Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

[jpitt1987]

I was looking around Sears two days ago to see what they had as far as RB. I found one, it was a Craftsman with the following specs:

*4.5 amp
*operating speeds: 1200 and 1645 (I believe so...)
*59.99$
*I think the diameter was either 6 1/2 or 7

I am wanting to get a good quality RB. However, I am not planning on doing auto detail for a living, just as a hobby. My dad has 2 car lots and he may want me to start working on some of his cars eventually...but in the mean time it is just to take care of the family cars at home.

Is this going to be sufficient to match my situation? I don't want junk and I'm willing to step up to something like a Makita 9227 or 9207 if means getting a quality product. I just don't want to get tools that are...well overkill I guess you could say.

Thank you.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

The Craftsman rotary has a nonstandard arbor size. The most popular rotaries use a 5/8 arbor. This makes it hard or near impossible to find a useable hook and loop backing plate.

The Makita 9227C is a very well built machine that can definately take a beating. The DeWalt DW849 is also very popular and proven machine.


I'm sure Mike will chime in about the 9207. He has one and used it for years before it finally bit the dust.


Take a look at some of the Makitas and Dewalts for sale on eBay.

[jpitt1987]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

I've taken a look at eBay and found plenty of Makitas.

From what I've seen on these forums, those seem to be the highest rated as far as durability and quality go. However, the majority of the people who recommended this tool did it as either part of a profession or did high volume

I'll keep watching eBay and looking around locally. I can't afford a brand new one right now, I'm busy trying to graduate this year while keeping my school loans down.

Thanks for the recommendations!

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

The Craftsman rotary has a nonstandard arbor size. The most popular rotaries use a 5/8 arbor. This makes it hard or near impossible to find a useable hook and loop backing plate.

The Makita 9227C is a very well built machine that can definately take a beating. The DeWalt DW849 is also very popular and proven machine.


I'm sure Mike will chime in about the 9207. He has one and used it for years before it finally bit the dust.


Take a look at some of the Makitas and Dewalts for sale on eBay.

I agree with Chris.

Myself, I have 3 rotaries: 2 Makitas (9207 and 9227) and 1 Dewalt (DW849) and love them all. It is best to buy the best you can afford rather than paying less now but end up paying more later having to buy another machine. Just IMHO!

Tim

[jpitt1987]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

I definitely agree with that statement. I used to sell car audio equipment and the same principle applied: you can buy a lot of poor quality products which you will wind up replacing within a year's time, or you can have some patience and save a little bit and get quality products that will not only sound better but last longer.

I don't know how many times I actually said that during the day.

I'll keep looking and in the mean time keep saving. I am definitely set on a Makita, whether it be the 207 or 227 depends on what i find first and what is a little bit easier on the pocket book.

One more thing: what is your opinion on air tools? I found some air powered polishers?

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

I definitely agree with that statement. I used to sell car audio equipment and the same principle applied: you can buy a lot of poor quality products which you will wind up replacing within a year's time, or you can have some patience and save a little bit and get quality products that will not only sound better but last longer.

I don't know how many times I actually said that during the day.

I'll keep looking and in the mean time keep saving. I am definitely set on a Makita, whether it be the 207 or 227 depends on what i find first and what is a little bit easier on the pocket book.

One more thing: what is your opinion on air tools? I found some air powered polishers?

Air tools are fine but you will need a compressor with a lot of CFM's to handle the constant use. Plus air tools are loud, may drip oil etc.

I have had the best luck with the electric polishers.

Tim

[jpitt1987]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

Ok, thanks for that. I was just wondering because my dad bought a brand new, and rather large, air compressor for his on site mechanic. About two weeks after he got it, the mechanic split. So it is a two week old compressor sitting at his lot and he offered to let me bring it home and use it.

[Murr1525]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

Have you used any machines before, or you are jumping right from hand to rotary buffing?

The intermediate step would be a G110, or Porter Cable unit.

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

[jpitt1987]

Re: Thoughts on Craftsman polisher?

I've used a ROB before. I know an RB is a completely different animal and takes skill. I was planning on getting the G110, however the cheapest I've found is 150 plus ship. I am really wanting to get into detailing, so I was just getting some info on RB's.
Thanks for the info!
Do you know of anyone/place that has them used? I really can't afford 150 for a new one at the moment, I need to buy text books.