Is the PC or Cyclo the better machine?

C

cobrar97

New member
Seems like both the PC and Cyclo are very popular, and I'd like to know which is the better unit. Assuming that the cost doesn't matter, what would all you professionals buy and why? And if there is any other popular DAs out there, let me know about those too.
 
Noting that I'm not a pro, I'd let the most frequently expected situation decide. Here are a few criteria matched up to each machine:



PC: Odd panel contours; variable speed; Klasse AIO use; very aggressive repairs (esp. to small areas using 4" pads); low cost; I-don't-care-about-user-friendliness; wider pad selection.



Cyclo: Normal panel contours; moderately aggressive and milder work; long work sessions; I-do-care-about-user-friendliness; durability.



The whole "how aggressive" question gets problematic because of all the variables (products, techniques). I only consider the PC/4" more aggressive than the Cyclo because I've damaged clear with the PC/4" and I've never done it with the Cyclo. The actual differences aren't all that significant and I'd much rather "polish out a car", generally speaking, with the Cyclo- no question about it. Note that ScottWax had been using a PC..but once he tried the Cyclo that became his tool of choice for most applications and he's *not* found the need to step up to a rotary.
 
If money is no object I would say get one of each! :xyxthumbs



Seriously though, I think they both have their uses. The Cyclo has been one SMOOTH operator for me so far which is very important to me. When I have done cars in the past with the PC, many times have thought to myself, jeez, is this ever going to end!? The Cyclo just makes the whole polishing process alot more enjoyable for me. The noise, buzzing, numb hands were enough want the upgrade from a PC to a cyclo for me.



You will find situations where a PC is a better fit though, as accumulator noted. seems there are some spots that a cyclo is a little bulky.



Jeremy
 
Tools and fools, fools and tools, I consider myself in both categories! I don't know what the hell I am going to end up with! There are a lot of great guys on this website with a heck of a lot of experience. However each and every one will have something different to say about the different tools, there uses, and how to go about using these tools. This does not necessarily make any of them an expert on what "YOU" will like and feel comfortable with. BUT, It gives you the "Best" reference point you are going to get on what to expect from some one explaining it in type, but the tool is not in your hands when they are tackling an explanation so expect to form your own opinions, but utilize this experience/knowledge because there is none better anywhere!! Think about it!

Changeling
 
jgriesinger said:
If money is no object I would say get one of each! :xyxthumbs



Seriously though, I think they both have their uses. The Cyclo has been one SMOOTH operator for me so far which is very important to me. When I have done cars in the past with the PC, many times have thought to myself, jeez, is this ever going to end!? The Cyclo just makes the whole polishing process alot more enjoyable for me. The noise, buzzing, numb hands were enough want the upgrade from a PC to a cyclo for me.



You will find situations where a PC is a better fit though, as accumulator noted. seems there are some spots that a cyclo is a little bulky.



Jeremy
Click to expand...

You asked for pros but I don't consider myself one yet, still working at it:

+1 from me. Both are valuable in certain areas and situations. I prefer the Cyclo but it's not always the right tool for the job at hand. Since I have zero rotary experience (and wonder if I ever will) the Big C serves me well for most heavy work but I wouldn't want to be without the PC.
 
jgriesinger said:
If money is no object I would say get one of each! :xyxthumbs



Seriously though, I think they both have their uses. The Cyclo has been one SMOOTH operator for me so far which is very important to me. When I have done cars in the past with the PC, many times have thought to myself, jeez, is this ever going to end!? The Cyclo just makes the whole polishing process alot more enjoyable for me. The noise, buzzing, numb hands were enough want the upgrade from a PC to a cyclo for me.



You will find situations where a PC is a better fit though, as accumulator noted. seems there are some spots that a cyclo is a little bulky.



Jeremy
Click to expand...



Exactly. Generally, I use the Cyclo, but the PC is put to use in certain situations where the Cyclo doesn't fit. I also now use a rotary for more serious paint correction.
 
Do you have a PC already? If not take care of foundation first, get a PC first. IMO Cyclo is not a replacement for PC, it is an addition.
 
Like John Stossle says,"It's your money" I have a PC and a rotary, I use the rotary for compounding and the PC for polishing. Most of the time, I can get buy with just polishing a car, and until I get some 8" Edge waffle pads, my PC does most of the work.
 
I have both, the PC I like to use with 7 inch pads to quickly apply LSP's and what not, but the cyclo makes long hard polishing defects out easier with the handle on the front, its a smoother running machine and that handle allows you to put even pressure on the machine. there is no right answer here, sometimes you just have to go with one see if it works...get a PC first locally, if you don't like it take it back...I have found uses for both, I use them enough to warrant the costs vs using my hands to wax a car like a few years ago.
 
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