hand position really makes a difference

[tumbler]

hand position really makes a "controlled" difference !!! wow !

on my dewalt 849:

I normally use the left handle and hold it like a motorcycle grip. For the first time last night during a hood test, I employed the use of taking my left hand off of the side handle and holding the silver body similar to my avatar.

I also ensured my trigger was locked so my right index finger was not worrying about pressing and i was able to concentrate on working in the compound. I also "choked up" with my right hand and it made a big improvement with more control.

It made a huge difference overall in control and the outcome. I was able to add just that little "insee winsee" bit more pressure to work in the compound much more evenly.

So as an FYI: try different hand positions, as it may turn out to be beneficial to you.

[Mike Phillips]

I would concur.


* Sometimes you want to use the handle
* Sometimes you want to place your hand on the head of the motor
* Sometimes you want to remove the handle and place your hand on the head of the motor so the handle doesn't get in the way.


One of the reasons I like a stick model is because it's easy and fast to remove the handle, not so with a bail or hoop model rotary buffer.

[Jeff Smith]

I had put the Rotray to work for the first time the other day. I chose to go without the handle as well.

I felt, since I was first starting out, that I need to learn to use it without a handle. I can always add handles as an aide in special situations. But I wanted to learn to use this thing with no handles. I must say it went well.

I created a much more natural flow when swtching control from my left hand to my right.

[Pete-FWA]

Generally, I use the side handle on my rotary, but not with the DA.

Friend of mine bought a Porter Cable a few weeks ago and I had a chance to use it when sanding his vehicle for paint prep. I'm used to a National Detroit pneumatic DA with a semi-round head. That's where my pressure goes, so that's how I used the Porter Cable. I removed his handle because it got in my way.

[Hannibal]

I used a sewn wheel with a makita 9227C on some diamond plate aluminum and if I had not used a handle that thing would have takenoff!! These rotaries are very powerful, I feel better using a handle either way.

[probegt]

Best way I found to use mine is with my first two finger and thumb over the head and last two gripping the handle(Dewalt). On the trigger part I have my last two fingers on the trigger and thumb, pointer and middle finger gripping straight inline with the buffer .

[MichaelM]

Re: hand position really makes a difference

Originally posted by tumbler

I also ensured my trigger was locked so my right index finger was not worrying about pressing and i was able to concentrate on working in the compound.

I always leave the trigger lockedwhile buffing. Makes it much easier to manipulate the machine.

[budman3]

I agree with the locking of the speed. I like it a lot better that way. I'm still trying to figure out what positioning I like better, and in what instances.