rotary or big throw dual action

2shiny

2shiny

New member
what is your prefered tool?
do these big throw DA's really cut as good and fast as a rotary?
i see those pro's work with DA machines more and more.
 
Nothing can work as good and fast as Rotary Power in the hands of an experienced, seasoned, user.

The other machines work very well but will take longer to accomplish the task.

You need pad rotation to make any of the products sold for correction, polishing, etc., work to their highest potential..

There will always be a debate on which machine works best, leaves the best finish, free of swirls...

Rotary Power all the way for me.. :)
Dan F
 
I'm a rotary guy myself. I do like to keep my GG6 close too though. It comes down to the task at hand for me, but if it requires heavy compounding especially, rotary all the way. To be fair, I've never touched a Rupes in my life. You never know..I may get a 21 someday and never want to use anything else. There is definetely something to be said for Rupes. If they weren't arguably the best machines on the market right now, you wouldn't see these guys who are known only for top notch work using them religiously.
 
Nothing is going to beat the rotary for corrective efficiency. I currently do most of my heavier correcting with the Flex 3401. It is not as efficient as a true rotary but by incorporating forced rotation it can become pretty dang close with the correct wool pad.

I have never used a Rupes but they have such a good reputation they must be good machines. It is my opinion, ( just my opinion),- however that I think that the Flex with its forced rotation would give greater correction capabilities than the Rupes. I have never used the Rupes so I can't state that as fact, just opinion. Maybe someone on this forum has both machines and could shed some light on the topic.
 
Ill be following this because This may help shed some light on weather or not I want a Rupes or a Flex
 
I'll put my Makita 9227c up against any machine...I have 3 DA's including the Rupes 21
..but every machine has its place in the world of detailing. ...but I love my Makita !!
 
I believe the flex is a better machine then the rupes. But thats my opinion.
I hear more and more that experienced rotary users are a bit disappointed with the rupes machines as they take longer to cut and don't finish as good as the rotary.
I myself like my rotary and my normal dual action polisher. Maybe a flex will be added. But I tried a rupes 21 and 15 and the noise and vibrations really put me off
 
Very good points, 2shiny -

The vibrations alone on any of the other machines could be a detriment to the user over a period of time..

Certainly, the microfiber pads have been a game changer for the other machines, along with special compounds designed to work as well..

And they even got the adhesives right so that with all that extra movement which creates a lot more heat than a Rotary, these things seem to work pretty well..

I dont have any Rupes either; bought a Flex 3401-VRG Years ago when they first came out..

Tried it, it was ok. Had counter-clockwise rotation..
Really tried to make it work, even cut down the only backing plate ( 6" ) when it first came out, to accept the smaller 5/1/4" pads, and they eventually started making smaller backing plates..

It helped a lot in controlling the machine when you put a lot of pressure on it, but still, it was not nearly as fast as my Makita...

So it has sat in my Machine cabinet shelf for years and only comes out occasionally to do something like spread a sealant, etc.,..

My good friend, Lee, the most awesome Boat Detailer in the Seattle area, laughed out loud when some people sent him a D/A to try out on Boats... :)

He routinely kills Rotaries because of the extreme pressure and speed he runs them to make bad gelcoat look brand new again.. His skill with a Rotary is as good as anyone else who has taken the time to learn the machine, the compounds, and how to always turn out perfectly clear, deep, swirl-free paintwork..

He will Never have a random orbital in his lifetime...

Dan F
 
I'll trade you my PC for your flex... spreads waxes and sealants like a champ. Plus smaller and probably lighter ;)
 
ShaneB said:
I'll trade you my PC for your flex... spreads waxes and sealants like a champ. Plus smaller and probably lighter ;)
Click to expand...

I would not be to quick to trade away the PC if it is the only one you have. I own the Flex and several PC's. I still would not want to get rid of my PC's. They have their place when I prefer them over the Flex.

The PC is a little easier to handle and doesn't wear you out as much when using it for extended periods. I can also handle my PC with one hand in certain situations - no way I could do this with the flex. The PC excels in spreading product and for finishing polishes. The Flex is my workhorse for major correction. I really wouldn't want to be without either one.
 
