Makita is in the mail

[Airborne Ranger]

As of Thursday last week and much research along with a gut instinct I hit the "Submit Order" button at coastaltool.com for the Makitacx3. I don't think I'll use the pads that come with it but a bag never hurts for storage. Maybe I'll use the pads that come with it for practicing but never on a real car. Hows the backing plate that comes with it? any good? or should I get another one like Megs or something? I'm really anxious to get started with this thing and hoping to have some good skills when spring and summer roll around.

I have 2 options for practice guinea pigs. Our 94 Dodge Grand Caravan whos paint isn't worthy for not even Nufinish, or, go down to the junkyard or something and pick up some panels there. I'll probably end up doing the van but if anyone thinks the seperate panels from the junkyard might be of a better choice, that's cool. Thanks,,,,,AR

[Burlyq]

The wool pad is a throw away but believe it or not the buffer pad is really cool for LSP's. I enjoy using it to buff off Zaino, especially the new Pro. After I bought my machine I bought 5 of those buffer pads I like them so much. The backing plate is cool if you use 7.5 or above pads. If you like the smaller pads you will want a different one. The backing plate is also the firm type, so if you like those as opposed to the ones that give, you'll like it. The best part is that package has two really cool handles. I use up my arms on that machine sometimes and it's nice to switch positions. I love the sound of that machine to, sweet music to my ears.

[Airborne Ranger]

Thanks Burlyq,

I see alot of people who start off with the Makita or with any new rotary using foam pads ranging from 6" to 6.5" pads and some sort of light cleaner polish. I was thinking using the pads that come with it for windows or just hopeless paint on a car.

When you say it comes with different handles it comes with both the "T" handle and overhead handle? I'm imagining for a guy like me, I would prefer the overhead but it can never hurt to try the T handle or side handle if you will. When you say you like the sound it puts out does it sound just the same as the Megs How to remove paint defects video or does it sound like something different? Also, I'll probably wind up going with practice panels from a salvage yard because our van is a daily driver and it seem like to me it would take too much time to keep it cleaned up so I can practice on it. Something else that would really be beneficiary to me is those twin 500W Halogens you can get from Sears or somewhere else,,,,,,AR

[dcswd]

Congrats I'm sure you will have fun with it. Along with what you read, I have some 8" and 6" pads, and at this stage, I find the 6" pads to be a lot easier to use.