Any significant differences between rotaries?

B

Buegie

New member
I'm leaning towards the Makita, but just because it seems like most people have got it. Is there anything better out there? What makes them different (if anything)?
 
I own a makita and only have any experience with that particular rotary, but offer the following as a response:



Some of the differences worthy of consideration: Weight, power, variable trigger switch, ergonomics and warranty/reliability.



Some people might like the D grip of a Makita while others prefer to hold the head of the rotary. Some might find the Makita to be very heavy and prefer something lighter...



If you can hold any of the machines in a hardware store or something, to get a feel for them it would be nice, but I suspect you'll be just fine going makita.
 
The Makita is so nice and quiet. Not to mention reliable, relatively inexpensive, etc. Watching/listening to Greg run his Makita made me think I'd made a bad choice by buying the Flex 3403. Then I lifted the Makita, and realized I'd made the right choice. The Flex is alot lighter.



If I were gonna buy a new rotary today, the field would be narrowed to the Flex 3403 or the Makita 9227.
 
SuperBee364 said:
........If I were gonna buy a new rotary today, the field would be narrowed to the Flex 3403 or the Makita 9227.
Click to expand...
Hard to go wrong with a Makita, but if I were buying one again it would be another Metabo or the new Flex 3403. My decision is based on quality and weight (both are lightweight).
 
SuperBee364 said:
If I were gonna buy a new rotary today, the field would be narrowed to the Flex 3403 or the Makita 9227.
Click to expand...



I liked the Flex too, and after looking at the weight differences (almost 2 pounds), that might be the better choice. How do the speed controllers work on these? The PC just has a speed wheel and an on/off switch but these are different, correct?



Anybody know if you can buy a D-handle similar to the one on the Makita, for the 3403?
 
Buegie said:
I liked the Flex too, and after looking at the weight differences (almost 2 pounds), that might be the better choice. How do the speed controllers work on these? The PC just has a speed wheel and an on/off switch but these are different, correct?



Anybody know if you can buy a D-handle similar to the one on the Makita, for the 3403?
Click to expand...



Both have triggers for on/off, and a thumb wheel to control the RPM.



I haven't found a D handle for the 3403. I thought I was really going to miss the D handle, but i'm so used to the palm grip style of the 3403 now, I'd never go back to the D handle.
 
I have a Dynabrade that's been in almost daily use for 2+ years. It's lighter than the DeWalt's we have at the shop and quieter too.



Good, solid machine that's easy to handle.



Toto
 
I tried Holden's rotary today (Flex); it's a nice machine, amazingly light for a rotary and good control. It is weird that speed 1 is 1100rpm though; speed *2* on the Makita is only 900rpm. I'm used to my Makita, but if I was buying new I'd consider the Flex.
 
Weight still is all relative. I've only used the Makita... but while many here say it's heavier than others, I would think the others are extra LIGHT, rather than the Makita is extra HEAVY. Doesn't feel heavy to me.
 
drew.haynes said:
Weight still is all relative. I've only used the Makita... but while many here say it's heavier than others, I would think the others are extra LIGHT, rather than the Makita is extra HEAVY. Doesn't feel heavy to me.
Click to expand...



very true the makita is 6.6 lbs

and the flex 4.85 lbs
 
Weight trade off is often a comprimise between diecasted and plastic parts, I pick diecast anyday !





Makita's 9227C here in Canada have seen a significant price drop in the past year, most are selling around $219CAD now compare to $369 a little over a year ago !
 
Holden_C04 said:
I think it would be a good idea to visit this thread of mine:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine-polishing/107028-professional-seeking-new-rotary-polisher.html
Click to expand...



Thanks, I read the first few pages, it seems like you're leaning towards the Flex too



SuperBee364 said:
Both have triggers for on/off, and a thumb wheel to control the RPM.



I haven't found a D handle for the 3403. I thought I was really going to miss the D handle, but i'm so used to the palm grip style of the 3403 now, I'd never go back to the D handle.
Click to expand...



I thought I would like the D handle better, but I'll probably get used the the palm one pretty quick.
 
When you're considering what tool to buy, especially if you're a pro and cannot afford much downtime, I think it's really important to consider what kind of support and service there is for each machine. Where can you take it if it breaks? Do you have to ship or is there a repair center locally? Things like that...
 
weekendwarrior said:
What RPM range does the Flex operate? I liked the Makita, because it starts at 600, and that works well with the 1Z polishes that I use.
Click to expand...



1100-3700, which seems pretty high
 
Buegie said:
1100-3700, which seems pretty high
Click to expand...



anybody think it will be a problem that it starts relatively high (1100 rpm's)? I actually might have to get one by this weekend which means ordering today. Let me know if you've got any info :bow
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top