Buying a new Rotary

[jarred767]

Hey guys, I'm looking to add a rotary to my arsenal and increase the range of work possible. I've done some research on different machines and narrowed it down to two potential ones:

The Makita 9227c - http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227C-7.../dp/B0000223IZ

The Dewalt DWP849X - http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP849X...ref=pd_cp_hi_3

It looks like the Dewalt has a few more options and is regularly a lot more expensive, but it seems like many on here use the Makita, so I figured I'd ask to see if anyone has any advice after using one or both of them and any first-hand pros or cons that you might want to share. Thanks,

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Putting aside my Meguiar's logo clothing for a moment (meaning - this is purely a personal point of view and not a Meguiar's recommendation in any way), I'll offer this:

Both are solid workhorse tools and you can't really go wrong with either. The Makita is noticeably lighter and quieter and has a soft start rather than the instant on of the DeWalt. This particular DeWalt tool is a definite improvement over the original 849, primarily in the cooling design and the fact that it will let you run at a slower speed than the original version. I have a Makita 9227 at home and use the DeWalt 849 here at work, and my personal preference is for the Makita. If you don't mind spending almost double this money, however, the Flex PE14-2-150 is even lighter and quieter than the Makita, and by a sizable margin. I have one of those, too, and love it. When I teach our Advanced Class here I bring in both of these tools to let the attendees get a feel for different buffers, and both are always highly praised.

[jarred767]

Well, now you've got me second guessing myself. I had wrote off the flex just simply because of the price, but after doing more research, it sounds really nice. It's just a matter whether or not the price is justified by the increased performance and ease of use. Maybe I should just go all out and get the top of the line and be set for a long time....

I think I'll think about it over the weekend and get one after the holiday... Decisions....

[jarred767]

Bump,

I'm still looking at these rotaries and just curious if anyone that has used this new Flex can share opinions on whether or not it might be worth the extra money over getting a Makita or the newer Dewalt. (nothing against your post Mike, it was very informative, just looking for additional opinions from other users).

This will be my first rotary and will be used somewhat sparingly, at least to start, simply on vehicles that need the extra work that only a rotary can provide. Hopefully some others have used these tools as well and might be able to help me on the selection. Thanks in advance.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

A bit surprised that others haven't chimed in here as we've definitely got some rotary users here on MOL! If you're not planning on heavy use with a rotary then dropping the extra money on the Flex may not make sense. Between the Makita and the DeWalt, personally I'd go for the Makita (in fact, I did). It's a great tool, nice and smooth, reasonably quiet, and solid as can be. Again, these are personal thoughts, not any sort of Meguiar's recommendation.

[BillyJack]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

I, too have used both the Makita and Dewalt and respect both as equal quality brands. I would lean toward the Makita for the lighter weight alone. When you're laying on a creeper or on the ground doing the lower panels, every little bit of weight savings seems so large. I learned rotary polishing 35 years ago on a 10 pound plus metal case buffer (still have it!) and that thing would tax my arms and shoulders even when I was younger. I wish I could give you an endorsement for the Flex, but now that I do only a few cars here and there, I just can't justify the added expense.

Bill

[BillE]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Jerred,

I surly understand your hesitance of getting a rotary, a good one are pricey. But seeing where you live, I have to ask, are you doing any water craft? If you do or are planning too, the lightest weight (Flex?) will pay you back many times over. What Bill (BillyJack) said about working in awkward positions is truth!

Just to add, if you are just kinda considering boats, etc. - take a look down at Edmonds...there are a LOT of boats that realllly need help.

Bill

[Wheelzntoys]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Everybody will have their favorites.

Flex>Dewalt>Makita, honestly you can't go wrong with either one.

[smack]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

I have the 849x and love it. I have all Dewalt tools at work as well so I dont have any experiance with the Makita and my opinion is a bit one sided however the Dewalt matches the Meguiars colors perfectly. lol

If I could afford the Flex I would buy the forced rotation D/A and that way you have two uses for it instead of one. The power of the rotory and the D/A action.

[goldfish45]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Love the Dewalt

[jarred767]

Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughts and suggestions. After reading all of them as well as many other reviews on other online forum boards, I've decided to just spend the extra and get the Flex or else I'd probably be kicking myself later for not. Realistically, I may not need to spend the extra, but the difference in price is simply one regular detailing job, so why not? With the limited use it will get (at least to start) it should last me a long long time. Thanks again to everyone.

[Wheelzntoys]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Great, give us your review once you use it

[Paul S]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

I have a Makita 9227 and a Flex 3403. I had thought about moving up to a Flex PE 14 2. Both of my current machines do a great job and the more I thought about it I decided to stick with those two. I find myself using my da's more and more all of the time. My Flex spends most of it's time with the Dynabrade da head on it. No matter which machine you choose I think it will serve you well.

[jarred767]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

So, I spoke with Kevin Brown this afternoon, and instead of getting the Flex, I've actually decided to wait on it for a couple weeks since I'll be heading down to the NXT class and get the opportunity to try out each of these machines as well as a few others. There's still a high likelihood that I'll go with the Flex, but I figured I might as well wait and see how each of them feel in my hands first. Whatever I end up with, I'll let you guys know how it goes and how I like it. Thanks again,

[Murr1525]

Re: Buying a new Rotary

Yeah, the swirls wont get worse in a week... better than rushing.