Which rotary?

X

xtremekustomz

New member
Which do you guys prefer and why? DeWalt, Porter Cable, or Makita? I've got the Porter cable 7424 polisher but I would also like to have the rotary for cases where the polisher won't work.
 
A good one to buy is the 29.95 Harbor Freight model for learning. It's very safe....even at full speeds. Not to much torque but nice to remove major defects with. I know of 10 pros that use this one and love it.

I'm learning it myself. For 30.00, you can't go wrong.
 
Yep. That's the same one I have. 9.8 amp motor. Not the 11 amps of the Dewalt but this is all that you need........for now.



You will be impressed with it. Promise.
 
I'll be receiving my Metabo tomorrow - - I did a lot of research from archived threads on this site and others and many people either



1. Recommend the Metabo



or



2. Wish they would have saved up or are replacing their current rotary with the Metabo



From what I have heard/read it is perfectly balanced, light-weight, very well put together, and handles much like the PC. I will let you know how I like it tomorrow when I try it out as well as post some clips of me using it if you would like.
 
I like both the Makita and the Metabo...different, but both have their pros/cons. I prefer to stick with machies that'll maintain a constant speed under load, something the lower-priced ones don't always do.
 
I think I read that you're painting cars, correct? I think it would be a wiser investment for you to get a quality machine from the get go. Cutting and buffing is tough on a rotary polisher.
 
SpoiledMan said:
I think I read that you're painting cars, correct? I think it would be a wiser investment for you to get a quality machine from the get go. Cutting and buffing is tough on a rotary polisher.
Click to expand...



I've always been big on buying name brand products. As for paining vehicles, it's pretty much a hobby now. I do alot of different things. Right now I'm in school going for my electronics degree but before I stared that I was remodeling houses. As for vehicles I do body work, paint, build anything out of fiberglass, absolutely love car audio (home audio for that matter as well), lowering, and just now getting into learning professional detailing. I've found that it is ALOT cheaper to buy your own tools and learn for yourself. I enjoy doing it all to tell you the truth. As for a rotary, I used an air powered one to do my truck but I'm not always going to be around a large air compressor. By the way, if you buy an air compressor, don't buy a Kobalt. I got screwed on mine. I had it for 4 days and it tore up. They sent me replacement parts that I had to replace myself. A week later I drained the tank and it had oil in it. They told me that they would not warranty it.
 
I use a Dewalt, but its mostly from personal taste. I've been using the dewalt for years and I'm just used to the way it handles. I'd probably never get anything different because I resist change.
 
the one at harbor freight tools: Chicago 7" VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER/SANDER



it's $50.... i can't find a stupid PC at any lowes
 
justin30513 said:
A good one to buy is the 29.95 Harbor Freight model for learning. It's very safe....even at full speeds. Not to much torque but nice to remove major defects with. I know of 10 pros that use this one and love it.

I'm learning it myself. For 30.00, you can't go wrong.
Click to expand...



It's a bit irresponsible to say that the HF rotary is "very safe even at full speeds". It's just as capable of burning paint as any other rotary.



FWIW, I have one of the HF rotaries and I don't really care for it. It is capable of getting the job done, but I'd want a better machine (the Makita is my fav) if I were doing anything professionally.
 
firegate said:
It's a bit irresponsible to say that the HF rotary is "very safe even at full speeds". It's just as capable of burning paint as any other rotary.



FWIW, I have one of the HF rotaries and I don't really care for it. It is capable of getting the job done, but I'd want a better machine (the Makita is my fav) if I were doing anything professionally.
Click to expand...



Everyone has their preference. Of course here, what one uses must be the gospel. When I say safe, I mean you still need to take caution. Most say the PC is safe but it can still do damage. I know of professionals that use the HF and like and get equal results.



Professionals aren't made by their tools. Nice tools will not make a novice any better than he or she is. If you read more, I recommended it to learn on. I guess the internet police missed that part.



Firegate, you have any pics of your rotary work?
 
I've had a Makita 9227 for quite a few years and never had a problem. It does sit around and collect dust either, I use it....maybe not as much as a pro detailer, but it sees atleast a few cars a month and has for a long time.
 
justin30513 said:
Of course here, what one uses must be the gospel.
Click to expand...



I find that statement a bit ironic given who it's coming from. But I digress, I wasn't trying to start an argument with you, just pointing out that the HF rotary isn't really any safer than any of the more common polishers. It can burn paint just as well as a Makita or Metabo can, irregardless of whether it has a weaker motor or not. Last I checked, "full speed" on the HF rotary is 3000rpm - no rotary I know if is "very safe" at that speed.



I also don't doubt that good results are possible with the HF rotary or any other lower-priced tool. I have one myself - it doesn't get much use because I far prefer my Makita, and there are a number of reasons why I would want a better built tool if I were detailing professionally and needed to count on it on a daily basis. If you disagree, more power to you - I'm certainly not forcing my opinions on you or anyone else.



As far as pics of my own rotary work, I don't do this professionally and haven't found the need to photodocument anything so far. I suppose I could try and snap some if you're really curious.
 
oh hell why not. i havent chimed in for days now.



i have the hitachi and the dewalt (thank you again flatstick)



Love the dewalt for large pads, its heavy (no doubt about that), but its also very well balanced, and easy to controll so long as one pays attention.



i love my hitachi because its light, and the u handle over the top of the machine allows for easy maneuvering in tight spots, and is my primary tool of choice when using 4'' or 6'' pads for rotary polishing.



i would love to try the metabo . . . its reputation speaks for itself.



i have noticed that many pro shops (well, lets say comemricial shops) use the dewalt, the things nearly indestructable, and extreamly well built.



though he mainly sells only the dewalt, my local automagic dealer also had a few harbor frieght and chigago brand rotaries on his truck, and for those that had purchased the cheaper alternatives, they had promising comments to return to him . . .



hope any of my rambeling helps . . . . happy buffing everyone
 
fdizzle said:
oh hell why not. i havent chimed in for days now.



hope any of my rambeling helps . . . . happy buffing everyone
Click to expand...



A little off-topic here but just wanted to say hey fdizzle! Haven't seen you around in a long time, glad to see you back on the forums!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top