need input from PC users

tuscarora dave

tuscarora dave

"Luck" Residue of design
I recently purchased a Cyclo polisher without doing much research, which is probably not all that smart. I did do enough research to be impressed with the 1/3 hp. rating of the cyclo and it's total rebuildability. I also looked at the PC (not too deeply though) and I immediately thought of the 4 inch angle grinder that I reluctantly use at work for fabrication of steel projects and the fact that the grinder gets so hot after about 1 hour of use that it too uncomfortable to use even with gloves on. Hence the cyclo purchace. Having been reading these threads and doing further research into auto detailing I clearly see that the PC is the tool of choice. My cyclo works great but I think I want the PC as well but not if the PC gets hot in your hand like my grinder at work. Also I would like to know about long term reliability of the PC. Thanks in advance to all who may help here. Dave
 
I had both tools at one time. I can give you my quick opinions on both.

PC: More versatile, variable speed, 4" or 6" pads, lighter

Cyclo: More defect removing power, it felt more "balanced" to me, built like a tank, you couldn't "bog" it down like you can the PC, covered more surface area with the 4" pad combo

I think one of the main reasons why you see the PC in use more often is that it is less expensive and more readily available (i.e. at Lowe's, etc.). If they were price comparable, I think there'd be more Cyclo users. A little off base, but I think price is one of the reasons I have not ventured into the Flex market - just too darn expensive for a hobbyist.

I think a Cyclo is a fine tool, and if I were doing more than just my own (and close friends and family) vehicles, I probably would have kept it around for heavier defect removal.

A PC is a good tool as well, but after using it for a couple of hours, it makes my hands hurt pretty bad. It vibrates pretty bad when you have it kicked up to 6. For any type of heavy defect removal with the PC, I have had to use 4" pads as well. I guess I could have spent all afternoon with a 6" pad going over the same spot as well. I see one of two things in my future: being satisfied with less ability to remove heavy defects and just living with them (and using waxes and glazes to fill/hide) or getting myself a good rotary.

As far as durability goes, I have read lots more stories of the PC going bad versus the Cyclo. I have seen stories and Ebay listings of 30+ year old Cyclos still going strong. Not saying that the PC is a bad machine, but there are a few here and there that do quit on some folks. Mine has been kicking fine for four or five years now I guess, and it's still going strong.
 
Not hot enough where you could not use it with a bare hand. In fact, I don't recall the PC ever getting warm to the touch for me - I'm sure it does, but I guess I'd have to say I could compare it to something like a cordless drill. Not warm enough that I remember it getting warm.
 
Heat has never been an issue with me and the PC. I know vibration has been an issue for some but I've never had that concern either. Having said that, I don't hold one for eight hours a day either. A couple hours at a time is about all the longer I hold one. I'm also a convert to the Edge Pad system. Love them or hate them they have less vibration or at least in my opinion.

I don't know if this is what you want to hear or not but I had both a Cyclo and a PC. I should say I still have both a Cyclo and a PC but the Cyclo has been in my friends garage for about 3 years. He still uses it with some regularity. I'm fine with it being there too. It's a good machine and will correct swirls better than a PC, that said it won't do it as quickly as a rotary and I have a couple rotaries. For me the Cyclo ended up being an in between machine with no real spot on the line up. I use the PC for most of my work (my cars don't have serious problems), if by chance I need something beyond the PC's ability I use a rotary.
 
There will be a great diffrence between the heat generated by a grinder and a pc. Mainly, while polishing a vehicle, you will be stoping every few minutes to re-apply product; whereas with a grinder, you will be applying constant pressure without the necessicity of stopping.
 
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