Buffing myths

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imported_turbomangt

New member
I just finished reading the 6 page post on the use of a rotary. Great information, but I must add one thing. Many people think that the rotary is the only solution during a detail. I have found the cyclo to be the perfect "inbetween machine". For paint in near perfect condition, where little or no correction is needed, the DAPC is fine. (or by hand) If some areas of the car have some scratches or blemishes I have used to rotary on a "spot" basis, doing just those areas. Knowing that you will remove more paint with the yellow monster ( as I call it) I prefer to use the "less is best" attitude during by detailing.

Recently I was hired to repair 3 Gallardo's, Lamborghini's baby sports car. They had some paint inperfections come as a result of poor handling during customs exchange. The cyclo did a remarkable job on these cars. I used Anthony's recommendation Hi -Temp light cut, with a yellow pad, followed by a glaze and sealant. I think we may be to quick in grabbing the High speed when their may be better choices. Gary
 
For speed in completing a job, what is the difference between the rotary, cyclo, and a random orbital like the PC? Mainly looking for how the cyclo compares to the RO buffers.
 
Let me say that "speed" in detailing is a bad term. Dealers like to zip through cars, which is why our profession suffers in terms of how people perceive the true art form of detailing. I will however explain what you asked. The high speed in the wrong hands can be a nightmare. Even people who know how to use it may pick it for the wrong situation. The rotary is for correcting more serious defects in paint. The correct pad, product, speed, method all play a role in the out come. The DAPC is more for applying polish, cleaners, wax, sealant, not for correcting. Although some detailers may argue this point. The cyclo has a similar motion of the DAPC, but has a heavy duty motor, plus two pads spinning in orbital motion. The difference in this machine and the PC is that when you apply pressure to the cyclo it doesn't not bog down like the PC. By being able to apply pressure the cyclo can correct swirls, even out paint, clean up blemishes and such, with less risk of causing more damage. DEwalt is coming out with a machine with a heavier motor to compete with the cyclo. Looks liie the PC but much higher quality. I have heard this is an awesome machine. Hope this helps a little. Gary
 
We have a mantra in detailing... use the least aggressive product to get the job done. This should also apply to the type of polisher you use to detail a vehicle.



The rotary only comes out on negelected vehicles now, or when I have to remove 2000 grit wetsanding scratchces from spot scratch removal.



I have a Makita Rotary, Porter Cable PC7424 and GEM orbital

( it's a beast, but I do use it on occassion to apply waxes/sealants on large surfaces).



On some vehicles, I apply the final finish by hand...something about the soft warm curve of a ... okay, will stop now before I go X rated! :LOLOL:
 
Yeah, when the Cyclo will do the job, no need to get out the rotary. It really is a great in-between machine. Just the lack of sling is a good reason to use it instead of the rotary. Not having to mask everything off quite as thoroughly can be a huge time-saver in itself. And of course, the "danger factor" has time components, too. When you have to be very careful, things can take a while (or at least they *seem* to take a long time). And the Cyclo is just a user-friendly machine, I find it a lot more pleasant to use than either the rotary or the PC.



Intell486- Heh heh, IMO you oughta get the Cyclo. You might look for used ones on E-bay.



IMO, the Cyclo saves a lot of time over the PC, and does things that the PC can't. Not so much "work the panel for hours or else use the rotary". Compared to the rotary, you have the need-to-mask issue and unlike the rotary, a follow-up with a milder machine (I know, it's not *always* necessary, but still...) is not required. Fewer steps make for less time.



Ever notice how so many Cyclo users do a sorta hard-sell on the machine ? There's a reason why some tools are known as "cult tools" ;)
 
turbomangt, The cylco isn't hard to control compared to a single pad orbital like the PC?



Do you have the model number on the machine DeWalt is suppose to be coming out with? I have a DeWalt WD443 that I've had for 2 years now and I know it does have a larger motor than the PC. No clue how it compares to the cyclo though.



