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To buy a rotary or not?
I currently have a rupes L21 and I use meguiars microfibre pads and d300. Also mix between menzerna products for a heavier cut. But I struggle to get rid of swirls completely, especially on the hood.
When the car is finished it looks awesome but I can still see swirls in the sun.
Would i be better off using a rotary first and just save time by not having to mess around attempting it with a DA?
I've used a rotary a few times and by all means I need practice which I can do on old hoods/ doors etc first but it seems to me learning to use that will save me time and headaches.
I get paid to detail cars and the customers are always happy but I suppose I'm wanting perfection for myself haha.
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Super Member
Re: To buy a rotary or not?
Why not just invest in a forced rotation DA like the Flex rather than take the risk with a rotary?
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Super Member
Re: To buy a rotary or not?
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Super Member
Re: To buy a rotary or not?
This is gonna be a 2 part answer for you IMO.
1st: With a 21mm polisher you should be able to remove all but the deepest of RIDS especially on a flat panel like hood. You need to adjust your product, pad and/or technique. D300 is a great product but is on the lighter side of compounds IMO. It also leaves oils behind that may mask your work. Use a panel prep for a true inspection.
2nd: if you are willing to learn and practice with test panel, then by all means get a rotary. The more knowledge and tool experience you have the better!
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Re: To buy a rotary or not?
A rotary should be used for TRUE paint defect removal. DA's are exceptional at finishing out paint (as are rotarys if you have experience). For a two step a rotary/DA combo would be a nice combination.
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Re: To buy a rotary or not?
Combo some of this pads and compounds. And you would get an awesome cut on even harder clearcoats. What cars do you see you don't get enough cut on? And it's not mf hazeing you have?
Foamed Wool 6.5 x 1 Thick Polishing / Buffing Pad
Lake Country Thin Foamed Wool Pads
SONAX CutMax Cutting Compound 250 ml.
CarPro ClearCut Fast Cut Compound 250 ml.
If you need to get even more cut from your Rupes 21mm you can get a 5" backing plate. Then you can compounding with a higher opm.
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Re: To buy a rotary or not?
I think that a DA can do just about any job, but there are the factors of effort, time, vibration, etc. Rotaries are definitely faster and easier. If you are doing headlight restoration then I think a rotary is a must. If you are a tool junkie, a rotary is a must.
That being said, I know detailers who do great work with only a PC 7424XP. Not my style but it works for them. Forced rotation DAs like the Makita PO5000C and Flex 3401 may be the next step for you.
Kirk Harrod's Mobile Detailing, Frankfort, KY
Official Detailer of Camarofest 8 & 9
No one has detailed more Camaros.
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Re: To buy a rotary or not?
Originally Posted by
KirkH
I think that a DA can do just about any job, but there are the factors of effort, time, vibration, etc. Rotaries are definitely faster and easier. If you are doing headlight restoration then I think a rotary is a must. If you are a tool junkie, a rotary is a must.
That being said, I know detailers who do great work with only a PC 7424XP. Not my style but it works for them. Forced rotation DAs like the Makita PO5000C and Flex 3401 may be the next step for you.
Rupes also came out with a forced rotation polisher. I believe it has a 3mm (correct me if I'm wrong) throw. I've heard great things about it from a few detailers.
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KirkH thanked for this post
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Super Member
Re: To buy a rotary or not?
Originally Posted by
cwp2016nd
Rupes also came out with a forced rotation
polisher. I believe it has a 3mm (correct me
if I'm wrong) throw.
I've heard great things about it
from a few detailers.
My sources say that RUPES’ LK900E Mille
Gear Driven Polisher has a 5mm throw.
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@OP:
Although I’ve given away numerous Rotary
polishers over the years...I’m here to report
that I’m so glad to have purchased FLEX’s PE8
Kompakt Rotary Polisher—what a godsend!
Bob
"Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
~Joaquin de Setanti
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Super Member
Re: To buy a rotary or not?
Originally Posted by
FUNX650
... I’m so glad to have purchased FLEX’s PE8
Kompakt Rotary Polisher—what a godsend!
Bob
I love my PE8. Hence my avatar
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