I know... but buying a new PC to replace one i traded away is a lot cheaper than buying a new flex

kind of a joke btw
 
ShaneB said:
I know... but buying a new PC to replace one i traded away is a lot cheaper than buying a new flex

kind of a joke btw
Click to expand...

I gotcha. I realize that you were more or less joking. BTW, I wouldn't hesitate one bit to buy a used Flex if you can find one for sale. These things are built like a tank and have a reputation for running forever. Never had any problems with mine.
 
The little Meguiars G110V I believe is also a great little PC that is perfect with a smaller pad/backing plate for cleaning waterspotted glass, moon roofs, side windows, etc...

Sometimes it is the only thing I have that is small enough to get into a tight spot for a headlight, fog light, etc...

Have to have one of those if you are Detailing for dollars..
Dan F
 
Oh for sure. I've actually found it most useful with brush attachments for interior work. I'll never not have a PC or similar machine. Stiff brush along with some upholstery foam and you can clean interior upholstery in no time!
 
Up until this year I used a D/A for all phases of correction work. I bought a Harbor Freight rotary a few years back and hated it and decided to never pick it up again. It wasn't until I got my hands on a DeWalt that I saw that I could be on to something with enough time behind them. I bought myself a Makita and absolutely love it. With the right pads, polishes, and end user good sense I feel that nothing can beat the cut and finish (and the reliability of these abilities) of a rotary. The forced and big throw d/a's in concept would not seem to be up to snuff with a rotary. If you're serious about cranking out great corrections, learn to properly use a rotary. D/A's will still be good on light to moderate work and applying waxes, sealants, and AIOs.
 
Man. Now I wan't to give Rotary a shot. I might have to pick up some test hoods from the junkyard if I decide to do it though.
 
It still is tuff for me to use the pc for correction. I grew up using a rotary. Still do. I will use the pc for light spot correction and spreading wax & stuff.
mnehls86, try a rotary, you may like it.
 
I've used a rotary before back in a few body shop classes i took. But always used large pads. Never thought to use smaller pads. It's sounding more and more like going rotary is the way to go. Steeper learning curve but with enough experience, it's much more versatile and can handle about everything. Maybe I'll skip the idea of a flex and go for the rotary and take the time to learn to use it properly. Keep my PC for finishing work
 
mnehls86 said:
Man. Now I wan't to give Rotary a shot. I might have to pick up some test hoods from the junkyard if I decide to do it though.
Click to expand...

My California friend -

You have the right attitude alone, for being able to do really good with Rotary Power... :)

Get some spare painted car parts and experiment - or find an old guy that knows how to do it and he can help you learn..

Here is the ultimate secret - Do not let it stay on one spot too long - Keep it moving - Always.. :)

You can adjust pressure and lower speeds to get really great correction and get this - not have Any dusting, etc., flying all over... I do it all the time..

Keep the pad flat on the finish always... Never use the edge of the pad, unless you are going to go back over with the pad flat on the surface..

Smaller pads in the 5"+ range work way better and are easier to control than larger pads, unless you are correcting big airplanes, boats, Vans, RV's etc...

Good luck !
Dan F
 
2shiny said:
what is your prefered tool?
do these big throw DA's really cut as good and fast as a rotary?
i see those pro's work with DA machines more and more.
Click to expand...

I prefer to have both!

I've been using rotaries for over 25 years now, but I rarely reach for them now days. The rotary can and will cut faster, but it will typically take more steps to get to the same desired outcome. Many hard core rotary guys will debate this, but a tool like the Rupes in the hands of a user who's taken the time to learn how to harness the power of it, can and will achieve very good correction and finish in similar time as a rotary. Kevin Brown is that master at such things.

While I could have taken a rotary and wool pad to this trashed, hard, black VW paint, instead I chose to use a FINISHING polish (M205) on the Rupes 21 with a MF pad. All that's left after this is a light refining with a foam pad and polish.

 
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