Who made the jump from PC to rotary?

[twopu]

I'm a little frustrated with my inability to remove swirls/scratches with my pc. I have tried many approaches but nothing. I'm going to see what SSR2.5 can do but if that doesn't work I'm going to really consider getting a rotary. I've read that there seems to be a split between the Dewalt and Mikita. What is the learning curve on the rotary? I'm afraid that I'm going to screw up the paint. Also, are the PC pads (DAP kit from CMA) interchangeable with rotary's?

[bretfraz]

Lots of us have done this. You need to spend some time reading posts and doing searches. There are several threads about rotary tips and tricks.

For example, last weekend I helped a friend (SilverLexus) detail his wife's Camry. He'd never used a rotary before and had little experience with his new PC. So what did I do? I skipped the PC part and put the rotary into his hands after a short demo. He did fine; no damage to the car.

If you're confident with the PC, you'll be fine with a rotary as long as you respect the machine and pay attention.

The pads are interchangable as long but backing plate are not.

[thinksnow]

Bret said it well. I'll accent his "pay attention" with a confession shot in a new thread so as not to hijack.

[Intel486]

I honestly think there is no need for a rotary if you are only detailing your own personal vehicle. After multiple hits with agressive products with the PC, if it can't get them out, then the rotary probably won't be able to either.

I just think it's too agressive for being used regularly on the same vehicle so it'll end up being money you invested in a tool you won't use too often.

If you're going to be detailing vehicle's that haven't been worked on before, then the rotary is a nice tool to have. So, if you plan on working on other friend's vehicles that haven't been detailing in awhile or plan on starting a small side business, then you should probably learn how to use the rotary.

[PakShak]

Own both the PC 7336 and Makita 9227 rotary.

I had come across a few details that a PC just could not do it for me. The rotary finished the job in record fashion. However, I would not recommend a rotary for a novice. A PC is a good starting point. I too started with a PC before I graduated to the rotary.

With Aloha,
Ranney

[Bill D]

I started practicing the rotary this summer. I'm still not confident with using it on the sides of a car and I won;t let myself take one to my own vehicle yet. Who knows when.

[NavindraLR]

ive been using a pc for about 2 years now... so im thinkin im ready for a rotary... what do u guys think?

[Bill D]

Navindra,

You're overdue. Go for it!

[tcfool]

I have a PC 7424 and a Makita 9227 rotary... I wind up using the rotary just about all the time now...

TC

[flyinhigh]

so far ive had no problems gettting swirls out with the pc..And thats with a car I thought was badly damaged.The only thing I havnt been able to get out are deep scratches.
Are you guys working the area enough??

I think Im ABackwards,I started on the rotary and went to the PC ,Just seemd alittle safer for me to use on the dark cars

Dont work the area long with the rotary,and get in a comfortable position on the sides.Im no expert on using it but I can use it (somewhat)

[Intel486]

Originally posted by flyinhigh
I think Im ABackwards,I started on the rotary and went to the PC ,Just seemd alittle safer for me to use on the dark cars

I'm right next to ya there. I had the rotary and went to the RO. A lot easier on dark colored cars. I can walk away after polishing knowing there are no swirls and don't have to pull the vehicle out in the sun to inspect. Heck of a lot easier especially on cloudy days.

I usually compound and correct w/ the rotary. Final polishing and waxing w/ the RO.

[Thumper]

I too started with the rotary and was talked into a cyclo years later by Irene at Top of the Line. I like both but I prefer the rotary.