Better cheap rotary, Vector or HF??? Why?

SMRcalidiv · 02-28-07, 03:24

...Or are they the same tool with different badges? I have been reading that many people are getting good results with these inexpensive tools and being that I only take care of my own cars I don't need a pricey rotary. Can you guys help me make up my mind between the two? I appreciate that everyone has their own preference, but please don't turn this into a "buy a makita/hitachi/_____" thread. Thanks guys!!!

mr.ikon · 02-28-07, 04:10

well i cant tell you much besides that the vector is the only one i've tried. i've gotten great results with the machine, but the weight of it is what gets me at the end of work. never tried the harbor freight one because i couldnt find it at my local store. but in other words, im satisfied with the results it brings.

velobard · 02-28-07, 04:12

I've read decent stuff here about the Vector other than it's on the heavy side. Everytime someone bring up the HF models someone pitches in that they bog down much easier than the amp rating would indicate. I was seriously considering a Vector until I found a deal and came up with some extra money for a Metabo.

Brandon1 · 02-28-07, 05:25

Vector is really really heavy and has a annoying slow start feature, they bog also. The HF IMHO is much much much better and it will still bog a lil, but it's lighter and easier to handle. HF has one that is electronically controlled thats a lil better than the normal one.

SMRcalidiv · 02-28-07, 05:30

All of the HF ones list as a 9.8amp motor now, compared to the 11amp motor of the vector. What about the ATD 10511, I have heard its also a decent cheap alternative.

beachcities · 02-28-07, 05:48

so what happens when its time to buy wax? will you buy the cheapest one you can get away with then too? why buy a honda when you can just buy a hyundai?

Brandon1 · 02-28-07, 05:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcities

so what happens when its time to buy wax? will you buy the cheapest one you can get away with then too? why buy a honda when you can just buy a hyundai?

I dont remember seeing in SMRcalidiv's post where he asked you to be rude

If you want to be rude then go to another forum, this is not the place for rudeness.

Eliot Ness · 02-28-07, 06:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMRcalidiv

All of the HF ones list as a 9.8amp motor now, compared to the 11amp motor of the vector. What about the ATD 10511, I have heard its also a decent cheap alternative.

Here is another one for you to consider:

7" Proline Electric Sander Waxer Polisher

11 amps, soft start, 0-3000 rpm, and electronic speed control. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who has tried it yet. Autopia member qadsan mentioned it in the following post:

http://autopia.org/forum/607747-post6.html

Another member here, justin30513, picked up a $29 Harbor Freight (92623-1VGA) and seems to like it, but he hasn't posted a review for it yet. I picked that same HF up on sale a couple of months back for $19.95..... it was so cheap I couldn't pass it up, but I haven't tried it out yet. I have one of the older 11 amp HF's (looks identical to the Vector except in color) and for as little rotary work that I do it has worked out fine.

One thing you'll want to do if you buy a cheaper rotary is pick up a good backing plate. Keep us posted on what you decide to buy and then give us a review.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcities

so what happens when its time to buy wax? will you buy the cheapest one you can get away with then too? why buy a honda when you can just buy a hyundai?

If I used a rotary everyday or even two or three times a week, the HF wouldn't be my first choice, but all it does is spin a pad, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to be proficient with either a cheap one or a name brand rotary. It might not be as convenient to use, but with a little common sense it accomplishes the same task.

velobard · 02-28-07, 06:22

Do a search on Vector, there's some good threads with info about it. Here's one as an example.
http://autopia.org/forum/machine-pol...ghlight=vector

Look in the Trading forum, there was a guy there trying to sell a Porter Cable 7428 (the rotary model) and said he was willing to look at lowball offers.

jbraswell · 02-28-07, 06:40

I really like the dewalt, its what I learned on and have always used. I also have an almost brand new porter cable and I honestly like the dewalt much better. The Porter Cable bogs too much for my liking.

SMRcalidiv · 02-28-07, 06:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcities

so what happens when its time to buy wax? will you buy the cheapest one you can get away with then too? why buy a honda when you can just buy a hyundai?

There's always gotta be one of these types of responses...for the record I don't buy cheap wax, I also have a PC7336, and my car's paint is not so crappy that I have to use a rotary on it every day of the week. So to buy a cheap rotary makes sense, besides the fact that many people are reporting that they work just fine. Its not like I enjoy wasting money so to pass up a cheap alternative would just be dumb. I'm not going to argue with you over something so stupid, and thanks for sticking up for me guys, so keep the responses coming, thanks.

violentveedub · 02-28-07, 07:10

I have the Vector also, I bought it for rough spots on trashier details. But, after getting better with it and seeing how much a rotary improves my time I'm thinking of going to a Makita or something not so damned heavy!