Once and for all - What is the best rotary?

Spilchy

Spilchy

New member
I have decided to get a rotary buffer for my birthday. I have used the PC will all sorts of products for a year and now want a rotary to tackle the tougher jobs I have to do, cutting down my time having to spend on oxidation, heavy scratch and swirl removal.



Which of the Dewalt, Makita or Porter Cable do yu guys like and why?



Thanks! Looking forward to joining the ranks of the rotary people!
 
All are quality pieces. I'd suggest you hold all three, and see which one feels the best in your hands, since it'll probably spend a lot of time there.
 
I have done some research, but don't know which model number to choose of the three. Can you guys recommend a particular model?



Their handles on top of machine, rather than the side like the PC, make it seem difficult to do horizontal surfaces; no?
 
Mr. Spilchy, I know that you know that "best" can only be judged by you!



There was some earlier discussion over here and a little more here.



I think there have been plenty of positive comments on the DeWalt. I can only compare my new Makita to this old chuffer (WEN) that I have and it's comparing a nuclear powerplant to an old coal burner....no comparo at all.



I like Makita products and have had excellent, long-term service fom their equipment and I see it's a favorite among the tradespeople.
 
go with the makita, ive used a new one, and own the old 9207c model, and its going strong. The makita is lighter than the dewalt model, and it also starts at a lower speed(about 900 rpms). The handle on top makes it easy for flat surface, but sometimes, it can be tricky to get in places if that handle is in the way. However, i recommend the makita if you want a step up from the pc.
 
I prefer the speed control on the DeWalt. I don't like the numbers, 1, 2, 3, etc, which the Makita has. On the DeWalt the speed is acutally written on the control, no guess work. I like that. :up
 
My vote is for the Porter Cable 7428. It seems to have the best of all worlds - lots of torque, fairly light weight, bailing handle... it does it all.



But if I were buying one today I'd go to Costco and get a DeWalt DW849 for $155.00. Can't beat that price with a stick!!
 
Dewalt DW849... It has the best feel, and i think it's the best tool. I have the Makita and the Dewalt and i prefer the Dewalt.
 
Thanks fellas. I'm going to check them out locally and see how they feel in my hands.



Each (Makita, Dewalt) seem to have their pluses and minuses. I like the Makita and it's ability with the pre-set maximum speed dial that goes under 1000 rpm.



But, I have to hold them before I decide.



Thanks again for the input and feel free to post some more on WHY you like one or the other.
 
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tpgsr said:
is electric better than air powered??? and why?
Click to expand...



There could be good air powered ones out there, most people use electric because they don't have air, however. I'd say air powered ones are lighter, and are probably pretty flexible speed wise.



I stopped by a body shop and the guy was using an air powered one...go figure. One thing I'd seriously thing about is the stiff air hose coming out of the tool...I think I might be in favor of a more flexible electric cord which I could drape over my shoulder. The stiff hose might not be all that much of a problem, however. :nixweiss



If I were going for a rotary, I would probably get an electric one even if I would have air access some of the time, because there is usually electric access most everywhere. Electric power tools sound cool, too.



Something I haven't seen mentioned here are cheaper rotarys. They might sound bad while running; my friend got a knockoff sawsall [sp?]..."tool shop" brand from menards...he said it sounds really bad while running in comparison to "quality" tools. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507

It weighs less than 1/4 pound more than the 8 amp dewalt. This Chicago Electric one from HF is 11 amps...just for comparison. It is $49.99, and for someone who might not use it a lot, it might do just fine. Another thought for comparison: Mike Phillip's rotary which he wore a smooth, shiny spot on. Now there is a quality tool. That would be one reason to get a great machine.



I guess I can't help here a lot because I haven't even used a rotary myself, but I'm getting rotary cravings and am on the lookout for a good deal. I wish I had gotten the Chicago Electric rotary when it was on sale for half the price. Maybe they'd run the deal again for an Autopian group buy. ;):nixweiss



k, I'm done.
 
thanks, armoredsaintt. Just picked it up....Canon G3...it's pretty sick and I'm havin' a great time with it!



tom
 
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