Going from orbital to rotary...suggestions?

WuNgUn

WuNgUn

New member
I've used my trusty PC orbital for the last 2 seasons, with satisfactory results. Not perfect, mind you...but good...
This summer, I want to step it up to a rotary. I already have the Lake Country 6.5" plate and 3 pads (Starter kit) and SSR 1, 2, 2.5.

Can you recommend me a good rotary?

Also, how much more careful do I need to be considering the last 2 years of complete polishing with the orbital? Do I still have significant clearcoat left? (stock paint)
I'm well aware of the risk of 'burning' thru the paint, so I'm a little nervous about my first time with the rotary...
 
WuNgUn said:
I've used my trusty PC orbital for the last 2 seasons, with satisfactory results. Not perfect, mind you...but good...
This summer, I want to step it up to a rotary. I already have the Lake Country 6.5" plate and 3 pads (Starter kit) and SSR 1, 2, 2.5.

Can you recommend me a good rotary?

Also, how much more careful do I need to be considering the last 2 years of complete polishing with the orbital? Do I still have significant clearcoat left? (stock paint)
I'm well aware of the risk of 'burning' thru the paint, so I'm a little nervous about my first time with the rotary...
Click to expand...

it's not a hard jump, just be careful, pay attention, practice at speeds no higher than 3 and you'll be fine.

there are so many good rotarys to buy...

Metabo .. great machine but expensive
Flex ... very nice machine but expensive
Porter Cable.. nice machine and often overlooked
DeWault... industry standard
Hitachi...nice light machine with great warranty
Makita.. light machine ... decent history by most
Milwaukee...bit heavy but a real workhorse


good luck :bigups
 
Thanks PB...great list of machines there!
So, typically, these are sold as angle grinders, or polishers?

Also, 'Speed 3' is a bit of a mystery isn't it, depending on the machine? I've seen a Mastercraft 12A rotary that spins up to 11,000rpm!

Should I be targeting a rotary that works from around 600 to 5000rpm or so?
TIA
 
WuNgUn said:
Thanks PB...great list of machines there!
So, typically, these are sold as angle grinders, or polishers?

Also, 'Speed 3' is a bit of a mystery isn't it, depending on the machine? I've seen a Mastercraft 12A rotary that spins up to 11,000rpm!

Should I be targeting a rotary that works from around 600 to 5000rpm or so?
TIA
Click to expand...


on most of the rotaries you will get them to go from 600-3000 ... go no higher than 1500 ;) most beginners should stay around 900-1200 until they are really use to it :)
 
Not the complete rotary expert here, but my Makita is from 600-3000 RPM. I think speed 3 is either 1200 or 1500 from what I understand does a lot of correction work. I guess depending on the correction needed you might have to go to a higher RPM.

If you look on DC or AG - they sell some rotaries (do not know what they are considered ie "polishers or grinders")
 
What about when it comes to the final polish (SSR1 in this case)...is 1500 rpm sufficient? Would my Porter DA be better suited for the last polish step?
 
Redwings97 said:
Not the complete rotary expert here, but my Makita is from 600-3000 RPM. I think speed 3 is either 1200 or 1500 from what I understand does a lot of correction work. I guess depending on the correction needed you might have to go to a higher RPM.

If you look on DC or AG - they sell some rotaries (do not know what they are considered ie "polishers or grinders")
Click to expand...

yes that's what it runs at ...ps Trent he's in Canada ;)
 
WuNgUn said:
What about when it comes to the final polish (SSR1 in this case)...is 1500 rpm sufficient? Would my Porter DA be better suited for the last polish step?
Click to expand...

you could go with either machine with the same pad ..I prefer to finish off with the pc .. .. rotary for correction, orbital for looks :cool:
 
Poorboy said:
Yes, that will work fine .. if it's local and no shipping involved then you have it made. I think Chris at E-shine might have a machine or two also ... might be worth looking at :inspector:
Click to expand...

Right...I've bought from him in the past...great guy! I'll have a look...
Thanks again guys...
 
Redwings97 said:
Not the complete rotary expert here, but my Makita is from 600-3000 RPM. I think speed 3 is either 1200 or 1500 from what I understand does a lot of correction work.
Click to expand...

Correct. Speed 3 on a Makita is 1500rpm.

The Dewalts and similar, are real workhorses and very durable, but also very heavy and fatiguing when doing anything but flat panels. The Metabos and such are very light and easy to use, but are prone to shutting down from thermal overload when doing heavy correction. They are also quite expensive. The Flex rotaries are nice (they have a couple of sizes), but I don't like the speed control on them as they seem to hunt a little. I don't like the rpm range either as they start higher than I like. IIRC, the Metabo starts at a higher rpm range as well. This isn't a deal breaker for most, but is important to others.

Last, but definitely not least. The Makita. I use one and love it. Makitas are workhorses and will take everything that you throw at them. A LOT of detailers use them, and for good reason. They are just the right balance of weight and durability. Great rpm range 600-3k and they are very reasonably priced. They are high on the bang for the buck ratio, which I really like! :D The only regret that I have with mine is that I didn't buy it much sooner!
 
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