Which rotary do you use?

1SLOW50 · 01-06-06, 09:37

Post which rotary you use and any plus' or negatives to it.

Will be good to help others, including myself, decide.

scottabir · 01-06-06, 10:07

Metabo - positives long list but includes stuff like lightweight, well made (imho), balanced very well ect performs great, slow start.
negatives I dont care for the on off switch but it is not a huge deal after a little bit.

SVECobraR · 01-07-06, 12:05

Until about a week ago i used a chicago electric but it just took a dive so i bought a dewalt. Yet to use it.

Knockwurst · 01-07-06, 02:13

I have two rotary tools – a Metabo and Makita. Both are fantastic

The Metabo is lightweight (less than 6 lbs) and built like a tank. It operates at variable speeds 700-2200 RPM, has a spindle lock, and incorporates an ergonomic front handle for control and pressure. Unlike most buffers there’s no trigger . . . power is controlled up top while polishing speed is set at the base via dial (similar to the PC). Having had this for only several months, thus far I’m extremely pleased.

My Makita has been around for years and never let me down. What a workhorse! It’s a little heavier than the Metabo (6.6 lbs), has variable speed 0-3000 RPM, spindle lock, and a convenient trigger for safety and precision. The buffer speed is controlled with a dial opposite of the trigger.

Objectively, I can’t say one is better than the other. Over the years I’ve grown so comfortable with the Makita, that I’m not yet familiar with the power and flow of the Metabo. Time will tell

Pats300zx · 01-07-06, 02:15

I have the Chicago Electric. I still want to use how to use it properly. For the weekend warrior this rotary will be perfect for me. I got it on sale at HF for $29.99 and it seems like it will hold up well. I plan on using my PC pads with it.

cwcad · 01-07-06, 02:58

I have a vector rotary which has worked quite well. at $70 it is cheap enough. Trigger lock swith is easy to get used to. varialbe speed near the thumb that is easy to accidentally move as you are working it. Good power but it is a little heavy and seems to be a little awkward to handle. All cons of this machine are over come because of price. As weekend warrior this machine will do the job for me for many years to come.

I also have a Chicago Rotary that does work well also. Cheap($32 shipped) it is less powerful that what I am used to. Slow start is nice. Handling it was easy to get used to. I do not like the D ring handle. Have considered taking it off but do not have anything else to replace it. This rotary works for me. Yet if I were to do anything other than my own cars this particular rotary would not be one that I would chose to use.

Mosca · 01-07-06, 06:43

I have a CE, a Makita and an old Snap-On. The CE works OK, and is a great bargain at $29, but is nowhere near the tool that the Makita is.

The benefit of the CE is that it is cheap and it works. The downside is vibration, noise, and that it bogs down at speed (despite the powerful 11 amp motor). It is still a bargain at that price.

The Makita is smaller, lighter, quieter, easier to control, and smooth. It has soft start and variable trigger action. It has electronic speed control so that it doesn't bog. It is easily worth $100 more than the CE.

I don't use the Snap-On because it has one speed, 1700rpm, with a variable trigger. I've been told it's an older model DeWalt.

If anyone wants the Snap-On, Paypal me $10 for shipping and you can have it.

Tom

Accumulator · 01-07-06, 08:57

I use the Makita, almost always without the side handle (let alone the bale handle). I wouldn't mind if the speed dial were in RPMs instead of 1-2-3-etc. but you memorize which to use after a few sessions. No other complaints, like everything about it. OK, it could be even lighter (I used a very heavy Milwaukee back in the day so it's not like I'm sensitive to the weight), but I wouldn't like PC-type controls; I find the PC to be an ergonomic nightmare but I recognize that I'm in the minority on that.

David Fermani · 01-07-06, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I use the Makita, almost always without the side handle (let alone the bale handle).

If you don't use a handle, how do you control it with both hands?

atticdog · 01-07-06, 10:44

I have a Hitachi

SpoiledMan · 01-07-06, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by atticdog

I have a Hitachi

As do I and it's the best bargain on the planet.

Accumulator · 01-07-06, 02:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Fermani

If you don't use a handle, how do you control it with both hands?

I put my left hand on the housing above the spindle. Same method that Mike Phillips (of Meguiar's) uses; I got the idea from him and liked it right off the bat. But then I never had any real control issues with that machine either so this method might not be right for everyone. Works great for me though. I do put the side handle on now and then, but it's a pretty rare occurrence.