Makita vs. Porter Cable

[Bobby D]

Hi I am new to this and I know this question is vague, But I am about to purchase a high speed buffer. What is the difference between the Porter Cable and the Makita? Is one of them better at some things than the other. Could I get sone feedback on this question?

[Scott P]

I wasn`t aware Porter Cable made a high speed rotary. Generally, the Porter Cable most often reffered to is the 7424 or 7336 random orbit polisher. It is not a rotary. The comparison would be apples to oranges.

[Bobby D]

As you can see I am a rookie. Could you explain the difference. What would you recommend. What are the benefits of one over the other

[dimedrol]

8 Lbs VS 6.6 Lbs.

[JeffBruce]

Porter Cable has orbital and has just came out with a Rotary
Rotary
http://www.properautocare.com/porcab74cirp.html
Orbital
http://store.premiumautocare.net/po.html

Makita is a Rotary
http://store.premiumautocare.net/ma92hisppo.html

Most important..
A video on how to use it
http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=275&highlight=Porter+cable

practice on a hood from a junk yard..
jeff

[CharlesW]

Overly simplified , but.....

Rookie + High Speed Rotary = Bad news, sometimes really bad news.

Rookie + Random Orbital = Decent results with little chance of real damage to paint.

The Rotary is capable of much, much more than the RO. Much, much more good things and much, much more bad things. Great tool for those with the experience/talent to use it.
The RO can be used right away by just about anyone.

Porter Cable, DeWalt, and Makita all make rotaries.
Porter Cable and DeWalt also make random orbitals. Makita may also make a RO, but I`ve not seen it.

Charles

[Bobby D]

Thanks Charles. I always hear of nightmare stories about the rotary but than there are the others who say its not rocket science. I purchased the Makita rotary and have not yet received it. I have a hood from a friends body shop to practice on. Could you offer more advice to me about how to insure safety from the start for me. Any tips to avoid the worst? I have always cared for cars and want to take it to the next level. Any advice would help here guys. Thanks Bobby D

[JeffBruce]

Tape all trim....cover the glass.............."Sling"...there is a technique to limit sling.....
jeff

[dimedrol]

Watch this Video (http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=31) it will help you.

[Bobby D]

What is a good way to cover the glass? What are the most common "nightmares" that occur with thiese tools?