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anyone here ever give it a try?
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
Someone was selling one for $15 on Craigslist (San Diego) this past week. I called a day later to ask about it and the lister told me it sold pretty quick. But even he admitted that it was best only for spot correction and he only bought it specifically for a one time use. His estimation of the unit for dedicated automotive detailing was that it wouldn't hold up under sustained use. -
Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
It's a good thing to learn with, or for limited use (such as drying pads). Otherwise, I'd save some money and look into something along the lines of a Makita 9227 or DeWalt 849.
Also, Harbor Freight offers a warranty for about $10....might want to consider that if you go the HF route.NOTE: Post count does not reflect actual detailing knowledge.Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
Never used it, but if I was to get a rotary I would just go with a dewalt or a makita.Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
I actually bought a used DeWalt DW849 last night on my way to the TNOG for $100. The unit is only a year old but it needed a lot of cleanup (M40 did the trick) although I'm still pulling wool out of the trigger casing.
One thing that I've learned here that has become part of my personal mantra is that you don't skimp on the quality of tools or products you will be using on paint finishes. DeWalts, Makitas, and Flexes cost more for a reason, but their reliability, precision, and effectiveness are validated by their popularity with detailing pros.Last edited by ClearlyCoated; May 22, 2009, 03:05 PM.Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
Thanks for all of the advice guys! Right now all I have is a porter cable, but eventually Id like to make the jump to a rotary. I think I might get one of these to learn with...I wouldnt be detailing anyone elses car with it....mainly just using it for spot correction like mentioned above...before investing a few hundred into a good quality one. If I get good with this one tho I think Ill look at a Makita. Those are niccccce.
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
I bought the Chicago Electric Rotary oh....year and a half or so. I bought the cheapo wool pad they sold as well to practice with.
Overall, it's not a bad product for the price. I don't think the load speed is near as good as the better machines but for me it's worked well. I tore the head apart and re-greased it twice since having it and the brushes are wearing evenly and have had no problems with it.
The backing plate that comes with it is very brittle and mine broke right off of the bat (dropped it actually and it shattered).
There is some wobble to the backing plates which may make it harder to use and it appears either the backing plates are misaligned or the shaft was not machined right when putting the threads on for the backing plate. I can't believe that both backing plates would be bad so, I suspect the shaft is wobbling.
I've learned a lot since using the rotary.
The rotary needs to be respected and CLEAN THAT PAD ON THE FLY and have plenty of pads around as a truck I recently did I think I used 5 pads (washing more as I went just in case!!)
Overall, it was a cheap price to pay for a halfway decent rotary. My evil plan is to get either a Makita or Dewalt.
Mike has a Makita for 20 or so some odd years and I think I'll go the Makita route when funds are better in the Nappers household (heck I haven't tried M105/M205 yet!!!).
Anyways.....They go on sale for less than 30 bucks once in a while and you get what you pay for and then some I think.....
Hope that helps a smidge!
AaronPhilippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
Aaron, your backing plate shattered? Wow... A backing plate must offer support, but that's way too firm.
The Harbor Freight is not that bad of a product if you are using it as a pad cleaner. Because of the rotation, you can easily clean the pad with a soft bristle brush.
I have purchased all of my rotary polishers off of eBay (two Makitas and a Fein). There are usually some pretty good deals if you don't mind looking for a while. The Makita 9227C will usually be around $130 and a Dewalt DW849 will be around $110.Chris
Dasher Detailing ServicesComment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
These work fine
I've had a few and I know others who use them with no problems
Search eBay for Snap-on/Blue point, same as a DeWalt around $60 bucks too!Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
I have never used this one, but an older gentelmen I know who is working on an older car (forget what it is, Bel Air maybe or something like that) had one of these and said it was ****. So take it for what it is worth2008 Toyota Corolla 5-spd
2005 Honda CRF250R
2002 kawasaki Ninja ZX9R
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
Just to clarify, it was the backing plate that came with the rotary, not my Meguiar's backing plates.Originally posted by PorscheGuy997 View Post
I've read that some aren't worth their weight in marbles, but I have not had any problems and I use it with my 8/9006 pads with both of the rotary backing plates (use the larger one for flat surfaces).Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,Comment
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
I mainly use the G100/110. I picked up this unit mainly to practice with. The couple of times I have used it on my vehicles, it did the job. If your just a weekend warrior it should be okay, to learn on. If this is your occupation get a Makita or Dewalt.quality creates its own demandComment
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I saw it on the Internet...it must be true!
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Re: Thinking about buying this cheap rotary...
I agree with the post above. There is much more to it than the cost and the brand of the item whether it be a Porter Cable, DeWalt or a Makita.
Two years ago I was enticed by a sale on a 'Simoniz' brand 7" Rotary Polisher (made in China) from a local chain. The price at $49.99 was 50% off from retail. I thought I'd give it a try and get into the world of the rotary. To make a long story short, this rotary conked out with a broken power switch and faulty cord and will cost me $60 to fix. Looking back , I could have bought $50 worth of compounds, polishes and buffing pads as opposed to having a heavy shelf decoration, in addition to the other 'random orbit' buffers that just collect dust. I now have a DeWalt 849 to complement my Porter Cable 7336 DA. I can see where the quality (and the consistent power) lie.
Like me, you will always think you got a good deal until it breaks and you wished you paid a little extra for that brand name.
But then again, how much do you value your car's finish?.....Comment
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