Is Metabo or Hitachi best?

cobrar97 · 04-22-07, 06:58

I've been looking at getting a rotary, I have heard good things about the Metabo and Hitachi. What's the best? I notice the Metabo, which many people like, only has 6.4 amps. Isn't that a little under powered? Any suggestions? I just want to buy a good one up front.

JohnLINY · 04-22-07, 07:44

Hi Cobra,

I am a noob here but I have been reading and learning for awhile. I went through the same thing. I was looking at Metabo, Hitachi, and Makita. I went with the Hitachi. I was lucky enough to find one. Seems like everyone is sold out of the Hitachi. That should tell you something right there.

I looked at the Metabo. Kind of unique in that it is the smallest and lightest of the rotary polishers. I did see a few threads about some people experiencing overheating. Metabo are quality German made tools. The downside is the price. The best price I could find was $230. That is almost $100 more than the Hitachi.

The Makita was a close second. They have a good package deal with a bag and a couple of pads for around the same price as the Hitachi. I haven't read anything negative on here about Makita. The reason I went with the Hitachi was longer warranty 5 years vs. 1 year and higher amp motor.

If I wasn't able to find the Hitachi I would have went with the Makita. It really comes down to personal preference. They are all quality polishers. I would see if you could get a hold of each and see which one feels best in your hands.

Eliot Ness · 04-22-07, 08:51

They are both good choices, as is the Makita. The main reason I bought a Metabo is because it's lighter than the other two and I like the size. It does cost about $70 more than the Hitachi, depending on where you buy them. I already have a couple of inexpensive conventional style machines so I wanted to give the Metabo a try. I haven't had it long enough to do too much with it but so far I'm pleased.

If anyone buys a Metabo make sure you register it on their website and you'll extend the warranty to 3 years.

rydawg · 04-22-07, 11:00

As Elliot said too...Either one is a perfect choice along with the makita too.

the other pc · 04-23-07, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobrar97

...I notice the Metabo, which many people like, only has 6.4 amps. Isn't that a little under powered? ...

The buffer with the 6.4 Amp motor is the now discontinued PE7175. It works fine with 6” pads. It might be asking a bit much to use it with 8” pads for extended periods.

The current model (no pun intended), the PE12-175, is rated at 10 Amps.

PC.

velobard · 04-23-07, 02:08

I'm the one who experienced overheating. I haven't found evidence of anyone else complaining about the problem. Metabo says I should run it on higher speeds, above 3. I've done that in the little that I've used it since without problems, though I did notice the handle feels quite a bit warmer after I stop and the cooling fan is off, like the heat is soaking in a bit. I'm about to go give it another workout, so I'm hoping for the best but I'll keep an eye on it.

kpagel · 04-23-07, 02:24

Honestly, any of the popular rotaries out there (Dewalt, Makita, Metabo, Hitachi, PC 7428) are going to serve you just fine. Just figure out what you want based on price and size/weight.

velobard · 04-23-07, 04:25

Well, for over 2 hours now I've been using my Metabo. I made a few changes in my technique, which I'll post in the thread about overheating, but no problems this time. It was probably just me causing the problem.