Which Rotary to Buy?

[Chris Nemlich]

Thought I'd get a thread going in this new forum.

I have recently added a PC to my detailing arsenal. Now, of course, I'm hooked and I am wondering about buying a rotary.

Which rotary do you guys suggest and why? Please supply a link, price, and picture if you can.

My plan is to find some old paint panels in a junkyard and practice until I get the feel for it. How long does it take to learn?

Thanks in advance!

:xyxthumbs

Chris

[scrub]

I'm gonna get a Makita 9227 next year and some spare body panels. Don't forget the Meguiar's video.

[Chris Nemlich]

I've already got the video.

What does the Makita cost?

Chris

[scrub]

Around $199.

[scrub]

Makita Rotary (http://www.firsttechtools.com/makita_9227cx.htm)

Try this link. I'm not recommending this site... It was the first site that showed up in the search.

I like this machine (from the studying I've done) because:
Lighter weight, variable speed, good name, there was an awesome package deal earlier this year that I missed out on, ther trigger can flutter the speed... I'd rather have a changable handle rather than the loop though as in this link.

Makita loop (http://www.toolmarts.com/mak_9227c.html)

Then here's an Autopia Review (http://www.autopia.org/review/censura.php?cmd=details&itemid=76)

[tdekany]

One of my birthday presents from Oct. 6th. :D

Everything you see for $189.00 from Amazon.com shipped
except for the Edge pads.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/tdekany/tn_114_1430.jpg

[tdekany]

here is a better picture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/tdekany/tn_114_1429.jpg

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Chris,

I would suggest either the Makita 9227C (bail handle), the Makita 9227CY (side handle) or the Dewalt 849. Having both the Makita 9227C and the Dewalt 849, I can assure you that either one is a great machine! Both have a variable speed, and are built to last! Personally, I like the Makita!

As for the bail handle, IMO the side handle may be a little easier to learn with. But, I have to admitt, I really like the bail handle as well! Oh boy...choices!! :)

As for prices, I believe either of them are around the $200 mark.

A picture can be found here. These are my toys!

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4830&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

Take care,
Tim

[tdekany]

Tim - my Makita came with both handles

[Superior Shine]

You can get either model of buffer posted here for about $90-$110 from Ebay. I bought 5 that way and havnt had any problems.

makita (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2496752040&category=35000&sspagename=WDVW)

dewalt (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43594&item=4331583045&rd=1)

[Teak]

Have the Makita and the one time I used I liked how it worked. I do not have any thing to campare it to, but purchased the Makita for the following reason after researching: lightweight, durable, lower start speed, Mike and Tim both have one, and was an excellent deal.

Does anyone know the part # for the side handle? Does Meguiars still sell a Rotary handle?

Eric

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by tdekany
Tim - my Makita came with both handles

The Makita two models I mentioned with the only difference being the handle, I can not see it being very cost effective for Makita to have two different part numbers. What model is your buffer? I can not see the part number where both handles are sent. Perhaps, was it a package deal from a dealer?

Tim

[Bri]

Hey Chris, I would also like to do the same! :D It would make detailing faster! Lol!

BTW, you got PM!

[Mike Phillips]

For heavy buffing, as in doing "Completes", I prefer the Makita 9227CY with the side handle.

FWIW :cool:

http://www.theartofpolishingpaint.com/avatarstory_files/tn200_mediumshotafter15yearsofbuffing.jpg

Mike

[zzzzzeke]

is there any special backing plate for a rotary to run the 6.5" softbuff pads?

i'm looking here (http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/makita/9227cx3.htm?L+coastest+kjsp1274ff891189+1100187262) and wondering what else i would need


thanks

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Yep, you will need the Meguiar's W-64 for the 6.5" pads. When just starting out, I would suggest using the 6.5" pads as they are easier to control. :)

Rotary Buffer Backing Plates (http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?parentURL=index_pro.cfm&sku=W-6)

http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/images/product_w6.gif


Tim

[cheapthrills]

Originally posted by tdekany
Tim - my Makita came with both handles

Could you use both on the rotary?

