PC speeds vs rotary speeds

[mr2man]

Hi all....Ive never used a Porter Cable before as I have always used a rotary.Im using a Metabo now and I see people on these boards saying they use speeds 5 and 6 on their PC for harder jobs. On my rotary, speeds 5 and 6 would eat the paint like Pac-Man... nton......so my question is this...what does speeds 5 and 6 on a PC equal to in RPMs. This way I can convert that speed over to my rotary. Thanks again. :headbang

[JaredPointer]

PC is not measured in RPM`s. Random orbitals are measured in OPM`s, or orbits per minute. It`s a whole different ballgame. I think this idea was talked about 6 months or so ago, but I can`t seem to find the thread. Maybe if you did an in depth search for it, you might have better luck. :dunno

[mr2man]

true, i suppose im not looking for exact science here, just maybe a comparison to work by even though the machines work differently.

[JaredPointer]

The PC is 2500 - 6000 OPM. At speed setting 6 on the PC it is pushing around 6000 OPM. I`m not all that familiar with rotaries, so I doubt I`ll be able to truly compare what the two could do against one another. I don`t really know how to compare the two, because they`re two totally different methods of movement. :dunno

[CharlesW]

Having only used a rotary one time, the Paint Eater description seems appropriate.
The PC is not a paint eater at any speed. In fact, if you are accustomed to a rotary, it will seem like the PC isn`t doing anything. It does, but it definitely takes some time.
If you are skilled with the rotary, you might want to continue using it for true paint correction and finish up with the PC to remove any rotary induced swirls or halograms. :dunno

Charles

[mr2man]

Ive been using a rotary for 15 years now...remember them woolies? I dont even know why we bothered with those swirl making monstrosities. Anyhow, I was curious because when i saw people were using speeds 5 and 6 (not realizing at first the were talking about a PC) my eyes bugged out and almost hit the monitor! Speeds 5 and 6 are good if you want to buff your way THROUGH the door to get into the car if you locked your keys in there, but not for much else.

[tubafeak]

Speeds like that on a rotary are ususally reserved for heavy cutting action in heavy gauge sheet metal, paint would never stand a chance.

[wifehatescar]

You cannot compare the speeds. A PC will bog on paint, rotary will not. The spec`s on the PC are free spinning opm`s which is not realistic info unless you are buffing air.