New to the rotary...

I

imported_weekendwarrior

New member
Hey guys - I just got a Makita 9227, and have an assortment of pads. I have practiced with it on our 3rd car, and it seems pretty easy to use. The question I have is when you have an uneven surface, what is the best technique to use? For example, the roof of our Element has several groove/channels molded into the roof panel. Can you just buff the roof like you would a smooth panel, or would I run the risk of burning through the clear on the edges of the channels? Here is a picture od the Element, and the roof. It isn't great shot(the only picture I have), but you can vaguely see the roof and the channels in it.



Dogs138.jpg
 
First off, very good job taping. Though, I'd recommend taping between the panels as well if you are just getting started with the rotary (hood/fender, front/back doors, etc.).



What I do with channels or angles like that is to tilt the pad and use the outside edge. I wouldn't recommend this if you are still practicing, however. Just polish over the top of the channels until you are *very* comfortable with the pressure and usage of the rotary.
 
todd@bsaw said:
First off, very good job taping. Though, I'd recommend taping between the panels as well if you are just getting started with the rotary (hood/fender, front/back doors, etc.).



What I do with channels or angles like that is to tilt the pad and use the outside edge. I wouldn't recommend this if you are still practicing, however. Just polish over the top of the channels until you are *very* comfortable with the pressure and usage of the rotary.
Click to expand...





Cool - that's actually a picture of where I polished the car with my PC back in October. I will take note to tape the panel gaps like you recommend when I do take the rotary to it.



I found today when experimenting with our 3rd car (older car), that a product like Meguiar's M66 is a great product to use to practice the rotary with. It is fairly thin, and unagressive, and you can get a good feel for maneuvering the rotary, without having to worry about causing a lot of damage.
 
Ok, Nice, Nice taping, but do you really need to use the rotary on the Element?

Are you just trying it out?



I would practice on a vehicle or a spare panel if you are new.



It jus seems to be an overkill from the pics.

what are you trying to accomplish?
 
pontgta said:
Ok, Nice, Nice taping, but do you really need to use the rotary on the Element?

Are you just trying it out?



I would practice on a vehicle or a spare panel if you are new.



It jus seems to be an overkill from the pics.

what are you trying to accomplish?
Click to expand...



No - that is an older picture of the Element from the last time I polished with a PC. I was just wondering about panels like that, so that was the example I used. I am practicing with our 100,000 mile, 6 year old Hyundai now.
 
Ok.

I noramlly just anglle it, and keep away from the edges. If you do touch just move quickly away.

Unless you have very thin paint you should be fine.

The key is to avoid edges as much as possible, and if you do go on an edge, try not to put too much pressure.
 
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