plan to purchase new rotary

[michaeld0983]

Which Rotary Buffer Should I Purchase?

I have plan to buy a new rotary polisher. These are my candidates:

Dewalt
Makita
Flex
Metabo

Can you guy, share your experience working with those tools, +/- between them.

Thanks

[ZoranC]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

DeWalt is too heavy for my taste. I liked Makita both ergonomic wise and weight wise, but between Makita and Hitachi I liked Hitachi more. Flex has two rotary models, so question is which one you have in mind. I did not have a chance to try either one, but looking at specs one is too heavy for my taste and other one, while being very light, one of lightest I know of, has RPMs starting at 1100 and some do not like that.

I have owned Metabo briefly and disliked it's ergonomics/appropach, I was finding it a very poor fit to a clumsy beginner like me. Few very advanced rotary users I trust have felt same.

Right now I own Hitachi and I like it's ergonomics, weight, and specs. However, recently I had a chance to very briefly play with Dynabrade rotary and I like it very very much. Enough that I will be, money permitting, upgrading from my Hitachi to Dynabrade.

[dietoremain]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I have a hitachi. Great machine for a great price.

[Ticman]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I agree with the above. I have a Makita 9227 and really like it. I have used a friends Hitachi SP18VA I think was the model number. The Hitachi seemed to be lighter of the two. Both are very good machines.

Tic

[michaeld0983]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I think about flex lk603vvb. The weight is about 7.5 lbs. Is it a good machine?

[ZoranC]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I think about flex lk603vvb. The weight is about 7.5 lbs. Is it a good machine?

Flex is a reputable company so very likely it is a reliable machine. However, it is not one I would be choosing myself for reasons explained above.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I think we need to start a member poll to see what everyone uses.

Here's a list of manufacturers: Dewalt, Makita, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Flex, Dynabrade, Metabo, Fein, Hitachi, and Chicago Electric.

If you own a rotary brand that is not on the list of ones mentioned, feel free to respond.

[michaeld0983]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I think we need to start a member poll to see what everyone uses.

Here's a list of manufacturers: Dewalt, Makita, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Flex, Dynabrade, Metabo, Fein, Hitachi, and Chicago Electric.

If you own a rotary brand that is not on the list of ones mentioned, feel free to respond.

Agree

[Mike Phillips]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

Personal recommendation...

Get a rotary buffer with a stick handle or a stick handle and the option for a hoop handle, don't get a hoop handle model unless you also get a stick handle to go with it.

After hours and hours of buffing, your muscles that runs down your forearm will get fatigued more using a hoop handle versus a stick handle. Just an opinion based upon experience, your mileage may vary but that's why it's nice to have the option. Makita offers a package like this, i.e. both options.

Another thing I would look for is the top of the head unit, my old Makita has a rubber block so that if you turn the buffer upside and rest it on the car, it's resting on rubber, not metal. It also gives your hand something to grip against when holding the buffer without either handle.

I personally don't use a handle at all anymore, so a buffing head that is comfortable and easy to grip with your hand is a nice feature.

Again... just my own personal insights based upon experience, you're mileage may and probably will vary...

[michaeld0983]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

thanks mike. great advise

[Erik Mejia]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I own a Makita, and personally I love it. I've tried the Dewalt and although it got the job done I still prefer my Makita. Personal choice I guess, try and see if you can try them out before you decide.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I've got a makita and just bought another one just for polishing bare aluminum.
Use a dewalt at work and just got use to it, thinking about getting one of these when extra money allows just for the compounding step on aluminum.
both are completely different but at the same time they are just two great machines.
Mike phillips you are the reason I started using the rotary and G100 without the handles(it's much better), and sometimes I've tried to use them with the handles from time to time and it just don't feel right! like it doesn't belong with them.
When I use my rotary without the handles I don't have any problems with them what so ever but then when I try it's like I don't have a clue of what I'm doinganyways my two cents.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

I've had two Makita 9227C's; one was used, but it ran like a champ (now owned by Joe's Detailing) and the other was used once. You can get a used one for about $100 and an almost new one with bag for $130.


This poll is turning out to be really interesting. There really doesn't seem to be one brand that stands out significantly than all the others. Cool!!!!

[Tim Lingor]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

Hey,

I have and use 3 rotaries: Makita 9207, Makita 9227 and a Dewalt 849.

I use the Dewalt for compounding and leave it set up for that use. I use the Makita's for polishing. Both brands are fantastic, though I would give the edge for heavy dutiness to the Dewalt and the older 9207 Makita which is built like a tank!

Tim

[michaeld0983]

Re: plan to purchase new rotary

thanks for the reply guys, perhaps in next 3 months i'll buy one, still saving money right now. Keep sharing your experience with rotary guys. Thanks