The MAKITA Arrived!

J

JustinL

New member
WOW...talk about fast shipping!! I ordered on Tuesday night, and it was here this morning. I ordered from Coastal Tool.



Anyways, I do have a few questions before I start messing around:



First, I did attach the loop handle on it, but I've read mixed opinions about its usability. What do most of you guys think? The loop handle, the side handle or NO handle at all? I just want to be as safe as possible with this thing!! I'm nervous and excited at the same time, so I dont want to get ahead of myself and end up regreting it...



Second, I ordered a flexible backing plate from Top Of The Line, but it hasn't arrived yet :hmph: so I put on the standard one that the machine came with...is that one alright to use while I'm experimenting at least? Or should I avoid it all together?

I have plenty of variety regarding pads, so thats no issue...



Well, any feedback/support would be great!! Thanks a lot guys, this forum is a Godsend :grinno:
 
You're going to love the machine! :)



I have the side handle. I haven't tried the top hand yet so it's tough to say.



I've never used the included backplating so it's tough to say.
 
You will LOVE your Makita!



I have only used the bigger top handle, never tried the side handle so I cant say, maybe I will throw it on this Sunday and let you know.



If your gonna practice on scrap panels I would just use that backing plate till your other one arrives, I just wouldnt use it on an actual car that you care about.



Jim
 
I guess I don't get the fuss. I have a makita and I absoultly hate the thing. My dewalt is a 100X's better, Smoother, easier to handle, more predictable etc etc. for the same money. But FWIW.. Use a side handle you'll get much better control. The stock backing plate I beleive is hook and loop. I personally prefere actual velcro. I've had some bad luck with hook and loop backing plates. And the best advice is use it often. The more you use it the better you get and that is the key to a great detail.
 
Jakerooni said:
I guess I don't get the fuss. I have a makita and I absoultly hate the thing. My dewalt is a 100X's better, Smoother, easier to handle, more predictable etc etc. for the same money. But FWIW.. Use a side handle you'll get much better control. The stock backing plate I beleive is hook and loop. I personally prefere actual velcro. I've had some bad luck with hook and loop backing plates. And the best advice is use it often. The more you use it the better you get and that is the key to a great detail.
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Maybe I need to get my hand on one to test it out?
 
Yeah, the backing plate that came with it is Velcro... But im just going to use it on the test panels. Until the flexible backing plate arrives....
 
Personally, I had more control with NO handle. Tried the side handle and lost control pretty fast. What I did like about it was the trigger and speed dial controls right at your fingertips.



But, I'd rather use the Metabo. Lighter and easier to control.
 
Not a fan of a side handle on a makita. ok with PC though

The loop handle I really like for doing hoods and trunks but I will hold the head of the machine when doing doors and take the handle off when buffing in between the trunk and a spoiler wing so that it fits underneath. Sometimes I have to take the wing off



Holding the head when doing doors is the only way to go. gives you great balance and control when doing horizontal passes.
 
Thanks for that tip SVR, I have to give that a shot on Sunday! Never thought about holding the head of the machine for doors. Good call.



Thanks



Jim
 
I use the makita with the D handle. It's pretty handy I guess. tough to use on really low cars though while doing the sides. It ate the cord once :sign
 
Jakerooni said:
I guess I don't get the fuss. I have a makita and I absoultly hate the thing. My dewalt is a 100X's better, Smoother, easier to handle, more predictable etc etc. for the same money. But FWIW.. Use a side handle you'll get much better control. The stock backing plate I beleive is hook and loop. I personally prefere actual velcro. I've had some bad luck with hook and loop backing plates. And the best advice is use it often. The more you use it the better you get and that is the key to a great detail.
Click to expand...





That's funny because most people I hear from say the makita is alot better than any dewalt they've polished with. Which model # have you used?



Klr, Hook and Loop=Velcro
 
Uggg.. Looks like I'm going to have to snap a few pics. I have hook and loop backing plates and velcro backing plates and they are definatly NOT the same. Velcro is a stronger backing plate and you can't use a hook and loop pad on a velcro back and visa versa. Not sure where people started making this assumption but it will cause a huge mess in a heartbeat ,trust me I know. I accidently used a velcro pad on a hook and loop backing plate on a vette and next thing you know my pad went flying across the shop and I had a 10" scratch all along the back of the vette. They are different and are used for different applications.
 
Jakerooni said:
Uggg.. Looks like I'm going to have to snap a few pics. I have hook and loop backing plates and velcro backing plates and they are definatly NOT the same. Velcro is a stronger backing plate and you can't use a hook and loop pad on a velcro back and visa versa. Not sure where people started making this assumption but it will cause a huge mess in a heartbeat ,trust me I know. I accidently used a velcro pad on a hook and loop backing plate on a vette and next thing you know my pad went flying across the shop and I had a 10" scratch all along the back of the vette. They are different and are used for different applications.
Click to expand...

I can't really comment as I've never seen different ones (velcro vs hook/loop). What I do know is that hook & loop fastening is the "technology" and Velcro is the brand name. So, I'm assuming by the post that you are using a Velcro brand hook & loop backing plate or something that is using Velcro branded products.
 
Here's the pics of Hook and Loop and Velcro. It's easy to tell the difference. The velcro (black) is much stronger and is used for wool and synthetic pads. the hook and loop (greyish) is only for low speed foam pads. Again I stress DO NOT mistake the two and think they are the same thing. You will most certianly regret it.







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I only use the black one and was told that it was called a hool & loop plate. Never seen the gray one. What brand is it? Where'd you get it from?
 
Just so I am clear: to the best of my experience, 'Velcro' is a brand name like 'Kleenex'. It is a patented hook-and-loop design that can make an insanely strong bond.

I have experienced non-Velcro hook-and-loop high speed frisbee sessions.

It's hilarious as long as you are not responsible for the damage done by the flying disc or the backing plate as it grinds through the clear coat...

As far as that goes, some good pads are proprietary, you must have a compatible backing plate. I opted for Lake Country.

Enjoy your new toy!

Pics!!!
 
Jake, What you are calling velcro everyone here calls hook & loop- the black BP from your pics. If you go to any online detailing distributer they'll show what you call velcro as hook & loop. It's just a communication mistake on both ends here, no big deal.



I've never seen a white BP, like the one you have up there, before.
 
I've noticed far less strain on my wrist when I switched from the side to the D handle on my 9227.

+1 you will love that machine
 
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