Porter-Cable, Verses Similar Products?

S

Schuma Detail

CEO of InstantShine
As Im currently aware, it seems that its impossible to find a porter-cable over here in the great desert known as Australia. So I have been researching a little more on other, yet similar products. So I started searching for things called a 'Random Orbit Polisher" and still to no avail. So it seems as if im going to have to pick up a 'Random Orbit Sander', and change the backing plates to suit a polish pad, at least so far.

What would be everyone's opinion on this, and what has everyone's experience been like with alternative products? Or more so, have YOU been able to find a Porter-Cable in Australia?

Cheers,

Ash
 
The PC is a sander/polisher, but I can't speak on it if using another brand would be OK. Personally, I like products that are tried and true...

Most of the sites will ship to Australia. I know that Dwayne at PAC does. He's got the PC too...

Just remember that the voltage is different!!!
 
Hmm, interesting. I had a quick look at shipping costs and the price of the PC itself, and im tossing up whether or not to go for it. The PC will cost me a few hundred in total (Australian), but an alternative could cost as little as fifty. Would you say its worth the difference, or would you say that the Porter Cable really is the way to go?

An answer from someone who knows the difference would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Ash
 
PM 6cycl of fury, he's in Oz as well and using Hitachi as alternative to PC (forgot the model number, sorry)
 
I've also been looking around and am seriously considering going for a Hitachi variable speed machine.

Couple of hundred $ from memory but a good brand name that is backed up in Aus which has to be taken into consideration as well.

Scott
 
Hi Fellow Aussies,

For a PC alternative look at the dewalt 443AU, its the biggest Random Orbital that Dewalt has. If has more power than the pc and is local. Also if you dont mind spending some cash 90% of Pannel beaters and smash repair businesses here in Australia use brands that are either Rupes (Italian) or Festool (German).

In terms of quality and construction Rupes and Festool have it all over the PC and Dewalt (which I own both the rotary and the orbital). I also have a Rupes variable speed buffer and it is much better than the dewalt. It is better balanced meaning you can use it at higher speeds easier, also it has a soft start up that helps to reduce polish splatter and a variable touque system that helps to prevent burining the paint. check out www.rupes.com.au .

tony.
 
Ah, Great!

Thankyou for the enlightenment Mizzuri, now I can see there is way more than the one option. In the meantime, I had a quick look, and I think I might just go for the porter-cable, and have it imported direct from the United States. It works out about the same price as buying an alternative locally, and I know the results it can give. In the meantime, I might still consider buying the Rubes type in the future, after I get a little more established. It looks really snazzy!

Cheers Mate,

Ash
 
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