Vertical surface polishing with what?

**Changeling** · 02-22-2007, 06:35 PM

What is the easiest tool to use when polishing the vertical surfaces (sides) of a vehicle with compounds through final polishing products? How much is tool weight a factor in this overall experience?

I would think the rotary would beat out the orbitals like a PC or Cyclo but I don`t know. I am sure "Weight" is an important aspect of this equation, but so is speed of completion. I guess one part of this equation is the fatigue factor, but how do you apply it in comparing the PC vs Cyclo vs rotary?

Changeling

**Accumulator** · 02-22-2007, 06:49 PM

While everyone has their own preferences, I find the Cyclo to be the most user-friendly machine no matter what the application.

But yeah, the speed of the rotary means you spend less time doing stuff. The weight of the machine and their ergonomics *will* factor in and different peole will feel differently about this so it`s hard to generalize. Weight? No way I`d want to use a Milwaukee rotary on the sides of something and I`m used to handling fairly heavy objects.

I switch from the rotary to the Cyclo ASAP, but I know there are people who stick with the rotary.

**Invigor** · 02-22-2007, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

but I know there are people who stick with the rotary.

That`s me!

All I can say is suck it up princess and get used to a rotary. The weight of the makita doesn`t bother me anymore, but took quite a few cars before I could do a full session without resting. I can do a 3 step polish on a car now without stopping in between. I work up a good sweat, but it`s not SO difficult that I have to stop for a bit.

The only thing I use a d/a for now is 3000grit sandpaper for smoothing my wetsanding marks before I polish it...and cleaning my stove top!

**Accumulator** · 02-23-2007, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Invigor

All I can say is suck it up princess and get used to a rotary...

I`m *certain* that the above was not directed at me personally

Heh heh, I never had to set the Milwaukee down, but that doesn`t mean it was fun like the Cyclo is. The Makita and the Metabo are nice and light, but that isn`t the only consideration.

**Changeling** · 02-23-2007, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Invigor

That`s me!

All I can say is suck it up princess and get used to a rotary. The weight of the makita doesn`t bother me anymore, but took quite a few cars before I could do a full session without resting. I can do a 3 step polish on a car now without stopping in between. I work up a good sweat, but it`s not SO difficult that I have to stop for a bit.

The only thing I use a d/a for now is 3000grit sandpaper for smoothing my wetsanding marks before I polish it...and cleaning my stove top!

I guess this is aimed at me.!

Well Invigor sucking it up is the problem sorta. I have a repository disease and can`t breath worth a dam. My lungs won`t metabolize the oxygen you normally suck up and convert it to the fuel that runs your muscles/body as efficiently as normal people. A choir that you would take for granted would make me start gasping for breath. Therefore my original question is very meaningful to me. :waxing:

Changeling

**imported_themightytimmah** · 02-23-2007, 03:00 PM

Consider getting a Metabo Changeling. You can knock out the job from start to finish in maybe half the time of a PC, and it weighs a bit less than the Makitas, way less than the Milwaukees.

Vertical surfaces just suck in general though - I like to sit on a 5 gallon bucket turned upside down, so that I don`t have to crouch.

**Invigor** · 02-23-2007, 03:05 PM

Ah, I`d say just do a panel at a time and take breaks in between. And since a rotary works faster, maybe it`d become an advantage to you to use. I find them easier on you to use because they`re smooth, whereas a PC shakes your arms and hands senseless. I can hardly finish a car with a PC because my hands start to tingle, which is another reason why I prefer to use the rotary.

My comment about sucking it up wasn`t aimed at anyone. Sorry if it came off that way. I love my rotary and have a hard time considering using anything else...just the ease of use is so addicting.

**ZoranC** · 02-23-2007, 03:12 PM

Check this thread started by me

http://autopia.org/forum/machine-pol...polishers.html

I still haven`t started using this tool due to circumstances

so I have nothing to report on yet, but in the meantime it will give you food for thought.

**Changeling** · 02-23-2007, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Invigor

Ah, I`d say just do a panel at a time and take breaks in between. And since a rotary works faster, maybe it`d become an advantage to you to use. I find them easier on you to use because they`re smooth, whereas a PC shakes your arms and hands senseless. I can hardly finish a car with a PC because my hands start to tingle, which is another reason why I prefer to use the rotary.

My comment about sucking it up wasn`t aimed at anyone. Sorry if it came off that way. I love my rotary and have a hard time considering using anything else...just the ease of use is so addicting.

Not a problem, I`m not exactly known for bring suttle at times myself:chuckle:

When everyone speaks honestly I can kind of get a feel on what is going on so I sincerely like the way you explained what you felt.

ZoranC, thanks for the link, I`m going there now.

Accumulator, Ho much heavier is the cyclo vs a PC vs a Metabo, if you happen to know. Someone told me this once before but I forgot to print it out and put it in my manual.

TheMightTimmah (give us a shorter name,LOL) I was thinking about the Metabo but it is so dam expensive when compared to a Makita, do you happen to know the "actual" weight difference?

Good advice from all, thanks, Change

**ZoranC** · 02-23-2007, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Changeling

Accumulator, Ho much heavier is the cyclo vs a PC vs a Metabo, if you happen to know. Someone told me this once before but I forgot to print it out and put it in my manual.