I could not decide which to go with, But I held the side handle one at loews and it felt nice. If you could use both that would be great!

[Rick]

Well everyone seems to like the Mikita. I've got a DeWalt, which so far has been great. They seem to be about $190ish online. I've never used the Mikita, but the DeWalt is deffinitely a good buffer, and a workhorse. My dad's car lot is hard on buffers and despite any basic care they seem to last longer than any else.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

You could not use them at the same time! :D But seriously, I do not know if the thread size is the same or not. I will take the side handle off of my other Makita and see if it threads into where the bail handle mounts. I will let you know!

Tim

[cheapthrills]

2hotford Thanks

Rick
I really like dewalt tools, and yes they are durable. I have a compound miter chop saw and a 18v cordless drill. Even Though the battery died after a year :( The drill is still very good quality, I just replaced the battery and it was fine.

I just seem to like the makita a little better, I held both machines in my hands at loews and the makita felt more comfy, also doesn't the makita have slow start up? where the dewalt kick in full speed ahead? I think this might help me as a begginer, what do you think?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Since I have the Dewalt and 2 Makitas, there are differences with each, both good and bad.

Both units are very durable. The Makita does have a clutched start which prevents the buffer from a full-on start up. This feature is helpful especially if you are learning on the buffer.

Tim

[Beercan31]

I also Have the Makita 9227C and it came with both types of handles and a carrying case (kinda like a gym bag) but I prefer not to use the handles at all.
IMHO I feel I have better control over the rotary than with them on.

I like the fact that you can use the variable speed trigger or pre select the max speed setting, pull the trigger and the rotary winds up to speed some what slowly. it's not a jump up to max speed like a bench grinder would be.

[Desertdawg]

Just being a hobbiest, I couldnt see myself spending big bucks on a rotory that would only get used maybe 3 times a year...

I found a rotory that seems to be well made and so far it has help up just fine. I ordered it last year, and after using it on my crewcab dually, I can say that it handled all that I could throw at it. No slowing down and never got hot.

http://www.properautocare.com/veprcipo.html

I'm not sure how it would hold up in a professional setting, but for the price, maybe one of you guys could try it out.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Desertdawg,

You have made a good point! If a person is only using the rotary for their own car/truck, perhaps once or twice a year, the rotary you mentioned may be all that is needed. :)

Tim

[Rick]

cheapthrills,

I'm not 100% sure what your saying with the startup, but the switch is more of a trigger so you can pull it very lightly and get it to come on almost as slowly as you want.

I honestly probably wouldn't own my own rotary is I wasn't able to get it so cheaply. Here's the situation I came by mine so cheaply. Dad's shop burned up theirs, they needed one so they just bought a new one and he asked me if I wanted the old one beings they were going to throw it away. "YES" I said. I took it to the local DeWalt repair facility, which was conveniently only 15 min away and $40 later I had a working buffer. It only needed a switch and brushes, though admittedly the cord is about due for replacment soon.

[Tim Lingor]

Ricky,

The Makita has a clutched start-up. When you depress the trigger, it will ramp up to speed. The Dewalt on the other hand, does not have this feature. So while the trigger does control speed, it does not ramp up to speed the same way the Makita does.

As I said, I own both. Each has their good and bad points. In the end, it comes down to more of a personal choice! :)

Tim

[Desertdawg]

Thanks Tim,

The one I posted also has the "soft start". you squeeze the trigger and it slowly runs up to the speed you have selected. It makes it nice to help control splatter.

[cheapthrills]

Desertdawg, the link to the rotary you posted looks the same as this one for less: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507

This might be a good alternative for someone who doesn't want to dish out 180 bucks. But for some reason I like the mikita and think the quality and performance is worth the extra price. When I make a purchase on any tool I always seem to spend the extra, and most of the time, it's better quality and performance. I own lots of quality tools, and I've tried a few cheapo's once in awhile when I was on a budget and needed something to work with quick, but I had bad luck with most of them or was dissatisfied with performance. I'm in no rush, I'd rather save and go with the mikita, If I used it everyday, or twice a year, I'm sure it will last me many years.

