Is the rotary really that difficult?

[YankeeFan]

Saw the 5 videos from Meguairs and his technique didn't seem all that difficult. Thought it was pretty similar to a DA. He still had to go over the same area just not applying much pressure. Granted, all he worked on was the hood of the car, nothing very dificult but it appeared the rotary has some leeway too in terms of not damaging the car. Thought I'd do the same as others buying a junk hood and practice and skip the DA altogether? What do you think? Are there any other, mkore detailed, rotary videos to view?

Howard

[GearHead_1]

Is the rotary really that difficult?

No, I don't think the operative word here is difficult. It is for lack of a better description more capable of burning your paint in a short period of time. The PC can do this too but you "almost" have to try to make a PC burn paint. You need to be on your toes until you mastered the process and even then have to pay more attention to what you are doing. It isn't something to be scared of.

[ltoman]

I know I would LOVE to learn how to work one. Ideas, guys? I am terrified to wreck one of our cars, but my son's Honda is getting repainted, so I have the perfect test vehicle in the short meantime.
ANyone?

[mywifehatesclowns]

No it is not that hard if you have some patience and don't expect immediate results. There are different forms, like:

Holding the pad flat or angled - Both work, whatever floats your boat.

FIgure 8 or straight line patterns - Same as above whatever feels comfortable

SPeed - This is a varying factor. I would not go over 2000 RPM and that is a lot depending on the application, pad etc etc.

PM me and I can show you a real good book to read.

[GearHead_1]

The videos aren't a bad place to start but if you are really afraid to jump in with both feet find someone else who uses one. Make sure you've seen their results and that you like what you see. We've got so many members that I've got to believe you aren't too far from someone with the acquired skill. Seeing it done first hand will remove your doubts.

[FMINUS]

I think Orngz was talking about having a detail day where he will demonstrate a rotarty....

[DavidJ021]

I wish there were more detailers in Norcal. I would like to have a Detail Day here too. Showoff peoples work and also DIY Info. It would be goodstuff.

I would say just start off below the 1800-2000RPM range. And as long as you have PC experience, I think you should be fine.

This reminds me of 600cc and 1000cc sportbike threads lol. The PC is a 600cc and rotary is a 1000cc bike.

[Nica]

The rotary is not really that difficult, I think knowing how the PC work is a bonus because you get the feel of a power polisher. I purchased the video Buffing With Confidence and did a review....I was quite happy with the video. Offers lots of tips and pointers, it even goes over the wool pads...which was one of the reasons why I purchased it.

[richy]

you'll do fine..there was some good advice in those Meg's vids. Don't fight it is important. I will often start the hood with one hand just to get myself into the "mode". The results that you can attain are worth it..it is a better and more powerful tool...the m/c analogy was great.

[atty]

Your son's Honda is perfect. My first victim was a '77 Eldorado.....football fields of space to learn on. Don't just do a spot on the hood and declare yourself experienced. Do the whole car to get the feel of when and where you are going to burn. Obviously edges and tight spaces are prime candidates, but you HAVE to learn the feel first....and sadly you must learn what it feels like to burn. After all, we would make pretty lousy bike riders if we never took a few tumbles in the learning process.

After you get the basic feel, it will change according to type of pad, type of material, etc., but that's a matter of fine tuning. I'd suggest keeping a spray bottle of water handy. It will help keep the temp of the pad down while you're learning. Also don't be afraid to pulse the trigger on and off for speed control. In the course of doing a whole car, there are fewer areas than you might think when you're running at full speed.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.