Why don't we hear much about Cyclo?

[Accumulator]

Bought mine of Ebay for $125. Use it just about everyday

For 2 years no issues.

Cyclos are one piece of equipment that'd I wouldn't hesitate to buy used. The (rarely needed) rebuilds are cheap enough anyhow.

I am torn now even more than before. I feel like I would really like to go with a cyclo but am not sure if it has enough cut for some of the projects I would like to use it on (neglected family cars). I have many family cars that are not garaged and have not been waxed regularly.

I simply don't know how to advise you, and I've done a lot of machine polishing :think:



While my standard answer these days is "buy a Flex 3401", I could easily say to get a Cyclo instead, especially if you're not gonna be shooting for absolute perfection. A Cyclo is a great machine in every respect if you're likely to be satisfied with a non-Autopian level of correction, which honestly oughta be plenty good enough for any normal person.



For realistic maintenance of not-garaged vehicles, the Cyclo should do fine. And the incredibly user-friendly nature of the thing shouldn't be dismissed out-of-hand; if you don't like using something you're less likely to do the work.



And yeah, with the right products (and plenty of time), the Cyclo *can* do perfectionist-level correction.

 

[BobD]

Looks up some Cyclo Polisher videos on YouTube. I've been using a Cyclo for a long time now and love it and i use it more than my PC or my high speed.

 

[brwill2005]

What also does not seem to get mentioned, is the Cyclo is not a random orbit like the PC. The orbit is fixed, based on the travel of the counter weight. A bit hard to explain without holding one in your hand.

 

[nonsensez9]

I bought a PC a few years ago and I can get my vehicles (that's all I work on) to a point that is satisfactory to me, but the autopians amongst us would find lots of flaws remaining. That said, the other 99.5% wonder how I keep my car so clean... I say something like "ummmm.... I wash it" and they'll say "So do I, but your car looks so much better". So that's kind of cool.



I'm looking to buy a flex in the spring, not for additional correction but hopefully to save time. I know I'm getting a bit off topic here, but I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on a flex as a time saver over a PC?

 

[Rob Tomlin]

I'm looking to buy a flex in the spring, not for additional correction but hopefully to save time. I know I'm getting a bit off topic here, but I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on a flex as a time saver over a PC?

I just bought a Flex from a member here, so I would be interested in reading answers to this as well.

 

[wn1998]

I just bought a Flex from a member here, so I would be interested in reading answers to this as well.

There are hundreds of threads on this. go take a look and you will get a ton of information.



Back to the Cyclo, what is a good price to find one used. There is currently one on ebay with a cracked case. It looks pretty beat up though. The seller says the missing chunk of case doesn't affect how it works.



Also, where are the best places to find a used cyclo?

 

[JohnKleven]

The Cyclo is easily the best balanced machine of the 3. It has decent cut, but will never replace a rotary. My favorite random orbital polishing machine.





John

 

[Accumulator]

Back to the Cyclo, what is a good price to find one used. There is currently one on ebay with a cracked case. It looks pretty beat up though. The seller says the missing chunk of case doesn't affect how it works.



Also, where are the best places to find a used cyclo?

I do think I'd skip one with a broken/cracked casing. It'd take *incredible* abuse to do that and I wouldn't like the idea of stuff getting inside there.



I would just keep an eye on ebay/etc. sites, they turn up now and then. I'd try to get one for around $150.

I'm looking to buy a flex in the spring, not for additional correction but hopefully to save time. I know I'm getting a bit off topic here, but I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on a flex as a time saver over a PC?

Short answer: yes, it'll save a lot of time over a PC.

 

[sparklescarwash]

I have a cyclo,dewalt variable speed buffer,flex3401,portercable. The cyclo is 7 years old probably did 500 cars with it and still runs like the day i bought it. automagic makes a 3 step kit for it compound,polish,wax works great.By far the most dependable. Much smoother than the flex or pc.Built like a tank. The flex has better paint correction abilities almost as good as a true high speed. My flex is 2 to 3 years old you can even walk the triger just like a high speed probably done 250 cars starting to hear bearing noise.The look and feel is closer to a high speed than the cyclo or pc.The pc is good to but no where as powerful as the flex.I prefer the flex over the pc. You will not regret eather.Dewalt makes a random orbit polisher 4000-6800 opm that looks great.