The Dewalt 849.

eyesack · 10-25-07, 11:52

Hi guys, I've recently come across a Dewalt 849 rotary; traded an exterior detail on my boss's brand new 350Z for it. Well, I've been practicing with my PC for about a year now, and feel confident in my ability with that particular machine. I have a customer's car to do this weekend, it's an 03ish Mercury Mariner, black paint. I'm really itching to try out the rotary, since black paint + PC = WAY too much time buffing and numb arms at the end of the day. I have access to just about the full line of S.M. Arnold Pads, which seem great quality pads, some of which have holes in the pads to keep the paint cool, others are flat, and others are waffle.
I figured i'd start with a medium (polishing) pad and my Menz. IP if the car needs a lot of correction. I don't think it'd be a wise idea to try any cutting pads (yellow) yet with no experience. I've been reading up on basic rules of rotary use, so i just need to practice.
Anybody have any input?
One thing i'm confused about is the machine: There's a black rubber BP(?) that came with it. Do i install that and then a backing plate and then the pad? anyone that's used this particular machine have any pointers? I know it starts at 1,000 RPM, which is kinda high compared to other machines starting at 600 RPM. Should I be scared of burning paint at 1,000 RPM with a polish pad or a wax pad? what do you guys recommend? thanks!

sonyexec · 10-26-07, 12:11

I was in your same shoes about 2 yrs ago when i made the jump from PC to the dewalt (same model). The rule of thumb is start with the least aggressive combo, I doubt with a car like that you'll need a cutting pad. I have used the blue pad (i dont know the mfg'r but i bought it from autopia) and it works fine for me. Then I move to the meguiars tan colored pad for the wax.

Just remember, keep the pad moving and you'll be ok. Oh and you will experience splatter so watch for that. There is a cool video on YOUTUBE with the meguiar's guy showing you how to pick up a bead of polish with the rotary and not splatter it everywhere.

White lexus 23 · 10-26-07, 03:54

http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-p...ary+wetsanding

eyesack · 10-26-07, 04:00

thanks guys!

zoomzoom mazda5 · 10-26-07, 04:03

eyesack, let us know how it went with your rotary when your done with your Detail......

757motoring · 10-26-07, 11:44

This is funny that you post this I work painting cars and use a makita most of the time at work but it doesn't belong to me so for my detail business I picked up a dewalt and used it for the first time this week and found it a little harsh starting off at 1000 rpm's. I'm going to purchace a makita and keep the dewalt as a back up. If you haven't used a rotary before it should be easier for you to use then for me to get use to it. Good Luck

wannafbody · 10-28-07, 07:20

Always keep the machine moving. Finish with the SM Arnold white pad and your finest finishing polish and you should be hollogram free.

kkreit01 · 10-29-07, 07:58

just an FYI -- if it's a Mariner, the oldest it could be is 05. I believe the clearcoat is pretty hard in them.

eyesack · 10-29-07, 07:59

ah i stand corrected; i guess its an 05 or 06 hard clears = hard to scratch, but equally as hard to correct... I've rescheduled to this coming weekend due to inclement weather at customer's request. I figure I'll give it the good ol' Menz IP => Menz FP => Klasse twins, x2 on the SG => my new tub of sovereign (im so excited to finally try this stuff!). Will post pics when finished.

MrAP · 10-30-07, 10:31

Wow, practicing for the first time with a rotary on a customer's car!!!