Makita 9227C or DeWalt DW849

[afinerdetail]

I am looking to purchase a rotary. Which one would best serve my needs. I am purchasing primarily to remove heavy oxidation and deep scratches.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[PakShak]

I like my Makita 9227.

"Makita Rotary Polisher: Even the daily grind of heavy paint removal will not wear out this durable polisher. The #9227 Makita, Variable Speed Rotary Polisher is also ideal for slow polishing. It's electronic speed control maintains constant speed with a surprising amount of pressure.

This is the machine you'll need for serious paint flaws, Fiberglass restoration, or metal polishing. It does the dirty work, and makes it seem easy.

The Makita is a professional quality high-speed and is a favorite of our pros because it seldom has down-time. It has a large, wrap-around handle which allows the user to easily grasp at any angle, at any speed. You can use the variable speed dial for maximum control, or you can choose the convenient trigger for ultimate precision and safety. The trigger is probably its most popular feature."


Here are a couple of others that people like.

Metabo
Dewalt 849 (old school)


With Aloha,
Ranney

[MorBid]

If it works don't fix it. I've been using my Dewalt 849 for 5 yr's now for both autobody and detailing work the thing has never let me down.

I like being able to use the handle on either side or none at all (for polishing that's where I leave it). In additon being able to contol the speed with one thumb (to raise or lower the rpms) and to lock the trigger.

There are Dewalt Service Centers in every major city and town (including mine) where you can not only buy stuff but get factory service (in or out of warranty) done on site.

They both do the same thing and when you really get down to it, it's going to be a user's preference that is the deciding factor.

[hood rich]

well i've used a dewalt for almost four years now, owned one for two years. i use mine daily and it has never let me down. i bought a makita because i liked that it was light... figured i'd give it a shot and see how it worked. i hated the thing. when i took the buffer out of the box the first thing i noticed was the quality... the makita was much cheaper and looked like you could brake it real quick. i have dropped my dewalt off the ladder a few times now when i've done motorhomes, it hasn't phased it yet... the makita looks like it would brake into a million pieces if you dropped it at all. the next thing i didn't like was the speed adjustment dial, on the makita it has numbers and you have to look at the little chart to see what number represents what rpm you're spinning at... too much work. the biggest thing i hated is how it took forever to get up to speed... and it would bog down very easily. it is way underpowered and not very strong. the dewalt is very powerful and virtually indestructable... but i guess it comes down to personal preference. makita used to make a quality product a few years ago, now they're quality is severely lacking. i returned the makita within 24 hours of purchasing it. my advice is buy both if you can afford it and return the one you don't like... both companies offer a 30 day no questions asked return policy. but if you can't buy both, get the dewalt dw849 from properautocare.com... it comes with a buffer bag and gloves and the best part is it's on sale for $174.95.... that's a steal.

[MorBid]

I'll agree with you on the point that the DW849 is a beast. This is one tool you don't want to let get away from you. I think the local big box stores like Sears, Lowes, and Home Depot might sell them both/ one or the other. Stop in and check them out in person.

[merci]

The Makita's slowest set speed is 600rpm while the DeWalt's is 1000rpm.

[hood rich]

Originally Posted by merci

The Makita's slowest set speed is 600rpm while the DeWalt's is 1000rpm.

it is pointless to go any slower than 1000rpm's.

[merci]

Originally Posted by hood rich

it is pointless to go any slower than 1000rpm's.

I find it quite useful when applying glazes or LSPs via rotary and a black finishing pad. Also, beginners can use 600rpm for learning

[MichaelM]

Originally Posted by hood rich

when i took the buffer out of the box the first thing i noticed was the quality... the makita was much cheaper and looked like you could brake it real quick.

There is nothing wrong with the Makita's quality. It is just as sturdy as the Dewalt. It is lighter but that does not mean cheaper.

As far as the power the Makita is a 10A machine while the Dewalt is only an 8A. My Makita does not bog down, don't know what's wrong with yours.

The Makita is also a much quieter machine compared to the Dewalt, much easier on the ears.

I have over a thousand hours on mine this year alone. Only needed to change the cord once.

It does come down to preference though. Try both if you can.