First detail with a Rotary

Bobcat

Bobcat

New member
OK, thanks to my wife and the speedy folks at Autogeek - I have my Christmas present, a Makita 9227C. First time I turned it on I was taken back at how quiet and smooth it was. My PC spent the detail in the cabinent as I used the Makita to polish with WG swirl remover (6.5") LC orange pad and then WG glaze (white pad), I applied WG sealer by hand. All this on a white Chevy Suburban on a beautiful sunny day, started at 38 degrees and got to at least 50 before turning cold again last night. The Chevy was in good shape, just needed a good polish, paint had some very light scratches and absolutely NO wax on it - I used a small MF towel to dry it! To anybody on the fence about getting a rotary, I have to say it's worth it. Technique is the same if you've ever ran an industrial floor buffer - lift the opposite side of the pad in the direction you want to go, keep a firm hand on it- but DO NOT try to "man handle" it. Let it do the work, once you learn how to make it move, then speed up the dial (I never got past 1200 rpm) and just let it work. Now, granted, WG swirl remover is weak IMHO and on an orange pad at that. But, it was easier than the PC since I didn't have to apply any additional pressure and the length of the Makita made going over that big SUV easier - I even one handed it while doing the top. Now, don't go thinking that is the norm, the paint just needed some polishing not any big correction issues and a PC would have worked just as well, but, the rotary is faster, doesn't vibrate your arms off and you can carry on a conversation if you have to with it running. I didn't notice any great difference in weight. Both tools have their place, just now I won't work nearly as hard on paint with "issues" :smile
 
Junebug, I have been on the fence for some time! Getting one for Christmas. I'm looking at the edge pads for it.
 
The first time I used a rotary I had never even attempted to use one before, I went and bought a Megs 8" foam finishing pad and went to town on my old Saturn SL2. I used P&S Ultracoat Polish and never brought the speed above 1400 RPM's. I was amazed at how easy it was to use. I think what made it fairly easy was because like you, I used a finishing pad and a very light polish and only the pressure of the machine to work. The finish looked great IMO. I bought a PC after I was proficient with a rotary, so the PC was used for finishing until I had that nailed down via rotary and I've been going from there. If you want to learn the proper use of a rotary there's no reason you can't, you just have to be smart, regardless of your experience level
 
Dose anybody have any links to: How to use a Rotary? Maybe a video? Where is a good place to look? Q and A on Rotary?
 
Sparkie, AG sells a video on Rotary use that Meg's produced. Me? I just read a bunch of articles - properautocare.com has some great articles on paint defect corrections with PC and rotary. The main thing is with a rotary, you have power - like a 12 guage shotgun, it'll shoot rock salt and 3" magnum slugs - both have their use. I'd say get it - use some light polish and keep the speed around 1000-1200 and as long as you don't stay in one spot, you'll be fine. The biggest thing is to guide the machine, don't try to take every scratch off with one pass! If you have used a PC, you'll appreciate how smooth and quiet it is - but, unlike a PC - you don't have to put pressure on it and man-handle it around. Going back to my floor buffer analogy - you've seen how slick and glossy tile floor looks after a buffing, and unless you're Bill Engel - you don't ride those!
 
Junebug, I'm glad that your first experience with the rotary was a good one. Thank you so much for your write up and for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. :)
 
Junebug said:
Sparkie, AG sells a video on Rotary use that Meg's produced. Me? I just read a bunch of articles - properautocare.com has some great articles on paint defect corrections with PC and rotary. The main thing is with a rotary, you have power - like a 12 guage shotgun, it'll shoot rock salt and 3" magnum slugs - both have their use. I'd say get it - use some light polish and keep the speed around 1000-1200 and as long as you don't stay in one spot, you'll be fine. The biggest thing is to guide the machine, don't try to take every scratch off with one pass! If you have used a PC, you'll appreciate how smooth and quiet it is - but, unlike a PC - you don't have to put pressure on it and man-handle it around. Going back to my floor buffer analogy - you've seen how slick and glossy tile floor looks after a buffing, and unless you're Bill Engel - you don't ride those!
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I have a PC, dose a outstanging job. Like you, I want something faster. I though that Megs video was PC only. I need to look into that. Thanks for the info.
 
Sparkie, if you can - go to a body shop and ask - offer to pay the owner for a hour or so practice with a rotary. Every shop has tons of scrap fenders and hoods. A little hands on training is worth more than any video, even if you spend 20-30 bucks, you'll gain knowledge that will pay for itself rather quickly. Start slow, get the feel of the machine and you'll be fine. If that's not practical, practice on the friend's hunting truck or the neighbor that has a beater w/heater, I've got a standing offer right now from a guy with a Pontiac that has never seen wax in it's 15 years of travel!
 
Junebug said:
Sparkie, if you can - go to a body shop and ask - offer to pay the owner for a hour or so practice with a rotary. Every shop has tons of scrap fenders and hoods. A little hands on training is worth more than any video, even if you spend 20-30 bucks, you'll gain knowledge that will pay for itself rather quickly. Start slow, get the feel of the machine and you'll be fine. If that's not practical, practice on the friend's hunting truck or the neighbor that has a beater w/heater, I've got a standing offer right now from a guy with a Pontiac that has never seen wax in it's 15 years of travel!
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Thanks Junebug, great, I didn't even think about asking for training at a body shop. What do you think about pads. Edge, LC, Megs? I use Edge now on my PC. Here some pics.
before
JohnDeere002.jpg

After
JohnDeere003.jpg

JohnDeere005.jpg
 
Sparkie, I bought a bunch of 6.5" LC pads from AG a while back when I ordered my PC. I got a backing plate from AG (along with the Makita and the yellow brush for pads) that would allow me to use my LC pads.
 
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