, unless you plan to wear ear plugs every time you use it.

 

Is the flex really that loud?

 

Ya i think so. the noise it makes is also this very high pitched whine that can hurt your ears after a while. Used it once and im glad i didnt buy it.

 

So i guess it's pretty much weight or noise....

 

I agree, my Flex is LOUD. It is however, sooooo much smoother and lighter ( I have the 3403 ) than my Makita that wearing earplugs is not that big a deal. My Flex is smoother at 2500rpm than my Makita is at 900.

 

Is the lack of pad bigger pads for the flex a concern or is there really no need for anything larger than 6.5inch?

 

Only the 3401 Dual Action has the fixed bp. The other two rotaries ( 603 and 3403) will accept other bps and any pads.