Other random Orbital machines other than the PC?

I use a Festool Rotex and am extremely happy with it.

There are MANY machines that are 'superior' to the PC in terms of power and performance.

However , the lure of the PC , IMO, is it's versatility and adaptability with accessories...carpet/upholstery brushes, eg.

Also , I believe it's lack of aggressiveness is reassuring to the beginner and useful for the pro for final finishing.



I use my Rotex the vast majority of the time , but still find my PC indespensible for some things...mainly spot polishing with 4" pads.
 
I prefer the Cyclo over the PC about 95% of the time. I won't rewrite the *long* posts/threads comparing the two, but they're out there if you want to search for 'em.
 
rydawg said:
I was also thinking of getting a cyclo. Is it faster than the pc?
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Faster with regard to how fast it spins the pads? Kinda..the PC goes up to ~6,000 orbits/minute but the Cyclo runs at ~2,800-3,200 (depending on load). But the Cyclo's *effective* speed/movement seems a lot more aggressive; it flashes AIO too fast, for instance (that's about the one product I don't use with the Cyclo).



The Cyclo does the job faster than the PC, generally speaking. But IMO the big thing is that the Cyclo is (IMO) just *so* much more pleasant to use. Better built too, it'll last forever (my old one was about 20 years old when I sent it in for a rebuild and they said it didn't need it).
 
I too use the Festool Rotex. My issue with the PC is its intense vibrations. I experienced a lot of "tingly" hands after long uses of the PC (even with work gloves). I thought about the Cyclo as well, but since I have a lot of pads for the PC, it was a more cost effective transition to the Rotex. (The same pads bought for the PC will work on the Rotex)



After using the Rotex, my hands no longer tingle after using it. It's really a testament to how well the Rotex is made and functions. If you get a chance to test it out, you'll be hooked.



-Mike
 
mixxmstrmike said:
My issue with the PC is its intense vibrations. I experienced a lot of "tingly" hands ..
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Yeah, that gets to a lot of people. And it can be *serious*, not just a little hassle that you don't need to worry about; "white finger" is nothing to sneeze at.
 
mixxmstrmike said:
After using the Rotex, my hands no longer tingle after using it. It's really a testament to how well the Rotex is made and functions.

-Mike
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Yeah, the first time I used mine I thought it was defective because it ran 'too' smoothly...didn't feel like any work was getting done.

In random mode this thing just floats across a panel (forced mode is a COMPLETELY different story, however).
 
gusbubba said:
Yeah, the first time I used mine I thought it was defective because it ran 'too' smoothly...didn't feel like any work was getting done.

In random mode this thing just floats across a panel (forced mode is a COMPLETELY different story, however).
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I couldn't agree with you more on the forced mode (rotary mode). I went to this mode to see its functionality and I spent more time on fighting against the machine. I'm sure that I just need more time (and more severe cases of paint to correct) to get a better feel.



I'm completely satisfied with my purchase though and I'd buy another. It's simply THAT good.



-Mike
 
Thanks guys for all the info. I have had the 7336 for a couple of years and it works great. It did vibrate the first 3 cars, but after that it has been great and I have done a lot of cars done with it. I just don't think the random orbits are fast in the rotation orbital spread pattern. I use to have an air orbital that was fast and the results were amazing, but I am not bringing air with me anymore. I use my rotory often, but on quickie jobs I like the 1 step R/O jobs
 
I've Festool Rotex and Bosch equivalent of it, these are Pro Grade random polisher that give you rotary/orbit mode for aggresive cut and powerful orbit mode for serious fine polishing. Both machines peform really good and equally matched as far as power and result. However, I prefer Bosch for easy handling and price, I think I bought it about $100 cheaper than Festool Rotex 150. I easily remove defects using Bosch in rotary/orbit mode with LC 7.5 tufted white polishing pad with the polisher speed set to 3.5-4. Absolutely great machine, I now use my PC and Cyclo for scrubbing carpet and upholstery. Mind you I use these three machines because I've two help that work with me. With these machines you have Zero swirls. Good investement for guys graduating out of cyclo but still fearful of rotary, who want results nearly as quick as rotary.
 
Accumulator said:
Yeah, that gets to a lot of people. And it can be *serious*, not just a little hassle that you don't need to worry about; "white finger" is nothing to sneeze at.
Click to expand...

While PC will never be as pleasant on one's body as Cyclo here is one thing I found today makes PC much more pleasant to use: 5" thin pads. No tingling whatsoever. And this is coming from right-handed guy that has injured right elbow.
 
Another Festool Rotex user here. I get max use out of this tool on the plastic bumpers, headlight lenses, and other "sensitive" areas on cars where the DeWalt rotary could easily burn the paint/plastic.



I typically use the Festool in rotary mode with a polish pad and Optimum, then flip the switch to random orbit to finish the work. It's a great tool, but very expensive compared to Porter-Cable. I'm in a shop environment, so it works for me.



Totoland Mach
 
Scottwax said:
When I have to do anything beyond light polishing, I prefer my Cyclo over my PC.
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That's basically how I feel; however, I sometimes reach for my random o. when I have to polish painted plastic with lots of concave/convex areas and openings, like on many recent front fascias.



*Sorry to thread-jack, but Scott, I'm getting my OP-S soon; could you please tell me which pad I should use on the PC - my LC Black or White (or does it depend?)?
 
mike: it does take a little time to get used to rotary mode.

I've found it's best to use a light touch when using it; don't try to force the machine.

Sometimes I'll angle the front edge up slightly ,which seems to help (especially on side panels).

If you try to manhandle this thing and push harder and fight it , it'll just take off on you...too much power.



ecodetail: I liked the Bosch ,too, and probably would have gotten it except that I use the tool for woodworking and various home improvements. The dust collection on the Festool is well beyond anything out there (properly hooked up, of course)...that pushed me to the Rotex.



Anyone else looking to try one of these machines on a budget might want to have a look at the Ridgid model. It's actually made by Metabo and gets very solid reviews from both magazines and users.



The Home Depot
 
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