Is it worth buying a rotary polisher?
Discussion
I'm just starting to get the detailing bug and my next logical step would be to get myself an electric polisher of some description.
As a beginner who will be looking to use realistically 3-4 times a year is it really worth it? The cars in the household could do with correction but not massively so IMO so no <need> to buy it but the hobbyist in me wants one!
If I do decide to get one what would be best?
I'm not sure if I want to stretch to a Megs 220 so I'd be nearer the budget end of the market.
I'd be interested to hear the opinions of those who have bought one and either loved it or hated it!
As a beginner who will be looking to use realistically 3-4 times a year is it really worth it? The cars in the household could do with correction but not massively so IMO so no <need> to buy it but the hobbyist in me wants one!
If I do decide to get one what would be best?
I'm not sure if I want to stretch to a Megs 220 so I'd be nearer the budget end of the market.
I'd be interested to hear the opinions of those who have bought one and either loved it or hated it!
I would begin with a Meguiares G220 (Porter Cable DA polisher) to get used to what different foam heads and polish compounds can do to improve your paintwork and overall finish.
Then if you feel that they do not have enough ability then go for a rotary. Using a polisher four times a year is a total waste of money using a G220 makes greater financial sense.
Then if you feel that they do not have enough ability then go for a rotary. Using a polisher four times a year is a total waste of money using a G220 makes greater financial sense.
Go with a rotary - the Milwaukee AP12QE for much the same money as the Meg's G220 random orbital.
You could save some money on a Kestrel - either the SIM180 (rotary) or the DAS-6 (random orbital) but the SIM180 is heavier than the AP12QE.
I don't like the Porter Cable-esque RO's, since they vibrate terribly, and it's not unknown for many users to end up with numb hands/forearms.
The lack of torque also is an issue with some - they end up jiggling rather than rotating.
Whilst it's easier to damage (strike through) your paint with a rotary, you can do just as much damage with a random orbital - edges being the main area where this happens, if too aggressive a pad/polish combo are used.
Running a rotary on lower speed, with medium/soft pads and medium/light abrasives, you'll still get good correction, even if it means having to do the area more than once.
Best thing to do, is get your kit, and a scrap panel, then set to learning who combination of pad, speed, abrasive, gives what level of correction.
If you can get 2 panels - one from a German marque (hard clear) and one from a Japanese marque (typically softer clear) then you'll be able to appreciate what needs what to correct it.
A bit of 3M Trizact 3K or Abralon 4K to wet sand (makes it easier to see the correction) the panels, and you're ready to start learning.
You could save some money on a Kestrel - either the SIM180 (rotary) or the DAS-6 (random orbital) but the SIM180 is heavier than the AP12QE.
I don't like the Porter Cable-esque RO's, since they vibrate terribly, and it's not unknown for many users to end up with numb hands/forearms.
The lack of torque also is an issue with some - they end up jiggling rather than rotating.
Whilst it's easier to damage (strike through) your paint with a rotary, you can do just as much damage with a random orbital - edges being the main area where this happens, if too aggressive a pad/polish combo are used.
Running a rotary on lower speed, with medium/soft pads and medium/light abrasives, you'll still get good correction, even if it means having to do the area more than once.
Best thing to do, is get your kit, and a scrap panel, then set to learning who combination of pad, speed, abrasive, gives what level of correction.
If you can get 2 panels - one from a German marque (hard clear) and one from a Japanese marque (typically softer clear) then you'll be able to appreciate what needs what to correct it.
A bit of 3M Trizact 3K or Abralon 4K to wet sand (makes it easier to see the correction) the panels, and you're ready to start learning.
belleair302 said:
I would begin with a Meguiares G220 (Porter Cable DA polisher) to get used to what different foam heads and polish compounds can do to improve your paintwork and overall finish.
Then if you feel that they do not have enough ability then go for a rotary. Using a polisher four times a year is a total waste of money using a G220 makes greater financial sense.
I recently picked up a DAS-6 PackageThen if you feel that they do not have enough ability then go for a rotary. Using a polisher four times a year is a total waste of money using a G220 makes greater financial sense.
As far as I can tell it's the same as Megs G220 but without the badge. It gets some good reviews on the forum etc.
Easy to use and not too heavy
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