I own a rotary, do i need a DA???

93fox

93fox

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This is lately what i have been getting trough my head! i own a makita rotary polisher and i am always asking myself if i need a Dual action polisher as well? such as a porter cable? is it really necessary to own a da after you already have a rotary? i ask this because i have read here that finishing with a DA leaves a whole better finish that a rotary! i have done all the finishing with my makita and it seems to leave a very nice finish! but im still wondering if i need a da, those of you guys that have both, what do you suggest? :dunno:
 
The better I got with my rotary the less I used my DAs. Now I only use my G110V2 for applying wax or sealant. I still use my Flex 3401 for doing AIO quick details because it leaves no holograms. I could get by with just my rotary but sometimes a DA is convenient to have around.
 
The more polishers the better!!! :buffing: I find a use for all types! Even my ancient wax spreader gets used......to keep the wind from blowing the door closed tho! Seriously tho, having a DA and a rotary can be very helpful and it just gives you more options!
 
:iagree: As soon as you were to get rid of the DA, you'd find a need for one. Better safe than sorry.
 
I also own a Makita 9227 and while it does have it uses (compounding gelcoat on the hull of our 24ft center console offshore boat!), I quickly realized how much I needed a DA polisher after attending Detailing 101 & 201 classes at Auto Geek.

I saved since attending in late Oct. '10 and just recently purchased a Griot's 6" random orbital polisher with 5" backing plate, 5.5" LC pads, & some very good Wolfgang products.

Again, I'm no pro, but don't believe anyone could do without a DA polisher for auto detailing. Heck, most of the guys have at least 2 or more different DA polishers!

Good Luck with your choice.
 
tuscarora dave said:
The better I got with my rotary the less I used my DAs. Now I only use my G110V2 for applying wax or sealant. I still use my Flex 3401 for doing AIO quick details because it leaves no holograms. I could get by with just my rotary but sometimes a DA is convenient to have around.
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i like the idea of getting the rotary skill perfectly down! ill probably get a DA later on, but i love my makita and how quick i can correct! by the way :poke:....what does AIO mean?
 
Have the best of both worlds:
Get the Dynabrade attachment for your rotary! Have the strength of your rotary and the finishing of the DA without having to store two tools.
 
CCC4me said:
Have the best of both worlds:
Get the Dynabrade attachment for your rotary! Have the strength of your rotary and the finishing of the DA without having to store two tools.
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:iagree:DA on steroids!!
 
Dr Oldz said:
The more polishers the better!!! :buffing: I find a use for all types! Even my ancient wax spreader gets used......to keep the wind from blowing the door closed tho! Seriously tho, having a DA and a rotary can be very helpful and it just gives you more options!
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Its all about the tools ( or toys) The more ya have the better!!!!!
 
tuscarora dave said:
The better I got with my rotary the less I used my DAs. Now I only use my G110V2 for applying wax or sealant. I still use my Flex 3401 for doing AIO quick details because it leaves no holograms. I could get by with just my rotary but sometimes a DA is convenient to have around.
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I second that. I have a PC, and only use it for wax/sealant application. I do like it for that. I will be using it on RVs as well though. It's definitely not necessary, but it does have it's advantages in certain situations.

To answer your question though, do you need it? No. Is it handy to have around...I think so. :xyxthumbs:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
I second that. I have a PC, and only use it for wax/sealant application. I do like it for that. I will be using it on RVs as well though. It's definitely not necessary, but it does have it's advantages in certain situations.

To answer your question though, do you need it? No. Is it handy to have around...I think so. :xyxthumbs:
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ha i knew you would chime in man! i read a post about you saying how you just couldnt bond with a DA and your rotary was what got it done! i really love my Makita! sometimes i work tooo fast and remember that i have to slow down to get good results!
 
yes, having a DA is a must IMO. having a rotary and DA is like having a flathead & phillips screwdriver, they both have there places and uses...
 
93fox said:
ha i knew you would chime in man! i read a post about you saying how you just couldnt bond with a DA and your rotary was what got it done! i really love my Makita! sometimes i work tooo fast and remember that i have to slow down to get good results!
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Yeah, and I got nailed for just not using the right pad/product/or whatever other magical combination it takes to get that to work. I just don't see the sense in trying to figure out a combination that works for a DA when a rotary can get it done much quicker anyways.

I guess once you go rotary, you can't go DA. But you can go DA to rotary. I know some rely strictly on the DA, and get fantastic results. I'm just not one of those people I guess.

I'll keep playing with it though. I bought some of the orange/white pads that everybody raves about. Just waiting for some free time to give it a test run. :dblthumb2:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
I guess once you go rotary, you can't go DA.
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people like kevin brown, david fermani and quite a bit of others are doing just that (rotary to DA), especially with the new technology and advancement in products/pads these days. to each his or her own, there is no right or wrong and you got to use what works for you to achieve the results that you desire. there is no one tool that is the answer to everything...
 
BigAl3 said:
people like kevin brown, david fermani and quite a bit of others are doing just that (rotary to DA), especially with the new technology and advancement in products/pads these days. to each his or her own, there is no right or wrong and you got to use what works for you to achieve the results that you desire. there is no one tool that is the answer to everything...
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No argument there. That's why I'm willing to still give it a shot. :xyxthumbs:
 
From what I understand, there are some colors like certain blacks that are basically impossible to get perfect with a rotary regardless of your skill with it. For those types of paint, a Flex 3401 is an extremely useful and almost necessary tool to certain paints perfect. On the other hand, if you have great skill with a rotary, you can do almost anything and get phenomenal results with far less time than with a DA.
I would say get a Flex 3401 if you can afford it. I am extremely satisfied with mine. My only complaint about it is that it can't cut as fast as a rotary can.
 
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