First Rotary Choice?

Hello all - more of a lurker here, but I love reading the posts and learning all I can (helping to feed my detailing addiction, I'm afraid). Would appreciate some input/advice on the following:

Looking for some tips/guidance on what rotary to get as my first; likely to pull the trigger on this detailing tool addition in early-mid spring 2009. Currently use a PC 7424 w/ LC foam pads (6.5" only so far, although I should probably get some 4" too). Only detail my own cars, plus some family and/or friends... so I'm not doing a ton of these per year. Think I've narrowed it down to the following:

Dewalt DW849
Makita 9227CX3
Flex 3403

The Flex from Autogeek is roughly the same as the Makita from ebay or amazon, once you factor in adding a better backing plate (3M?) to the 9227 and maybe some PFW and/or CCS pads...

Anyone's thoughts and/or feedback is welcome - I realize the 849 or 9227 is pretty much the "standard" but I guess I just wonder if it's overkill for my needs, and if the 3403 would be better suited for my situation. Thanks in advance!

 

I currently own a Metabo but I'm planning on purchasing a backup tool. I would go for the Makita simply because it's cheaper and many professionals use it.

 

The Makita is nice. I haven't gotten to use mine yet, but I just got it for xmas, and well its cold were I live. I got mine from Coastal Tool. Good price.

 

Well, me personally I'm a big fan of the Metabo. I've been using it for quite a bit now, I also own a Makita, Cyclo, Flex DA and there is one more but I can't remember the name :shrug:

Any who out of all the machines I prefer the Metabo, it's lighter and I can work with it for hours. The thing with the Metabo is that you have you use certain size of foam pads so it doesn't over heat. Usually I use 5 to 6inch foam pads and my Metabo doesn't over heat that much. The odd times it over heats but as long as you keep the machine running you'll be fine. My #2, is my Makita. It's a great machine, a bit heavier then my Metabo but it gets the job done and doesn't have the over heating issues like the Metabo.

Well hope this helps.

 

I would go with the Dewalt, best tool maker out of those three. I have two Black & Deckers that are over 20 years old and only have had to replace the brushes. Both have been through the ringer and never once let me down, plus the weight will help in your correction process.

 

As far as rotaries are concerned, I've owned a Metabo, a Flex (the rotary), and a Makita. I like the Makita the best out of all of them.

 

the makita is my weapon of choice.

 

:agree::ditto::agree::ditto::agree:...:thumb:

 

I don't own any, not even a PC, but I've used the Makita at work. The Makita is atleast a few years old, good chance its a little older than that too. It's a workhorse, it's used daily almost and for more than one polish day at times. Never had problems with it. I'm not sure if they changed the brushes or not though. But thats a simple routine to do once the tool is a little more aged. I'd go Makita, not to heavy, nor to light. PM Buddy about it if you want more info. He's had his for a while, he'll definitely talk you into getting one. But all in all, any of those would be a good choice. They're all solid and should last with proper care!

Good luck, Brendan

 

Makita hands down. I also have the Flex 3403,you can't beat the Makita... imo. Solid tool is a common consensus on all the detailing boards.

 

I've gone from a PC to a Flex 3401 and am now transitioning to a 3403. At first, the higher starting RPMs on the 3403 freaked me a little, but after doing a few panels I became very comfortable with it. I found the lighter weight beneficial in terms of maneuverability. I used 5", 5.5", and 6.5" pads with it and had no problems. I'm also running the 3M UK yellow BP. It has a similar footprint as the 3401 in terms of size and controls layout, so that was good for me as I've been using my 3401 for about a year adn a half. It did feel like a featherweight compared to the 3401 though. So, I'm a little partial to the 3403, but I will probably end up getting a Makita someday just to check it out. There's also some other machines out there that I have my eye on, but aren't exactly available in the U.S.

 

Another vote for the makita. It is an absolute work horse and very comfortable to use too.

 

I've been very happy with my Hitachi.

 

makita..it's a life long product well it should last 20 years at least!!! the thing doesn't stop working. and the controls and feel is awesome!!! give phil a ring at detailersdomain..you'll have it in a couple days.hell i am sure he could ship one out for you to play with this weekend if you are close. good luck

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Kinda confirms what I thought... sounds like the 9227CX3 will be the way to go.

I'd love to get it from a forum sponsor, but to be honest, all the detailing sites are ~$50 more than places like amazon (with free shipping, no less). Will definitely get my backing plate (sounds like the 3M one is the ticket, even though it's 3X more than the LC ones) and pads from a place like DD. Thanks again everybody - really appreciate your tips and feedback.

 

I have the Makita and like it alot so far. A big buying point for me is that Paul Dalton uses it, I'm pretty sure.

 

I too am looking at the makita. I arlready have a UDM and would like to use the same pads between the two to keep initial costs down

 

i use a hitachi. it's pretty much identical to the makita. i have heard of reliability issues with it, and i've only experienced one myself. other than that, it's been golden!

 

My hitatchi along with another local detailer's (blackdiamond) were both very tempermental. After sending mine in 4 times to the repair center I gave up.

 

Dynabrade.