Need a cheap rotary?

I've been using this one now for 4 weeks. I will be doing a review on it tomorrow.



I will tell you that it is an awesome machine. I cannot tell the difference between it and a Hitachi. The only thing is is long term durability. If it lasts a year, that's 8 years till you catch up with a Makita!
 
I may pick up one of those Vector rotaries at Pep Boys. For $79 ($59 on sale), it would be a good place to start. I am really only looking at getting a rotary for major correction issues.
 
Scottwax said:
I may pick up one of those Vector rotaries at Pep Boys. For $79 ($59 on sale), it would be a good place to start. I am really only looking at getting a rotary for major correction issues.
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get this for $91.50 ($85.00 + $6.50 shipping) delivered to your doorstep!



toolsplus_1930_7196317




TOOLS PLUS - PORTER CABLE 7428 VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER for only $85.00 :heelclick
 
I dunno, that PC rotary starts at 1000rpm, i would want one that i can get to go slower than that.
 
I just picked up this one for $30. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices 300-3000 rpms, I haven't used it yet but it seems pretty capable. Only problem is that the speed dial is marked 1-6, so I'd imagine youd just have to make an estimated guess at how fast it's going. I'm not sure if this is how the more popular/expensive ones are marked too.



Just happened to see this one for $20 more Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Basically the same machine with a soft start motor and an LCD screen, which I'm guessing displays speed. Wish I woulda seen this one before.
 
justin30513 said:
I've been using this one now for 4 weeks. I will be doing a review on it tomorrow.



I will tell you that it is an awesome machine. I cannot tell the difference between it and a Hitachi. The only thing is is long term durability. If it lasts a year, that's 8 years till you catch up with a Makita!
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Was this review ever done? I can't track it down.
 
FWIW I can't stand using the cheaper rotaries. The reason is the weaker motor, they bog easily. That makes it near impossible to work at a steady RPM. If you're just doing spots you could get by but I wouldn't want to do a whole car with one.



I have one in my shop but recently bought a second Makita to replace it.
 
Coupe said:
I dunno, that PC rotary starts at 1000rpm, i would want one that i can get to go slower than that.
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Thats the PC 7428, I have that Rotary, I picked it up at the begining of my detailing life. Before I new what a Rotary can do (both good and bad).



My major complaint is the speed. I need something that goes slower then 1000, and if you look at the dial, it goes up to 6000+:buffing:



I am not exactly sure what you are supposed to do at the speed other then weed wack with it...
 
blazini said:
Those Harbor freight models I linked to have 9.8 amp motors, bout the same as the more popular rotaries
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That's great if they work for you.



The one I have says 11 amps, but there is no way thats possible.
 
The vector rotary is an awesome tool. Used it plenty of times and havent had a complaint besides the weight. A little on the heavy side.
 
blazini said:
Those Harbor freight models I linked to have 9.8 amp motors, bout the same as the more popular rotaries
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yes it may be rated at 9.8 AMPS..but look at the motor windings...they look like a toy...once you apply pressure they bog..since the windings will not draw the power needed to stay constant speed...



My friend bought a Vector ..same as most on Harbor Frieght..he used it a dozen times...and it stopped..I took it to work at the shop and opened it..the motor windings were blue from heat ..save your money..a good tool will last a lifetime if cared for...



Al
 
Well now you're talking about a different brand and saying that it's the same motor without actually looking at it? I won't say for certain that the HF rotary is top notch since I haven't used mine yet (or any other rotary for that matter). I will say that I do have plenty of other HF tools that are branded as Chicago Electric. Chop saws, drill presses, angle grinders recipricating saws, all of them have quality motors that have lasted me a long time. Harbor Freight stuff isn't absolute top of the line, but the only reason it's cheap is because they have their own brands and don't spend money on advertising and outside distribution, not because the tools are cheaply made.
 
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