Can you burn paint at any RPM

jw · 05-23-08, 11:40

I'm just curious if it's possible to burn the paint even if you keep the rpm's at around 1000-1200?

SuperBee364 · 05-23-08, 11:44

If you hold it there long enough and apply enough pressure, yeah, you can.

toyotaguy · 05-23-08, 01:42

honestly man, quit worrying yourself out of using a rotary....

jw · 05-23-08, 03:52

Toyotaguy, I know i am worrying but can you blame me? Some people on here just say to get it but then others say that anyone using a rotary is sure to burn their paint at some point. I'm just really trying to look at all sides and it's a really tough decision. Some people on here really make them sound scary. How long would you have hold the buffer in one spot to not burn the paint?

David Fermani · 05-23-08, 04:14

Just start at it slow and keep your machine moving. Don't work edges or body lines very long. If you're that worried tape all your edges, trim and moldings that you'll be buffing near. Usually the people that are scared and warn against rotaries are the ones that don't know how to use them. I could teach *almost* anyone how to properly work one in about 1-2 hours. Not a big deal.

docrice · 05-23-08, 04:19

I bought my PC last year and did two cars. That was my complete experience in paint correction. Then I wanted to finish up some areas that I did a halfway job on last year, so I decided to get a rotary for potential time-savings. It literally took 1/2 to 2/3 of the time compared to a PC. For me, the purchase has already paid itself back.

Safety-wise, I kept the rotary moving while being very conscious of panel edges and trim. I didn't let the pad stay in any one spot longer than a second if I could help it. Smooth, consistent movements. Like anything else, potential accidents can be over-emphasized when experienced folks stress the importance of being careful, but the risk is always there. Can you screw up with a PC? Will you one day accidentally slip and knock the body of the PC against a panel and scrape the paint? Sure, it can happen if you're not paying attention.

Admittedly, my experience in this is overall next-to-nothing, but as long as you're careful, take rest breaks as needed, and not get distracted, you're fine. No one's perfect. You're at that stage where you're evaluating your confidence and trying to justify whether the "risk" is worth it, but you also need to balance your perspective with the potential benefits. If you're the clumsy type, I guess you know your answer. But in the general scheme, if you trust yourself with power tools, you're probably better off doing rotary. A lot of folks have one and aren't complaining. Just remember that nothing in life is guaranteed. If you make mistakes (do it long enough and it'll happen with a PC), you make mistakes. Learn from it and move on. Given most people's experiences, it's most likely that the benefits will outweigh the negatives. That's how I looked at it before I hit the Purchase button for my rotary.

Clean Dean · 05-23-08, 04:25

Practice at low speed with a less aggressive pad/product combo. If possible get an old hood from a junk yard and actually burn the paint in a few spots. You will see its not too easy to grind through on a flat surface, but edges are where you will see its considerably easier.

YOU CAN DO IT !!! My 9 year old son has played around a bit with the rotary, and I will have him buffing out black cars by his 10th birthday.

baseballlover1 · 05-23-08, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean Dean

YOU CAN DO IT !!! My 9 year old son has played around a bit with the rotary, and I will have him buffing out black cars by his 10th birthday.

UH OH! I thnk we have a pro detailer by the time he is 15 on our hands! I can finish very well on my rotary and i am 15 years old. If i can, you can. I did burn paint 1s (i did a thread on it on my 77 911). Other then that on experience it has been AMAZING... i wont switch back.

Clean Dean · 05-23-08, 05:13

Quote:

UH OH! I thnk we have a pro detailer by the time he is 15 on our hands! I can finish very well on my rotary and i am 15 years old. If i can, you can. I did burn paint 1s (i did a thread on it on my 77 911). Other then that on experience it has been AMAZING... i wont switch back.

Let me know if you ever move to NJ !!! You have a standing job offer !!! Or maybe I'll go to work for you !!!

baseballlover1 · 05-23-08, 05:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean Dean

Let me know if you ever move to NJ !!! You have a standing job offer !!! Or maybe I'll go to work for you !!!

haha, well thanks! I have family near plainfield (watchung actually). Ever heard of it?

Clean Dean · 05-23-08, 05:30

Yes. I had quite a few friends in South Planfield NJ back in my college days.