I can't control the rotary!

K

kpagel

New member
I've practiced using a rotary a couple times now. The first time was with a Dewalt and the second time was with my Makita. Both times I found it difficult to control, in fact the buffer wanted to control me. It would throw itself in any direction it wanted. Is this what is known as 'buffer hop' or is that something different? Any techniques for this? I think I need to hold the buffer more firmly. I believe that I'm being too mindful of the fact that I'm not supposed to put any pressure on the machine that I end up not holding in a way that allows me to control it.



I also just wanted to add that this whole rotary thing isn't that bad. For those that would like to pick one up but are feeling nervous about it, go ahead and pick one up. Its a weird machine to get used to, but I definitely don't see it being too much of a problem once I do get used to it.
 
Try to keep light pressure on the paint, and try using it at slower speeds for a bit untill you get used to it. You won't get the results at lower speeds, but since it's just practice, it shouldn't matter.



And, as jgv said-keep the pad flat!
 
jgv said:
Key word: Keep the pad 100% flat on the surface if you want to control it ;)
Click to expand...

Unless you have learned to also tilt the pad. Has worked for me for 27 years.
 
Be sure the pad’s centered really well.



What size pad are you using? What backing plate? I find 6.5� pads easier to control.



Lake Country plates have a hole to use a dowel for centering their pads. Meguiar’s plates have a “nub� for centering theirs.





PC.
 
the other pc said:
What size pad are you using? What backing plate? I find 6.5� pads easier to control.
Click to expand...







I'll second that. I've found if my rotary starts "skipping", I need to keep it flat and/or need more polish. Happened today, did that, no more skipping.
 
the other pc said:
Be sure the pad’s centered really well.



What size pad are you using? What backing plate? I find 6.5� pads easier to control.
Click to expand...

Paul, I'm using Meg's 6.5" pads with a W-64 backing plate.



Thanks for all the tip, I think I'll try to slow it down for practice.



-Kyle
 
I have megs pads with the same backing plate. Seems like the velcro backing on my pads is a little off center, so I have to do trial and error about four times every time I put a pad on until it's centered perfectly. Once I do that, it's very easy to control unless I get careless. I like to tilt the pad only when I'm first going over the product. When I'm working it in, I keep it 100% flat. Just gotta practice a lot (hopefully on a junkyard panel).
 
Keeping the pad flat is a great way to begin, however I found the rotary much easier to use once I learned how to control the machine at a tilt. I would encourage you to try the following:

1. Begin at a slower speed

2. Once the machine starts, lift your wrist straight-uo toward the ceiling. You shoud notice the machine darts to the right. This can be easily controled based on the magnitude of lift you apply at the angle of the "button handle" for lack of a better term (the handle with the button on it).

3. Once the machine has reached your arms limits (2x2 area usually), drop your wrist straight down to the floor and watch the machine dart to the left. This can also be easily controled like above.

4. Now, learn how/when to apply the appropriate amount of force/ pressure to the pad to produce the desired result.



Take note, when performing the above procedures, the pad remains flat. The only portion of the machine you are "moving" is the angle of handle to the floor (if that makes sense). Lift up -->machine goes right. Drop wrist --> machine goes left.



Some may do it differently, but I've found this allows me to polsih the entire car using much less energy. When I began using the Mak for the first time, I was trying to muscle the machine around... that was tireing!



JJ
 
Watch these videos: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=31&page=1



Also, do not squeeze tight on the left handle or trigger hand tail. Keep a lighter grip and let it glide on it's own while you simply steer it in the direction you want. Let the buffer do the work (maybe you'll need pressure on some occasions).



Getting all tensed up and gripping on for dear life will tire you out and make you feel agitated and stresssed.



Be sure to map out in your head for a couple seconds where you want to polish before you do a section. Then stick to that mental pattern.



A lot of people like to remove the side handle and grip the head of the machine so you are palming the top area above the pad.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top