what Rotary's and D/A's do you have in your arsenal?

I've got the 7424XP, a Flex 3401 and the Griot's 3" pneumatic.



Thinking of getting the Metabo 3" electric. Would love to try out Griot's new one.
 
Accumulator said:
Unfortunately, putting a small pad on a big machine doesn't get you into tight spots very well.



While small pads will be handy for spot-correction, they won't let the Flex 3401 get into hard to reach areas. The machine's housing becomes the limiting factor. So much so that I haven't bothered using my E2K adaptor nor have I had my buddy turn down my spare backing plate for use with smaller pads. I'll do both of those eventually, but IMO they're not really viable solutions to the tight-spot problem.



Taking off the top handle helps a *little*, but the metal housing (which you then have to hold) gets mighty hot.
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You're so right, Accumaltor. I didn't word my post correctly. What I meant to say was that since I'm pretty new to using the Flex, I have a hard time using it in areas that have a lot of contours. The 6.5 inch pads sometimes don't make contact with the paint surface. It could just be my technique, but that's what I've experienced so far.



For those tight spaces, you're right. Using the Flex would be hard because of the housing size. I'll have to save my pennies until I can get a PC.
 
RustyBumper said:
. What I meant to say was that .. I have a hard time using it in areas that have a lot of contours. The 6.5 inch pads sometimes don't make contact with the paint surface..
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Sometimes I use a *larger* pad and the overhanging portion gets into areas like that. It's kinda gentle though, because the backing plate isn't behind that portion of the pad to stiffen it. But that's not always a bad thing ;)

Atlantic Euro said:
Thinking of getting the Metabo 3" electric. Would love to try out Griot's new one.
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You might want to lean towards that Metabo. My Griot's has started making untoward noises after only a few sessions :nervous:



Handy little thing though, nice for individual RIDS even if it does seem to spray a fine mist of splatter all over due to the high RPM.
 
Got More Wax said:
FLex 3403, 3401 and Makita 9227. And, of course, the ubiqutious Cyclo.



Andy
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Now *that's* a nice setup. I keep waffling on what I want as a backup rotary for my 3403. Right now, it's a tie between the Metabo and the 9227.



Jeff. AutoKraft said:
I have a Festool Pollux.............great motor & one of the smoothest out there!
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There haven't been a lot of posts about the Festool. Any chance of some pics and a sound bite?



scary bill said:
Hitachi Rotary, most correction work.



PC 7424-wax/glaze/seal/light polishing.



I am happy with what I got.
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No problems with the Hitachi, Bill? Particularly the switch?
 
SuperBee364 said:
No problems with the Hitachi, Bill? Particularly the switch?
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None as of yet. The switch is holding up fine. I have had it for a few years, but only use it on a few trucks a year. No real heavy work, either. Mainly polishing out light swirls with OP and LC wht and the jeweling the paint with uf.



Only had to use compound on the Ranger, and that was limited to a post-body shop clean up.



I almost overheated it on the Honda CRV as the paint was very sticky. The buffer really had to try to keep the pad spinning. On the hood the buffer actually stalled out.:confused:



That was only that one vehicle, and FWIW the PC didn't do much better on the hood.:think: Overall I am still happy with the Hitachi, but if/when it breaks I would probably get the Makita.
 
Auto Concierge said:
DeWalt rotary

Flex rotary

Metabo rotary

Flex DA

Festool DA

PC DA polisher
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How do you like the Festool DA compared to the Flex? Anyone else have experiences with either?
 
StumpyDetailing said:
Why a backup?
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Can you really have too many tools??? :)



But seriously... the 3403 has done a few thermal shut downs on me now, and they don't have the best reliability record out there. Plus, it would really stink to be in the middle of a detail and have your only rotary give it up on you. I think all the full time guys have at least one backup.
 
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