Rotary suggestions

Discussion in 'Tools - Machine Polishers, Pressure Washers, Detai' started by blk45, Feb 2, 2008.

  1. blk45

    blk45 Jedi Nuba

    Well, I have finally decided to get a rotary. The Makita 9227 seems to be a good machine/value. Thoughts for and against, and/or other suggestions? I have read about the Metabo, and as nice as it looks and sounds, I would not put up with it going into thermal. Also, it seems like it mostly goes into thermal at slow speeds, but that is what I will be using since I'm just learning to use a rotary. I would rather have a slightly heavier machine that is reliable. I read the thread about the Flex also, but it seems like there isn't much experience with it. Thanks.
     
  2. Sparkie

    Sparkie Wax on..Wax off

    Well I have a cheap one that has been very reliable, it is the Vector VEC236 high speed polisher. It was around 40 or 50 bucks about two years ago. No problems as of yet....I use the edge system on it so no backing plate......I have been having an issue with my edge adapter, the ball keeps getting stuck down in it...I going to send it back to AG for a replacement...
    Keep us updated on what you get.....
     
  3. jshillin

    jshillin Birth of a Detailer

    You'll be fine with either a Hitachi or a Makita. I have a Hitachi and have had 0 problems with it. Great machine and I definitely recommend it.
     
  4. Nica

    Nica Banned

    You can't go wrong with the Makita, it's reliable and lives up to it's reputation :thumb:

    You'll find that even hough you'll be learning to use the machine the learning curve is really not bad at all. By the time you detail one vehicle with the rotary you'll feel confortable with it and before you know it your on your way to paint correction and using higher rpms :wicked:

    Besides if you need help just ask, we will help you out if you get stuck :peace:
     
  5. jshillin

    jshillin Birth of a Detailer

    If you're looking for a used one, Stiffdog is selling a Makita over on Autopia.
     
  6. sneek

    sneek Nuba Guru

    haha I have broken a makita (100% my fault) and i have broken a Porter Cable rotary (100% my fault). Really light rotaries are nice to start out with, but a heavier one glides smoother. I am getting a DW849 and maybe a dynabrade. I will keep you posted, I should have the DW in about 3 weeks. The dynabrades is still a maybe. The shop didn't know how much it cost!
     
  7. OrngeZ

    OrngeZ Birth of a Detailer

    my harbor freight rotary for 30 bucks has been going strong since the day I bought it...
     
  8. getcha

    getcha Jedi Nuba

    Does that thing stay at RPM under load/friction? I was thinking of buying one to play with or for super bad stuff.
     
  9. blk45

    blk45 Jedi Nuba

    Thanks Sparkie. It took me a minute to figure out your avatar!

    Thanks J.

    Great, sounds like a good choice then. I hope I get the hang of it quickly. A few beaters and/or some junk panels, and I hope to be comfortable with it.

    Thanks for the tip J.

    Remind me not to let you use my tools! :D

    Thanks Ornge. I figure if I spend a few bucks on it, I will be more motivated to stick with it if I get frustrated and I don't mind spending the money if it is a quality product. Thanks for the tip and I'm glad the HF is working out for you.


    Thanks to all for the info/input. It seems like a good group of members here. I see some familiar names from the other boards. Besides, if Phil (FMINUS) can talk about CG here, it must be good! :D
     
  10. detailersdomain

    detailersdomain Administrator

    I vote Makita.... :) Hit me up we have them in stock
     
  11. advanced detail

    advanced detail Two Bucket System Washer

    I just got the Makita and think it's a good choice.
     
  12. FMINUS

    FMINUS DB Pro Supporter

    I have used both the Makita and Hitachi. PErsonally I like the Hitachi because its lighter, the only think I know going to for the Makita is that the "pros" in the UK uses them.

    Any other reason?
     
  13. Nica

    Nica Banned

    Congrats :applause2: you'll enjoy the machine :thumb:
     
  14. richy

    richy Guest

    I don't think the machine itself is such a big deal..I too have a cheap one that I bought at xcess cargo but what's important is that it has a trigger lock and adjustable speed. It doesn't bog down at lower rpms too..I've been happy with it. I also have an older, fixed speed one that I can feather the trigger with to vary the rpm's. It's fun to see how quickly correction can come with one. Your Makita is probably a lot better than mine.
     
  15. blk45

    blk45 Jedi Nuba


    I would tend to agree Richy. I'm pretty sure that a cheap rotary will still produce great results. Ornge has had great luck with his HF. However, the added features and just the quality of the machine is something I don't mind paying for. IE: A lot of people think that Snap On tools are a rip off. They are correct in the fact that any Phillips screwdriver will screw in a screw, however I prefer the Snap On ones. It is all personal preference I guess. I was just looking for the little things that would sway my decision. IE: the Metabo. It seems to be an excellent machine, however I would have no patience whatsoever for it going into thermal, after I had paid that much money for it.

    Either way, thanks for your input. it is appreciated. That goes for everyone . Thanks guys!
     
  16. blk45

    blk45 Jedi Nuba

    From what I've read, it is only a .2 lb difference. 6.4 vs. 6.6 lbs. Is that accurate Phil? The Makita is still less than a pound more than the PC, so I don't think it will be an issue. Is the weight the only difference you noticed between the two?
     

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