Lightest Rotary

[Detail Union]

Hi all,
I'm ready to make the leap to a rotary buffer. I have been using my PC for over a year now and looking for more correcting ability. I have used rotaries a few times. I believe what has really kept me away from them is actually the weight of them!! They have always felt too cumbersome. Thus my question: Which would be the lighest and best on the market today? All opinions welcome. I also have several hoods and fenders to help perfect my technique.

Thanks, Jeff

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Off hand I don't have a list of the weights for all the common and popular rotary buffers but from memory the Hitachi unit is fairly light.

The Hitachi Rotary Buffer with the Hoop Style Handle



Probably many of the newer variable speed Rotary Buffers are going to be close in weight.

The DeWalt/Black & Decker units are probably on the heavy end of the spectrum but they're still not that heavy and sometimes the weight of a machine can be a benefit when you're buffing with just the weight of the machine. (If that makes sense?)


This might be a great project for someone to undertake, compile a list of all the specifics for the common/popular rotary buffers on the market.

[Detail Union]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Mike,
I do understand what you are saying about the weights! Thank you for the reply back.....I don't know how you find the time!

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Lightest Rotary

There are a few extremely light weight rotary polishers.

The Flex L3403 comes in a 4.8lbs and the Fein WPO 12-27E weighs 5.1 pounds. If I remember correctly, the Flex is a bit longer than a G110. The Fein is two inches longer than the G110.

I have used both of these tools (own the Fein) and they are both extremely well built. The only problem is the price of the tools...

[BlueZero]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Just for comparisons, the Hitachi pictured above in Mikes post is 6.2 lbs, the Makita is 6.6 lbs, the Dewalt is 7.8 lbs.

I haven't used many but really like my Hitachi, it's nice and quite too. I've never heard the Fein or Flex in person.

[C30-Mike]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Fein, Flex, and Metabo all make compact rotary. However, the smaller size make it more challenging to control the rotary's natural "torque steer".
I would suggest the Hitachi. Lightweight, quiet, well built, and easy to use with right technique.

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Re: Lightest Rotary

The Flex L3403VRG Rotary Polisher is the lightest one around at 4.8lbs.
It has a six level speed dial adjustable from 1100 to 3700 rpm's. The only
problem is it doesn't come with a Backing Plate. The W66 BP works great this rotary.

[Detail Union]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Thank you all for the replies back...Looks like I have a few choices to make!




Jeff

[Tom Weed]

Re: Lightest Rotary

I have the Flex L3403VRG and along with a Porter cable 7428 and some other cheap rotary that's comparable to weight with the Porter Cable and the Flex is the only rotary I will ever reach for these days. I highly recommend it as it has plenty of power and is super light.

[dvtldav]

Re: Lightest Rotary

I have the Flex L3403VRG

Tom,
Is that the one that Jason really liked at the Midwest get together?

Dave

[craigdt]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Metabo: 5.8
Makita: 6.6
Flex L3403VRG: 4.8
Hitachi: 6.2
DeWalt: 8.2
Fein: 4.6

I found these with a quick search on several retail stores online. A few may differ slightly from numbers already posted, but you get the basic idea.

[Tom Weed]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Tom,
Is that the one that Jason really liked at the Midwest get together?

Dave

Yes, that be the one!

[PuDeN]

Re: Lightest Rotary

Looking forward to buy the hitachi this weekend. Looks like not too heavy and not too light in weight.

[ninobrn99]

Re: Lightest Rotary

love my Hitachi!