DIY: European rotaries & using them in the USA

I figured I'd do a little write up for all you guys who like your toys and want some of the European rotaries but think that you can't run them here in the USA or /Canada.

The tools you will need to run a European spec rotary. You will need to modify both ends from the power in to the pads out.


M14 to 5/8 Adapter - The M14 Must be female to fit into the polisher itself, the 5/8 end must be male to allow you to attach all your American (standard) spec pads. After that you can use any pads or adapter in your detailing arsenal.
Price 13.10 shipped



Adapter 5/8-11" to M14 Thread - eBay (item 200514795420 end time Oct-31-10 08:12:44 PDT)


1500 W Watt Step Up/Down Voltage Converter Transformer - Basically the US outlets do not supply enough power. Most european spec rotaries run on 220-240v where as our weak outlets here only will give you about 110 volts of juice. This means you will be running between 45 - 50% power (Most polishers won't work until you turn it half past or higher. Basically a 2000 rpm setting is about 900 - 1000 rpm when running, etc). This machine bumpers up the output to full power aka 240v.
Price 65.00 shipped

This one of the cheapest but does the job good.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices



DO NOT assume all power converters are the same. Most European polishers are anywhere from 900 - 1400 watts, there are other power converters that bump 110v to 240v but don't be fooled just cause of the price. If they are cheap, it's probably because they don't supply the wattage required. IF YOU BUY ONE WITH LESS WATTAGE THEN WHAT YOU NEED YOU WILL EITHER BURN IT OUT OR IT WILL NOT WORK!

If have any other questions feel free to ask.

 

110v tools are used in the UK for site use, the likes of makita etc produce both 110v and 230v so it would just be a matter of changing the pug. :thumb:

 

i dont think its just a matter of changing the plug. i believe the motors run at 220v instead of 110v, hence the need for the step up converter