Maybe I should have clarified my question about speed. I only pull out my rotary when I have oxidation, scratches, or serious swirling to remover. For light polishing, etc. I always go with my DeWalt. The question was mainly geared at comparing the difference between the Cyclo and single pad DA buffers. Just trying to see if it would be worth investing in.



I do know the local PRO distributor was trying to sell me a cyclo with brushs heads as being great for scrubbing interior carpet.
 
Accumulator said:
Ever notice how so many Cyclo users do a sorta hard-sell on the machine ? There's a reason why some tools are known as "cult tools" ;)
Click to expand...
Accumulator,



Lessee . . . Zaino Zealots, and now Cyclo Psychotics? :D



Tort
 
Tort- Heh heh heh....



Intel486- We'll see what Turbomangt thinks about the Cyclo's handling characteristics. Everyone's gonna have their own preferences. If you couldn't tell by my previous post(s) :o *I* like the Cyclo's handling better. Some people find it unwieldy, though. But it's not like you have to "fight" it, the way it can sometimes seem with a rotary.



The carpet brush attachments for the Cyclo work great (IMO).
 
Intel486- We'll see what Turbomangt thinks about the Cyclo's handling characteristics



I love this machine (and I don't even sell it!) I think it handles great, good balance, the two heads and the heavy motor really work. Here is a link to purchase one at a discount. www.wcdetail.com ask for Rob, tell him Gary sent you with Perfect Auto Finish
 
One of these days, I will get either a Cyclo or a rotary; haven't decided yet. In any event, I agree, the least agressive solution should always be used.
 
I believe that a rotary is a must in every detailers tool kit. I have come across cars that I couldnt get the defect out by using the pc with all kinds of pads/speeds/products. Most cars I seem to get, is the ones that have the majority of swirls just on the hood,roof and rear deck. I used the rotary for these areas and the pc for the rest.
 
Quamen I agree with you 100%. Without a rotary there would be no way I could guarantee my polish for 6 months. The only really true depth of paint cannot be achieved with the use of this awesome tool.
 
The heat and friction that a rotary develops will, if properly used, give the finish a glass like look. The main objective to using a rotary, or better its need, is to remove paint that is unwanted. Paint that has damage, scratches, etching etc.



Times when not to use a rotary would be on a finish free of swirls or marring or at least a finish with light marring. My first choice would always be the Cyclo and if I am not pleased with the results I would only then use the rotary.



Using a rotary is more time consuming than the Cyclo mainly because of the extra prep time in masking and clean up time. Sure one can use the rotary without masking and taking safety precautions but that is just unwise IMHO.



One can apply a liquid wax or polish to a paint with uniform coverage at a blazing speed with a Cyclo. if you can spend $140 for the PC I suggest you save it and add a few more bucks and drop it on the Cyclo.:xyxthumbs



Scott........



My mother-in-law will be moving to the Dallas area next week and my wife is going there to help her out. I may bet up that way next week myself and if I do I'll bring my "tools of destruction" (Cyclo and rotaries) and I'll let you use them so you can make a better and more informed choice. Now we just need a "victim" car:D



Anthony
 
Any alternatives to Cyclo's own pads? I hear they have problems. I know Lake country makes 4" pads. I also got ( no brand given) 4" pads for my PC locally.
 
Anthony-give me a call a few days before you come up here, I know I will be booked solid so I will need to squeeze out some time.
 
Man this is making my wallet wiggle for a Cyclo for our shop... but having to convert it to 220V and no warranty kinda holds me back.
 
theveed said:
Man this is making my wallet wiggle for a Cyclo for our shop... but having to convert it to 220V and no warranty kinda holds me back.
Click to expand...



I noticed on Cyclo's own site, that they produce a 220V model - however I have no idea where might actually retail those!



Sam.
 
Quote: Originally posted by theveed

Man this is making my wallet wiggle for a Cyclo for our shop... but having to convert it to 220V and no warranty kinda holds me back.



~One man’s opinion / observations ~



Model #5C (230V)

P/N 09-35720 $289.00

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/polishers.php



~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon

justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *
 
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