Anyone use the Makita BO6040?

[SilverLexus]

Here is a description of it:



http://www.autogeek.net/bo6040.html



I like the idea of a dual purpose machine but I wonder if any members have experience.



Specifically I am wondering about the quality of either the circular or dual action polishing...



Thanks for the input!

[Eliot Ness]

Lee, I don`t know if you saw this old post or not, but I remembered seeing it and finally found it:



http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16906&highlight=makita+bo6040



Maybe it will help a little.

[imported_Aurora40]

Heheh, thinking of using it to take a bite out of your $500 order? ;) Congrats! :D

[SilverLexus]

Thanks Aurora...still can`t believe it. I never win things like this. :)

[RedondoV6]

Lee.. PM Mike Phillips .. I think he used both the Makita and Bosch dual-action polishers, he may be able to give you some advice. Also, what is this about you winning something? Whatever it is, congratulations .. couldn`t happen to a nicer guy :)

[SilverLexus]

Thanks Mike. I will contact Mike Phillips.

[usdm]

I bought one a while back, and I have to say that it

has served me very well. It does not vibrate nearly

as harsh as the PC at max speed, but then again,

that might have to do with the throw of the plate.

It also does not bog down as bad as the PC when

you bear down on it.



Only real downside is that you cannot change backing

plates, so it`s not compatible with any pads that

have a backing plate size lower than 6-6.5 inches.

It also feels heavier than the PC, but I suspect that`s

because almost all the weight of the machine is in the

head. The orbit with "forced rotation" mode is pretty

cool, but it does take a bit of getting used to.

[Alfisti]

usdm, one of my customers has lent me his Makita to trial it for several weeks.



I haven`t tried it yet so any observations and tips you have about usage will be appreciated.



BTW, I presently use a PC. Thanks. :xyxthumbs

[usdm]

Originally posted by Alfisti

usdm, one of my customers has lent me his Makita to trial it for several weeks.



I haven`t tried it yet so any observations and tips you have about usage will be appreciated.



BTW, I presently use a PC. Thanks. :xyxthumbs



I have a PC as well. But I don`t use it as often anymore. It

has to do with my comfort level. I have small hands, and suffer

from a variety of joint pain issues. So grasping and controlling

the PC is serious for me. Speeds below 5 are tolerable, but

above, the vibration becomes so severe that I can barely

hang on without feeling pain later on. Last Friday, I used it on

a late model Mountaineer, and by late Saturday, my hands

felt like someone took a hammer to base knuckles on my

palms.



The Makita has a significantly shorter stroke, so it does not

cover ground faster. It also feels heavier. But I feel more

comfortable using it over a longer haul than I do the PC. I

think my next purchase would be a lighter machine, with at

least an equal or greater throw. The ideal for me would be

a machine with a similar throw as the PC, but without the

bad vibration.



At the high level you work, I`m not sure I can really offer you

any valuable tips per se`. You`ll just have to experiment

with it. If you have any specifics, pm me, and I`ll

see if I can be of more help.:xyxthumbs



Be sure to post your feedback on this machine when you have

a chance.