Need Help. Cyclo vs. Dewalt vs. PC... Which one do you recommend?

HenrikP · 06-18-06, 12:15

im new with the buffing part of detailing and want to buy a buffer but im not sure if the orbitals are strong enough to do aggressive cleaning while needed and if teh dewalt would be gentle enough to to the finishing touch. thx in advance

Five Star · 06-18-06, 12:47

each tool has its place in your detailing arsenal, which I know you didnt want to hear.

However, If I were to choose one for you to start out with it would be the PC

TheFiveO · 06-18-06, 01:15

Henrik welcome to the forum.

I think I will second FiveStars recommendation to you. If I were to start, I would go with the PC. I just did a posting that somewhat answers your questions

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=73188

I would eventually pick up a rotary if I were you, but you would be suprised at what a PC can do with the right combo of pads and chemicals. Here is a link to a Lexus I detailed and for 99% of the detail I used a PC if that is of any assistance to you.

THe Black Lexus

Good Luck

Alfisti · 06-19-06, 12:41

Henrik, I use a PC and Makita RO with forced rotation. From my perspective, and from what I've read, if I was to do it all again I'd get a Cyclo instead of a PC. Its as easy as a PC to use (some say easier) and can do better correction than a PC. Sort of half way to a rotary with the safety of a PC. Just my Tuppence worth.

Accumulator · 06-19-06, 08:57

Which Dewalt is under consideration, their rotary or their PC-like RO sander? I sure wouldn't buy a rotary without also having a RO and I wouldn't buy one as my first polisher either. I learned to use a rotary first (way back in the day) and it's not an approach I'd recommend.

I prefer the Cyclo myself, but note that it doesn't work well with some products (e.g., Klasse AIO) and it won't do certain weird panel contours (e.g., some areas on my XJS that the PC *does* do).

FWIW, I simply find the Cyclo to be a pleasant tool to use, whereas I don't like using the PC. It's partially subjective/personal preference but there *is* a lot less vibration with the Cyclo.

HenrikP · 06-19-06, 02:23

i began detailing at a detail shop just about a year ago and ive been just doing the basics like washing and waxing since i was 10 (16 now). now i want something new to experiement with and grab a bent up hood from work and start buffing them and eventually bring these skills to my workplace where we use both the makitas and dewalt rotarys. but im also curious if i could do fine with just a rotary for cleaning the paint or would it be recommended to have posibly a combination of a rotary and orbital: rotary for more aggressive cleaning and the orbital for the finishing touch with glaze/polish.

Accumulator · 06-19-06, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenrikP

im also curious if i could do fine with just a rotary for cleaning the paint or would it be recommended to have posibly a combination of a rotary and orbital: rotary for more aggressive cleaning and the orbital for the finishing touch with glaze/polish.

No way would I have *only* a rotary on hand. I like the "rotary for aggressive work, then switch to RO" approach myself. Though I don't find the rotary necessary all *that* often, just depends what you're dealing with.

TheFiveO · 06-19-06, 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

No way would I have *only* a rotary on hand. I like the "rotary for aggressive work, then switch to RO" approach myself. Though I don't find the rotary necessary all *that* often, just depends what you're dealing with.

I agree with Accumulator. I think you need at a minimum two tools. One being the rotary for the serious defect work. Luckily my side job, detailing, has made enough cash to buy all three of the tools, PC-CYCLO-RB so I have an understanding of each. I am partially still biased towards my PC, but probabbly only cuz I am learning how to properly use the Cyclo. The Cyclo is an awesome polisher though with the "sometimes" hard to work Meguiars polishes.

Your idea for getting a old beater hood from a junk yard is great. Better to ruin scrap metal than a customers hood. After all, we have all seen the "wonderful" work done by other detailers with a RB. Just look at 80% of the black cars on a sunny day!!

Scottwax · 06-20-06, 01:05

The PC is the easiest to learn to use quickly but the Cyclo isn't that hard, just a bit awkward on some cars like Accumulator said. If you are going to detail professionally, I'd start with the Cyclo and then get a rotary for use on paint with heavy defects.

Accumulator · 06-20-06, 02:33

Regarding the learning curve, I've had people from teens to the elderly up to speed with a Cyclo in a matter of minutes (and not too many minutes at that

). There's no need to worry about it being hard to master IMO.

HenrikP · 06-20-06, 03:06

so would you guys recommend buying a cyclo over all other orbitals to start off and once ive mastered that get a rotary. which rotary should i go for then the makita or dewalt?

HenrikP · 06-20-06, 03:07

where do you recommend buying both?