Hitachi vs. Makita... best rotary and why?

lecchilo · 03-21-07, 05:39

I know there are many threads on both rotary machines, but this one is somewhat different... at least it will be until people start talking about the Harbor Freights rotary....
anyway

ONLY people with experience with BOTH, repeat BOTH, machines reply...

Please list all the pros and cons of both machines and vote accordingly...
I'm looking to purchase one within the next month or so, and will completely base my decision on the votes and response in this thread, since I know both are great products.

Thanks for your time
-Ivan

RCBuddha · 03-21-07, 05:41

Pretty darn comparable, *if* anything, the Makita feels a little more solidly built.

sneek · 03-21-07, 05:49

oops i shouldnt have voted

atticdog · 03-21-07, 05:57

buy what ever one you can get cheaper

AL-53 · 03-21-07, 06:11

I have both...and they both are great machines..well built...the Hitachi just seems a little more balanced meaning weight dispersion and a bit lighter..

other than that they both are equal...also the hitachi gives you 5 years warranty

Al

lecchilo · 03-21-07, 07:27

Thanks for the replies guys... please comment as well as vote, as I don't know why it's 10-3 for Makita ?

rydawg · 03-21-07, 11:52

Both are great in my book. I had a few makitas in the past and had great luck with them and they were very easy to use. I however did borrow a friends Hitachi last year and I was quite impressed with the package as whole. It did feel a little smother than the makita, but the makita is well balanced also. I guess the 5 year warranty and the cheaper price makes the Hitachi better.

I will let you all know tomorrow. I just bought a new Hitachi.

MichaelM · 03-22-07, 06:12

Should your HItachi need warrnty work where can you take it to get fixed? Or do you have to send it someplace?

Bence · 03-22-07, 11:13

I'd recommend to hold both in your hand and try to feel important things like trigger feel, RPM pickup, balance, etc. They both have excellent ergonomics, with outstanding speed dial placement, so little (but important) details count.

rydawg · 03-22-07, 11:59

Well I ordered my Hitachi yesterday and had it overnighted for today. When I got to my shop it was sitting on my desk. Company I dealt with was awesome!!!! I did try it out and works absolutely perfect! I love the easy to control dial and the trigger is perfect, flat, and comfortable. It is almost very close like the makita in design, but has a more powerfull motor, and a 5 year warranty! I love how precise it is and it is light. Love the handle too the most. Love the green, it looks so different.

I am very happy with it and glad I chose it. I have had a lot of rotorys in the past 15 years, but this one is just amazing! I paid $174(had free shipping), but I paid $49 extra to have it overnighted. I have a Black Vette to do this weekend that a detailer could not get the swirls out of and it is a great paying job. I will do a review on the Hitachi when I do this Vette this weekend. I love new tools!!!!!!!!!

lecchilo · 03-22-07, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bence

I'd recommend to hold both in your hand and try to feel important things like trigger feel, RPM pickup, balance, etc. They both have excellent ergonomics, with outstanding speed dial placement, so little (but important) details count.

i've tried them both and this is what i came up with... (i have used the vector rotary for a long time now so that's what I have to compare it to)

both felt great and worked fine... well balanced and not too heavy
i liked the weight and length of hitachi, because it's 2" shorter and .6lbs lighter than the vector, so owning the two might be an advantage vs. getting a makita, which is the same length as the vector and .4lbs lighter... the only thing i liked about the makita more, over hitachi, was the "head"... sometimes, when using the side handle on the vector, i like to hold the head with my fingers and the handle a little with my thumb, and it's very comfortable... seems like that's a little less comfy with the hitachi...
one thing that i love about the vector is the closed handle... idk why but once i lock the trigger i have so many ways of holding the handle vs. the hitachi or makita

all in all i'm leaning toward the hitachi, but want to see if there's anything significant (although i highly doubt there will be) that will come up here to make me decide on one without a doubt

thanks for the replies so far

lecchilo · 03-22-07, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by rydawg

Well I ordered my Hitachi yesterday and had it overnighted for today. When I got to my shop it was sitting on my desk. Company I dealt with was awesome!!!! I did try it out and works absolutely perfect! I love the easy to control dial and the trigger is perfect, flat, and comfortable. It is almost very close like the makita in design, but has a more powerfull motor, and a 5 year warranty! I love how precise it is and it is light. Love the handle too the most. Love the green, it looks so different.

I am very happy with it and glad I chose it. I have had a lot of rotorys in the past 15 years, but this one is just amazing! I paid $174(had free shipping), but I paid $49 extra to have it overnighted. I have a Black Vette to do this weekend that a detailer could not get the swirls out of and it is a great paying job. I will do a review on the Hitachi when I do this Vette this weekend. I love new tools!!!!!!!!!

good to hear... where did you buy it from?
i'm looking at coastal tool.. $159 + $8.50S&H= $167.50... not bad