Once I learn to use the rotary, one or two jobs and it's payed for. Call me crazy, but I just speaking from my own experience on purchasing tools, I have heard people were very satisfied with the rotary above for 25 bucks, but is the Makita worth the extra $150, I haven't used either machine but IMO I think it is.

I have heard of people using the above $25 machine for polishing But even PC users if not for polishing could still use it for pad cleaning.

[Airborne Ranger]

Why does everybody brush their teeth before going to the dentist but nobody washes their car before they bring it to me!?!?!?!?--

LMFAO!!:LOLOL: :rofl: :bigups :bigups

I love it Superior Shine and it is so true! AR

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Joe's signature is totally true! LOL!!! :D :D :D

Tim

[Bwiser]

Hello,

I was just wondering between the Dewalt & Makita. What rotary is more successful at removing swirls and scratches? I'm asking this question because I've read at many different online sellers they tend favor the Dewalt over the Makita for the professional choice and results....Just looking for feedback. Also is the Makita easy to service (if necessary)?

Thanks!

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I have 2 Makitas and 1 Dewalt. Both brands are excellent. The rotary provides the means, but the user's skill with using the machine determines the results. Both have their advantages, but either way you can not go wrong! :xyxthumbs

Tim

[RoyJ]

Originally posted by Bwiser
Hello,

I was just wondering between the Dewalt & Makita. What rotary is more successful at removing swirls and scratches?

The rotary itself is probably the last thing on the list that really affects the quality of the job. Think of the buffer as simply an electric motor that turns your pad.

I do feel the Makita is lighter, which can be more comfortable.

[tumbler]

I have been using the dewalt 849 and recently picked up the makita 9227. I found the dewalt simply too heavy to hold for a long duration. (multiple cars side panels in one day)

Hey Mike ? i too prefer my makita with the side straight handle as well. I don't think i'll even put the larger cross handle on.

:xyxthumbs

[Mikeyc]

Anyone ever use the Hitachi? I think you can get it for $99 at Coastal Tools and I think it's about the same weight as the Makita.

[SpoiledMan]

I have had my Hitachi since last September/October and I LOVE it! The price is right and the machine is as well. Pretty much identical to the Makita except is weighs a little less, costs less and comes with a 5 year warranty.

[EdT]

Originally posted by SpoiledMan
I have had my Hitachi since last September/October and I LOVE it! The price is right and the machine is as well. Pretty much identical to the Makita except is weighs a little less, costs less and comes with a 5 year warranty.

I have the Hitachi SP18VA too, it actually sells for alot more retail than the Mikita or the Dewalt, but you can find it alot cheaper on the net like at Coastal tools. The Hitachi sells here in Canada for $425 and the Mikita and Dewalt sells for around $275.

[TH0001]

+1 on the Hitachi!!!

[RobAGD]

I am on the fence on picking up a Rotory tool. I was using my bosses millwalkie (sp) but I didnt have a good feel for the speeds, as there wasnt a guide for what the settings.

I was working some serious water etchings.

I worked the test area with 83 and 8006 pad, did 3 passes with a fair ammount of pressure. After that didnt make a good dent in it I tried the 7006 pad with 83 two passes and I gave up.

So I need to get more time in on this so I am hunting for a deal on one.

Intresting thread, I would like to hear more about that Hitachi

-R

[RobAGD]

Well I picked up the Makita 9227CX3 kit for 169.00 + $8.50 shipping. Looking around a bit later I found the same kit from Amazon for 179 w/ free shipping not bad eighter way.

I have to work sunday this weekend, but I am hopingteh package will get here for friday so I can take another stab at that etching.

-R