Dewalt versus Makita

[RyanB]

I researching a rotary buffer. I am not a professional detailer, but like to detail my own cars as well as help friends with theirs. I already own the dual action polisher and now I want a good variable speed rotary buffer, under $200, and would like to hear recommendations. Espeically any preferences between DeWalt and Makita.

thanks in advance,
-Ryan

[2000]

I have a black and decker (which was the dewalt before they where bought out) and a dewalt both are great. the black and decker is over 15 years old and still going. (handed it down to my work vehicles, keep the dewalt for my detailing). Nothing wrong with either one, more just a choice of what you perfer, and maybe what style you like better. The makita can come with a bail handle instead of just the hadle from the side like on the dewalt.

[gb387]

Both you have listed are quality brands but... I know its not listed in your post but the one I think does not get enough recognition is Porter-Cables Rotary Polisher... We have 2 at work and they get some serious use and abuse. One even spent a short time in the water, sent it in and it was dried out and fixed in a couple days.

[atticdog]

also check out Hitachi sp18va
just picked it up on ebay for $134 shipped and insured

[Ranger72]

I own a makita, but have heard just as many good things with the Dewalt.

[qadsan]

Hitachi Power Tools also makes a very nice full featured rotary (Hitachi SP18VA) that's often street priced less than the Makita and sometimes you'll find it at various online auction sites at a significant discount. I went to the Hitachi Power Tools web page to find my local Hitachi dealers and started calling them to see who had the best price on this tool and to see it in person. Just by luck, I found a dealer who normally doesn't stock the SP18VA, but they had special ordered one for a customer who never paid for it and they had been holding it for nearly 2 months, so they gave it to me for $99 just to get rid of it (lucky me was at right place at the right time ). For higher end light weight polishers that are also significantly more expensive, check out the Metabo PE12-175 and Fein WPO12-27E, but here's some ‘basic’ comparison info between the Makita, Hitachi, DeWalt and Porter Cable Polishers.


* No Load Speed
Makita 9227: 600 to 3,000 RPM
Hitachi SP18VA: 600 to 3,400 RPM
DeWalt 849: 1,000 to 3,000
Porter Cable 7428: 1,000 to 3,000 RPM

* Amps
Makita 9227: 10
Hitachi SP18VA: 11
DeWalt 849: 8
Porter Cable 7428: 10

* Tool Weight
Makita 9227: 6.6 lbs
Hitachi SP18VA: 6.2 lbs
DeWalt 849: 8.25 lbs
Porter Cable 7428: 8.0

* Variable Speed Trigger
Makita 9227: Yes
Hitachi SP18VA: Yes
DeWalt 849: Yes
Porter Cable 7428: Yes

* Soft Start
Makita 9227: Yes
Hitachi SP18VA: Yes
DeWalt 849: Yes
Porter Cable 7428: Yes

* Electronic Speed Control
Makita 9227: Yes
Hitachi SP18VA: Yes
DeWalt 849: Yes
Porter Cable 7428: Yes

* Trigger Lock
Makita 9227: Yes
Hitachi SP18VA: Yes
DeWalt 849: Yes
Porter Cable 7428: Yes

* Bale / Loop Handle
Makita 9227: Yes
Hitachi SP18VA: Yes
DeWalt 849: No – uses side handle (straight)
Porter Cable 7428: Yes

* Factory Warranty
Makita 9227: 1 Year
Hitachi SP18VA: 5 Years
DeWalt 849: 1 Year
Porter Cable 7428: 1 Year

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I have 2 Makita's and 1 Dewalt. I love them all! The Dewalt is a little heavier and comes with the side handle. The Makita is a little lighter and comes with either the bail handle or the side handle. In end, it comes down to personal choice!!

Tim

[SpoiledMan]

I have a 9 year old Black & Decker (touche 2000) that has never missed a beat. It is however on the heavy side for polishing side panels. Early next week, I will have the Hitachi that was previously posted and am expecting a quality product. It's light weight, bale handle and the 5 years warranty all for $134!! I have used a Makita and liked it a lot too. Do think about weight in your purchase as it is a major factor when polishing.