Old School Machine Polisher.

P

porterror

New member
Well. I told my dad the other day I was thinking about buying a PC, he said "WHAT!" I already have a kick as Machine Polisher I used to use on my car. Out of no where he busted out this very heavy machine polisher, that sounded and looked very High RPM. I've never used a machine polisher before, but i'd be afraid to put something on my paint that spun that high rate. Is this okay to use on my car? this device has to be from the 80's. Has machine polishers changed much? and what is the RPM range on the different settings for PC?
 
porterror- More details please :D



Does it have two 4" heads by any chance? That would be a Cyclo, my favorite polisher.



Some "old school" polishers like the Cyclo (my older one is from the early/mid '80s) are great, other old polishers are junk. Heh heh, sorta like "old cars".



The PC generally goes from under 1,000 orbits-per-minute to around 6,000 opms, IIRC. You can't really compare this speed to every other polisher though as there's more involved than just the (unloaded) speed. The Cyclo is rated at a far lower speed than the PC at "6", for instance, but it sure *acts* like it's moving a lot faster.
 
my bet would be that it is a rotary. Just tell your dad that a PC is worth the investment if you're going to use it often. But if it's a cyclo, that's cool too.
 
Sounds like a rotary to me. I also have an "old school" rotary from my grandfather. It probably isn't the best, but ok to pratice with. My advice is to get the PC, it is very safe to use, and if you still have problems removing defects/or want to advance, than start praticing with the rotary on scrap panels, or older cars.
 
Since there is somewhat of a debate on polishers, I was wondering if the PC guys would state why their polisher is the best, and for the Cyclo guys to do the same.
 
my only problem is , i have a small car and doesn't take me long to do, and it has a ton of corners plus small spots. I'm guessing you can't really do that with a PC?



- car = 2002 SVT Focus (RED)
 
The cyclo will outperform a PC consistently, even though the OPM's aren't as high. Must be something about the 2 4" heads and the way they move. It is better because it will function almost as good as a rotary, but will not harm your paint. Rotary fucntion with safety of a PC = one Awesome polisher!
 
porterror said:
my only problem is , i have a small car and doesn't take me long to do, and it has a ton of corners plus small spots. I'm guessing you can't really do that with a PC?...
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On a small car the added speed and power of a machine like the PC or Cyclo is mostly a benefit when you have to "work" the surface to remove defects. More important than the speed is the improvement in consistency.



The added consistency is still a benefit when you're using products that only need to be "spread around" like waxes or glazes. You'll get better coverage using less product.



Products with little or no cutting action are very safe with an orbital machine, even over edges (assuming you don't go nuts with it).



You may not need it, but you'll be glad to have it





PC.
 
detailedcars said:
Since there is somewhat of a debate on polishers, I was wondering if the PC guys would state why their polisher is the best, and for the Cyclo guys to do the same.
Click to expand...



I hate to say this, and I *don't* say it very often, but this is one you oughta search on. We've had some, uhm, heartfelt ;) discussions about the relative merits of both machines.



IMO the only advantages of the PC are:



1) The PC works better on vehicles with certain contours. Hard to describe which contours I mean, but my Jag XJS is a perfect example. Just no way to get the head of the Cyclo into certain areas on that car :( That was why I bought the PC. IMO this isn't an issue with most vehicles.



2) The PC is a variable speed, the Cyclo is not. Some products (such as AIO) work better with slower settings on the PC than they do with the Cyclo.



3) Cost; the PC is less expensive than the Cyclo. But the Cyclo will last *far* longer without needing rebuilt, at least in my experience (and I have about 20 years on the one Cyclo).



4) Pad selection; there are far more types of pads available for the PC in various sizes. But note that I've never *not* used the Cyclo because of this.



5) Personal preference; some people (for reasons I cannot fathom ;) :p ) just like the PC better.



Unless I were working with a vehicle where the contour issue came up, I'd pick the Cyclo hands down, period. It's my go-to machine for everything from compounding to waxing. Note that I also have two PCs and a Makita rotary and the Cyclos (I have two of *them* also :o ) get used *FAR* more than the other machines combined. I have to have a *very* good reason to use something else and I'm never too happy about it when that happens.
 
I have A PC, Cyclo, Makita rotary, And several cordless "polishers" I use for applying sealants (a great way to save your arms if you layer) I find that each buffer has its uses, although the PC is the most versatile IMO. I have had a couple mishaps with the Cyclo that I wasnt aware could happen. I was buffing around the "chrome" insignia of a car and somehow got the insignia between the pads of the Cyclo. I found out that the Cyclo will not yield to much, wont bog down and sure wont leave an old emblem in place...... ;) The Cyclo is powerful ! My rotary is also capable of damaging trim , but I am aware of the danger with the rotary, The Cyclo snuck up on me. The winner for safe is the PC. The cyclo has a place in my heart as the most effective polisher for light leveling, but is suprisingly powerful in certain situations.
 
well i think for a novice like me. the PC sounds like the best bet. I can see how the cyclo would give a much better polish, but for mr. noob, PC sounds best. Btw, whats the weight difference between Cyclo vs. PC?
 
porterror said:
well i think for a novice like me. the PC sounds like the best bet. I can see how the cyclo would give a much better polish, but for mr. noob, PC sounds best. Btw, whats the weight difference between Cyclo vs. PC?
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Oh, I dunno.. I used the Cyclo for many years before getting the PC. It's plenty easy enough to learn with as long as you respect it (as mochamanz found out). I've had novices (true "first time machine polishers") from my wife's 15-year-old grand nephew to my elderly father up to speed with the Cyclo in a matter of minutes.



I don't know what the PC weighs, but it's less than the Cyclo's 6.5 lbs. But neither one is heavy enough to be a bother unless you have some special circumstances. I find the Cyclo *much* more user-friendly; I actuall enjoy using it while I *do not* enjoy using the PC much at all. I've only had one person (out of quite a few) prefer the PC over the Cyclo.
 
One thing I love about the Cyclo is the balance if the machine, the weight of it is not apparent due to the ergonomics of the piece. It doesnt take long at all to get an intuitive feel for the way the Cyclo operates. The PC is a tool that make you aware of its operation, Vibrations, handling... The Cyclo feels so efficient and seems to be a lot faster than it in fact is due to the dead smoothness of its operation. Each tool has its place and to say one is better than the other presents a problem. IMHO each tool has a slightly different mission.
 
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