Dual Mode Polishers - Any Good?

RedondoV6 · 10-15-04, 08:29

Anyone tested either of the dual mode polishers by Bosch or Makita? Or even better tested them side by side?

Do they work well? Can they be used with existing backing plates and pads? Any differences between the action of both units? Do they effectively bridge the "gap" between using a DA and Rotary?

Opinions would be very welcome, especially as Christmas approaches

Links to information on both units below:

Bosch: http://www.boschtools.com/Tools+and+...em_no=1250DEVS

Makita: http://www.makitausa.com/Tools_Item_View.asp?id=218

John Styrnol · 10-15-04, 09:07

Mike,

I hear the Cycol thing bridges the gap between DA/Rotary.

Accumulator · 10-15-04, 10:23

IIRC Mike Phillips tried the one of the dual-mode machines (can't remember which) and he didn't really care for it. I'd try one out before buying.

FWIW, this is one area where I'd rather have a number of different tools rather than try to cover two bases with one "presumably versatile" one.

butchdave · 10-15-04, 03:57

Some like the Makita, can't recall seeing a side by side, but there was a good review of the Makita here

I have one, but I can't say I have used it enough to give any good feedback

RedondoV6 · 10-15-04, 04:13

Quote:

Originally posted by butchdave
Some like the Makita, can't recall seeing a side by side, but there was a good review of the Makita here

I have one, but I can't say I have used it enough to give any good feedback

Thanks Dave, somehow I missed that review when searching.

Anyone else have direct experience of these dual mode polishers or another review link?

beau · 10-15-04, 04:14

RedondoV6, I was seriously considering buying the Makita BO6040 but ultimately bought the Makita 9227 rotary. I'll probably get a Cyclo next.

RedondoV6 · 10-15-04, 04:49

Quote:

Originally posted by beau
RedondoV6, I was seriously considering buying the Makita BO6040 but ultimately bought the Makita 9227 rotary. I'll probably get a Cyclo next.

Beau: What reason eventually made you go with the 9227 and decide against the BO6040?

I did look at the Cyclo, but it looks kinda clumsy, it also means keeping full sets of pads for the PC and the Cyclo.

One of the attractions of these dual mode polishers, is the potential to go from a gentle DA to a more aggressive rotary action and back again, on tough imperfections, without changing machine and only using one set of pads. Nice idea ... if these units function OK for detailing duties.

<--- Still happily undecided!

cheapshot · 10-15-04, 07:15

i could only speak of the tools i have, bosch jig saw, makita cordless drill and chop saw. all perform very well and are great quality. i bought a dewalt drill, for some reason felt much better in my hand, a lttle over a year battery went.

i also have a dewalt compound miter saw, and it out performs the makita chop saw. (both used with 60-90 dollar blades)

just to trough this out there, pc makes great da palm sanders, i have used a few brands, and like pc best. if i were to get a rotary i would go makita.

Accumulator · 10-16-04, 09:38

Quote:

Originally posted by RedondoV6
..I did look at the Cyclo, but it looks kinda clumsy, it also means keeping full sets of pads for the PC and the Cyclo.

I actually find the Cyclo to be *incomparably MORE* user-friendly than the PC. In fact, the way the dual-mode resembles the PC ergonomically is one reason why I have no interest in it.

Note that with the proper backing plates, the 4" pads can be used on both the PC and the rotary as well as the Cyclo. I find myself doing that more and more often these days; I do "spot repairs" instead of polishing the whole vehicle or even a whole panel.