TheMightTimmah (give us a shorter name,LOL) I was thinking about the Metabo but it is so dam expensive when compared to a Makita, do you happen to know the "actual" weight difference?

I haven`t weighed them but official weights are, starting with lightest:

Metabo PE12-175: 5.3lbs

PC 7424/7336SP: 5.75lbs

Hitachi SP18VA: 6.2lbs

Cyclo Model 5: 6.5lbs

Makita 9227C: 6.6lbs

**Changeling** · 02-23-2007, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I haven`t weighed them but official weights are, starting with lightest:

Metabo PE12-175: 5.3lbs

PC 7424/7336SP: 5.75lbs

Hitachi SP18VA: 6.2lbs

Cyclo Model 5: 6.5lbs

Makita 9227C: 6.6lbs

ZoranC thanks for the information. I have been searching the Internet for the last couple of hours for prices and "Weights" on the various machines! Now I remember why I asked the weight question, DON`T BELIEVE Manufactures, get someone to weigh there machines!!

It seems that weights are all over the place, I have Cyclo going from 7.25 lb to 6.5 lbs!

Makita about 6.6 lbs like you have.

Metabo about 5.8 lbs (PE12-175).

I read the link you gave me (long read), and appreciated it. However I think that the tool is a one horse show! Meaning, it "might" be OK on verticals, but a real bear on flat tops/horizontals.

That said, your observation , that it is just not a 1 horse race seems to me to be right on the money!! I can see actually a need for all three (3) of the tools but that can get a little expensive so one has to consider his limitations and make the necessary adjustments to do the best he can with a look to the things that are to come, especially me with a "shot pair of Lungs"!!!

I found prices varying on the Cyclo vs the Metabo of less than $20.00!

With the potential gain in capabilities of the Metabo over the Cyclo I believe I will get the Metabo.

The odd thing is when I first started the polishing quest I let myself be talked out of the Cyclo because of weight. I didn`t know anything then and practically speaking not much more now, but eventually spring will get here and we can all jump are cars bones with information gleaned from the pros on AUTOPIA!!

Thanks to all, Changeling

**ZoranC** · 02-23-2007, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by Changeling

Now I remember why I asked the weight question, DON`T BELIEVE Manufactures, get someone to weigh there machines!!

Well, one reason of why I didn`t weigh them is that I don`t trust precision of average household scale. I would need to take them to post office and I really don`t find it worth the effort because my train of thinking is more like this "PC sits kinda OK in the hand, and I don`t feel it`s weight. PE12-175 is on paper lighter but in hand it feels tad heavier. Could be due to how I hold it, but doesn`t change the bottom line that difference to PC is not significant enough and it is lighter than majority of rotaries out there. Cyclo is heavier that`s for sure but I don`t feel that on horizontals and on verticals it is not feeling more unpleasant, could be because less hurt due to less vibrations compensates for added weight."

Originally Posted by Changeling

I read the link you gave me (long read), and appreciated it. However I think that the tool is a one horse show! Meaning, it "might" be OK on verticals, but a real bear on flat tops/horizontals.

Could be. I will see.

Originally Posted by Changeling

I can see actually a need for all three (3) of the tools but that can get a little expensive so one has to consider his limitations and make the necessary adjustments to do the best he can with a look to the things that are to come, especially me with a "shot pair of Lungs"!!!

Of course! If I was in your shoes I would be thinking exactly same way.

Originally Posted by Changeling

I found prices varying on the Cyclo vs the Metabo of less than $20.00! With the potential gain in capabilities of the Metabo over the Cyclo I believe I will get the Metabo.

Good call on Metabo while Cyclo can wait. I had Cyclo from before. Otherwise my path would be different.

BTW, out of curisoity, what`s the lowest price you found on Metabo?

**3Dog** · 02-24-2007, 12:03 AM

The Racatac is my best friend when doing lower panels.

Racatac Products Inc.

**Changeling** · 02-24-2007, 01:27 PM

Of course! If I was in your shoes I would be thinking exactly same way.

BTW, out of curiosity, what`s the lowest price you found on Metabo?[/QUOTE]

The lowest price I found was $232.00 delivered, still looking.

Forgot to mention one reason I am getting the Metabo first is there are a heck of a lot more cyclo`s around, so I might be able to catch a used one at a good price at an auction, flea market, etc,. Accumulator tells a story about sending his oldest one back to the factory for rebuild, the factory sent it back saying it didn`t need rebuilding!! Hard to argue with that.

Take care, Changeling

**Changeling** · 02-24-2007, 02:35 PM

Is there there anything the Cyclo can do that the PC can`t ?

Lets approach this from the following: The PC is outfitted with a 5 " backing plate with 6.5 inch LC pads (CCS).

The Cyclo is outfitted with 4 inch pads I guess, not sure of it`s configuration, need a pro to fill in here.

In normal detailing of vehicles, scratch, webs, oxidation, which machine do you want to be using?

In reading all the answers in my post it seems that the Cyclo really shines as a detailing machine, but it must have some drawbacks in regard to the PC or vice versa. Am I getting this across?

Changeling