A good Rotary polisher?

[Blink21Me]

Hello everyone, I have been wanting to move out from the PC to a Rotary for quite some time now, until today I detailed a black '05 F150 with some heavy swirls and I couldn't do any good with a PC. It would take me 15-20 minutes to perfect a 2 sq ft suface and I was just so pissed... I could stand using the PC on my car, but now that I'm starting to detail for money, I'm really considering getting a rotary... So . . . I have my eyes on the;

Makita Rotary Polisher, which seems to be the popular one

Specifications
# Electronic speed control
# Spindle Lock for easy pad removal
# Wrap around handle
# 115v/120v
# 10 amps
# Variable Speed: 0-3,000 rpms
# Length: 19.5"
# Weight: 6.6 lbs
# Includes FREE velcro pad holder!

And the other I'm eyeing is the Hitachi SP18VA 7" Polisher
Specifications
# Rating: 120V AC 60HZ
# Amperage: 11.0
# No-load RPM: 0 - 3,400/min
# Disc Diameter: 6.5"
# Spindle Size: 5/8" – 11”
# Length: 167/16"
# Weight: 6.2 lbs

Standard Equipment
# Loop Handle
# Hook & Loop Backing Plate
# Hex Bar Wrench
# Bolt, Washers & Hex Socket Bolt ( for attaching handle )

The Hitachi costs $50 less, minus the 10% discount, but that doens't really matter to me, if in some ways the Makita is better, that's what I'll get... Is the Hitachi quality questionable??? I'm kinda leaning into getting the Hitachi because it seems easier to learn with and use...

Does anyone have experience with any of these two? Or, is there any other rotary polisher that you'd suggest? Which will be easier and more convinient? I assume the Hitachi and the Makita 9227 is better than the Dewalt 849...

thanks a lot guys,
Joven

[BigAl3]

the hitachi, dewalt, and makita are ALL top quality tools that will last you a very long time and you can't go wrong with any of them. some like the hitachi better because it has a 5 year warranty iirc, and others like the makita because it's a little lighter than the dewalt and vice versa. it just comes down to personal preference...

[GBSLambo]

I have a DeWalt but if I was going to buy a new one I would get the Hatachi.

[Invigor]

I'd highly recommend the makita 9227. I use one and love it, I have a hard time using anything else. I find it's very comfortable and not hard to hold for an entire 3 step polish on a midsized car.

[percynjpn]

I have a Hitachi verticle rotary, and it's a good unit. "Quality" can be difficult to judge, but FWIW, in Japan, Hitachi power tools are considered the "Snap-On" to the Makita's "Stanley" - hands down.

[gusbubba]

Originally Posted by percynjpn

I have a Hitachi verticle rotary, and it's a good unit. "Quality" can be difficult to judge, but FWIW, in Japan, Hitachi power tools are considered the "Snap-On" to the Makita's "Stanley" - hands down.

Wow , sorta the opposite here...that's interesting.

[Blink21Me]

OMG, can't find a vebdor that stocks the Hitachi except Amazon, but they're selling it for $249. Might end up with a Makita...

[gusbubba]

Originally Posted by Blink21Me

OMG, can't find a vebdor that stocks the Hitachi except Amazon, but they're selling it for $249. Might end up with a Makita...

Hitachi SP18VA 7" Polisher & Light Sander

Hitachi SP18VA 7” Polisher: The Hitachi is a powerful rotary polisher capable of removing prominent scratches and swirls to restore your paint to its

Car buffers, polishers, buffing pads, bonnets and accessories

http://www.toolup.com/productinfo.asp?ID=SP18VA&Man=Hitachi&pid={1B11792A-D767-4E90-B7E4-0984ACDA9AB1}

Hitachi SP18VA(H) 7” Disc Sander/Polisher

Hitachi SP18VA Polisher

These are just some of the hits if you Google "hitachi rotary polisher sp18va"

[Blink21Me]

Originally Posted by gusbubba

Hitachi SP18VA 7" Polisher & Light Sander

sweet, I'm gonna give them a call on the 22nd, thanks!

[gusbubba]

No sweat.
Alot of folks here have ordered their PC's from Coastal ,IIRC, (at least I did).
They're reputable.

Don't know how many other vendors you checked ,but , some offer free shipping,
which could make up for any initial cost differences. Most ,though, were within $10 of each other.

[GBSLambo]

Originally Posted by Blink21Me

OMG, can't find a vebdor that stocks the Hitachi except Amazon, but they're selling it for $249. Might end up with a Makita...

Toolup.com has the Hatachi SP18VA for $174.99.

[ZoranC]

If your budget allows it you can get Metabo for $231.99 and free shipping.