Decisions, Decisions...which rotary to buy??

Well, I think I'm ready to step up from my PC to a rotary buffer. I have looked around here, and various other sites, and nailed it down to 5 choices:

1. Dewalt 849
2. Dynabrade 51610
3. Makita 9227C
4. Hitachi SP18VA
5. Metabo PE12-175

I am leaning towards the Makita (tried and true) on the Hitachi (lowest rpm speed). I can get each for a pretty good price.

Not a huge fan of Dewalt, could never understand the hype for the price.

Metabo doesn't seem popular for anything over a 5.5" pad.

Dynabrade,eh, not so sure.

Any input/advice/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, will probably try to get over the winter, and pick up a couple scrap panels to practice on first.

Also I have 4", 5", 5 & 1/4",5.5", and 6.5" pads. Can I use all these sizes on a rotary?

Roger.

 

makita ftw! only problem wit hthose is the power cord. i have to replace mine, and apparently it's a common problem that the makitas have.

 

From what I hear, the Dynabrade and Dewalt are both heavy machines. I know *I* have trouble with my Makita on lower vertical panels, and it is only 6.6 pounds (the former two being around 8, IIRC). But then again, I am a total wimp, have only used my Makita a few times, and have been using a PC for 2 and 1/2 years, so YMMV.

Honestly, I don't think I would go as far as picking up a scrap panel to deal with. My first time really using the rotary (aside from one use on the family beater hood) was on a *customers* Lexus LS430. After a panel or two, I really wasn't worried about any damage or burns, I was using M105 on a polishing pad (didn't use the rotary in tight areas or bumpers, however).

All of those side pads will work with the rotary

 

makita or metabo...

 

Out of curiosity, anyone know off the top of their head which of those 5 have the longest power cord?

 

1-Makita
2-Dewalt
3-Metabo

 

As far as a tried and true tool company Dewalt is your best brand. The dynabrade would be second, pretty much a duplicate of the Dewalt but with a different name on it. I have two Black and Deckers, now Dewalts over 20 years and never had one problem, just needed to replace the brushes. I personally feel the little bit of extra weight the Dewalt or Dynabrade have actually help in the paint correction.

 

Practicing on scrap panels prior to a finish you care about is an excellent idea. Although I'm sure user bigpoppa is offering genuine advice based upon his experience, the fact remains rotary machines are capable of inflicting irreversible damage to a vehicles finish and trim. This should not diminish your motivation to learn how to properly operate rotary machines; rather to understand and respect its capabilities.

I own a Makita and have used a DeWalt as well; I prefer my Makita.

 

I would go with the Metabo for vertical panels and pick your poison for horizontal panels, hehe.

I have the Metabo myself and have weighed how heavy a Makita is in my hands. I definitely notice the difference in weight between the two and highly prefer the Metabo in that department. However, I still have intentions of purchasing a Makita as a backup machine in case my Metabo should ever fail.

 

Are you sure that the Hitachi as the lowest rpm speed? When I was shopping that prize went to makita. Slow start @ 600 rpm.

You will be able to use all your pads. you need to buy new backing pads.

I went and got practice panals and for some reason I got bored w/them real fast. Then found out I was stuck w/them. but thats just me...

When I bought my makita. I got It to my door for 177.50 and that was the kit 9227C-X3

My plan was to by my Makita for my main machine and then in time buy the metabo or the light weight flex.

there are people out there that swear by Hitachi but not that many. No offence to anyone but don't buy it...

As far as scheerspeeds comment about the power cords. In a sense That might be true... The first day with my brand new makita. happier than a pig in shit. I got the cord wrapped up. The problem is the rubber that comes out of the end. Since that day it has been no problem .I would not let it bother you. Nothing against you scheerspeed.

Thats it for now. Good luck, Roger

 

They all come standard with a 6 foot power cord...:thumb:

 

I love my Metabo and it is much lighter than the others. Some point to the overheating issue with the Metabo but mine has never overheated and unless you are doing heavy duty correction work for hours on end it should never be a problem. I have to disagree with Buddy on the Hitachi though as it is a very very good machine. I've had one and it does very well.

 

Thats O-kay, JLs But Remenber I said no offense to anyone...Thanks. I was just wondering about the over heating part of the metabo. Very glad you said that. I'm glad that someone is not having any problems. It's almost time for my secondary machine and I've been thinking about that...:thumb:

 

Oh no offense taken its just I've had and used a Hitachi and they are very solid machines. And for the money (you can usually buy them for around $100) they really can't be beat.

 

buddy, were did you get the makita from?

 

Thanks Buddy! That's one thing I like about my 3401...the 13ft. power cord. Man, I'd seriously consider the 3403 now for the 10ft. power cord alone. But I guess I could always duct tape my extension cord to my waist if I got a rotary with a 6ft. cord. :

I love these rotary threads...thx for the info everyone!

 

I have used both the Makita 9227 and Dewalt 849. I would say, if it came down between choosing either of those, I would have to pick the Makita. I started out with the Makita, it was the machine I learned SOME rotary skills on. Then purchased the Dewalt 849. I thought I have no use for a rotary and sold it...
I needed one not too long ago and bought a cheapy... and I do mean cheapy, harbor freight for now.

If you really want to practice, pick up the cheapy one from harbor freight to get a feel for the rotary. That way, if you are not comfortable with it, you will only be out 30 something dollars.
Just my 2 cents....

Edit... also... just a little comparison between the two:
Machine: Dewalt........... Makita
Amps: 8 Amps............10 Amps
Weight: 8.25 lbs............6.6lbs
Length: 17.3"................18.5"

 

Well this is a difficult decision. I originally started with the Metabo and I am very, very pleased with the Metabo. But then the Metabo over heated on my once..or twice...or something like that and I decided I need a back up, that's when I purchased my Makita. The Makita is a great tool, took me a bit to get used to it though specially on the vertical panel. On the flat panels it's great but on the vertical panels it took me a bit to get used to it.

Any who if I had to choose, I would say Metabo. I don't use any larger pads then 5.5 so I'm not overly worried about the pad size but if you prefer to use larger pads then the Metabo will probably not be for you. If your going to use larger pads (including wool pads) I would recommend the Makita, the Makita is a great tool just takes a bit getting used to that's all. Well just my :2cents:

 

I have been watching this thread with interest since mine has been acting up a bit lately. I had narrowed my choice down to the Makita (low rpm, weight, amps) and the Dynabrade. It'll come down to price b/c I think they'll both do what I need them to. Any new machine always has a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of it; I would expect that.

 

Makita (low rpm, weight, amps) and the Dynabrade.

What are you using now, richy...