Australian members - alternatives to Porter-Cable?

Tex · 12-22-04, 10:11

Hi all,

As Porter-Cable buffers can't be used here without converting from 240v to 110v, I was wondering if anyone knows of a mainstream brand, locally-available random orbital buffer which can come close to the PC for detailing use?

Just doing my research before I take the plunge and order a PC from the US and sort out the associated required hardware. Cheers in advance!

LWR · 12-22-04, 10:40

Cyclo's are available locally in 230V.I have one and a PC7424 that I use with a transformer.

mickg · 12-22-04, 11:47

I purchased the Makita 9227C last year for approx $380. It will do all you want for detailing and then some!

KenSilver · 12-22-04, 11:47

I bought a Porter-Cable a couple years back from the States, and use it often together with a NZ$250 converting transformer from D1ck Smiths. Just make sure you match up the amps etc. If you need details, I'll look mine up for you.

You can't beat the P-C for durability and quality for detailing!

Ken Silver
--------------
1999 Mercedes SLK, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1993 Mercedes SL500, 1991 Daimler (Vanden Plas). Finish detailing, then start all over again...

urban1.8t · 12-23-04, 02:04

I was using a Hitachi ROS and have just imported a PC 7424, then went out a purchased a transformer for $178.00 to run it.

The Makita BO6040 looks the goods locally or a Dewalt 443, both these are around $300 I think.

Hope this helps.

Dave.

Tex · 12-23-04, 04:20

Thanks for the tips guys, they're much appreciated. I'll start looking in to it then - clearly though it won't work out much different in the long run, dollar wise, to get something locally with the grunt to do the job.

Mizzuri · 12-26-04, 03:38

Unforuately pc are not available 240V but you can get the Dewalt 443AU. Same sort of tool except for not being able to change the backing plate. Ive also heard that it is a bit more powerful.

Ive found the best price for cyclo in regards to shipping from WCD in the states.

There is also someone in Queensland that imports and sells Cyclo polishers and Im trying to get some more info on that.

Ive been using the Dewalt for years, its finally given up the ghost. You could try Rupes, they have the best rotary buffers available, they are made in Italy.

Good Luck.

Tony

Alfisti · 12-26-04, 05:26

Quote:

Originally posted by mickg
I purchased the Makita 9227C last year for approx $380. It will do all you want for detailing and then some!

Mick, isn't the 9227C a rotary?

Tex, it will probably work out about the same to get a PC + transformer, as opposed to a local equivalent.

We purchased two PCs and circular transformer for our detailing business because so much info is available on Autopia for the PC. That makes for unsurpassed product support.

If you want something similar locally:

This one has a decent orbit diameter.

If urban1.8t can get the Makita BO6040 for $300, then he's found the bargain of the year. You might want to jump on that. Otherwise, they're about $500-600.

This one's not bad either.

And the DeWalt.

Another negative about these other sanders is that you can't remove the backing plate to use various size pads.

I hope this helps in your quest for buffing utopia (Autopia)!

Tex · 12-27-04, 05:17

Thanks for all the help guys.. I had thought about the technical support provided by the many users of PC products in the US, and if the price works out to be so similar, I think I might just look at going with what everyone knows and ordering from the US.

Cheers!

mickg · 12-28-04, 12:54

Hi Tex,
Yeah, as Alfisti says, it is a rotary. I realised after posting that you were looking for a random orbital.