Starting out.

[pklin]

Hello all,

I am currently a proud owner of a PC7424 and am having a ball with the machine. Did my detail last week and was very happy with the results I got. I am thinking about venturing into rotary buffer now to get the kind of eye-popping results I've seen on this website, but from the various posts I've read regarding the dangers of using a rotary, my interest in getting one is becoming less and less out of fear.
I will not have access to a test panel or a beat-up car so I can't try out the machine. My question is, if I keep it at a slow rpm (like 1000 rpm), and also keep enough compound or polish on the working surface, is the danger of burning through paint or creating haze still high? I would really like to start to use the rotary machine but I am afraid to ruin my car. Please give me your opinions. Thanks.

Peter

[Pete-FWA]

Congratulations on the Porter Cable and results: feels good to know you did it yourself and it worked well!

To start the discussion, I'll offer a few ideas. I'm certain that others will offer their suggestions. My comments are just a few of many things to know before starting....please don't read my quick post and run to the garage!

Even at "only" 1000 RPM, the rotary is a machine that can cause nearly instant damage when run hard against edges, trim pieces, or just at the wrong angle. Using one at a speed lower than 1000 isn't effective, so slowing won't help.

It's not a monster that's going to burn holes in every panel of your car while you sleep at night...don't think too hard and worry yourself out of the game...but it's a strong machine.

Keeping enough product on the surface/not letting it run dry is one of the keys to successful rotary work. Apparently, you know how to watch the material break down and polish down to a haze while using the PC, correct? Usually, 1-2 minutes per area on the PC translates to 10-30 seconds, sometimes less, with the rotary.

Perhaps start with a very gentle product when you're new with the rotary, just for practice. Try M03, Machine Glaze, and use it with a W9000/9006 pad. This is the least aggressive combination I can theorize with the rotary.

Remember, too, that virtually all flawless swirl-free rotary polished finishes are the result of finishing with the PC. You seem confident with the PC...maybe now's the time to move to the next stage.