I have an old rotary polisher I was thinking about trying out...

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pointillistic_practitioner

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We're trying to sell (or if not, then probably junk) our 2000 Ford Explorer. Only 90k miles, but was having too many problems...in any case, it's currently sitting around getting dirty. I did an approx 70% paint correction a few months ago w/ my Griot's Garage DA but it's been sitting there for awhile. Back in the 80s/early 90s My father used to have a sailboat (with a gel coat I believe). He used some model Black & Decker Rotary to polish the finish. I recently found this rotary while looking around the garage. I thought... NOW is the perfect time to try the rotary w/ this car we're probably going to get rid of! The problem is, I'm not sure if the buffer is even suitable for modern clear coats. It's from the 80's, and I can't see any numbered speed adjustments...[see picture where I'm pointing for a possible adjustment (by screwdriver?)] I've used it before on the boat of a friend who wasn't concerned w/ holograms or anything like that just getting out major oxidation....and it seemed REALLY fast...w/ a high pitched whine. Maybe I'm just not used to rotary noise? Not to mention I don't even know how I'd get pads for it... Any help is appreciated! I'd love to get this thing up and running soon if possible!
 
I think it may be one speed. At 2300 RPM you will do more than put a couple holograms in the paint.
 
rider9195 said:
I think it may be one speed. At 2300 RPM you will do more than put a couple holograms in the paint.
Click to expand...

LOL xD Oh that makes sense that the 2300 would designate a single speed (dumb moment:laughing:.....I guess I was kind of hoping it was more than one speed haha) Hmmm I wonder what Mike would have to say about this? I've been polishing w/ my DA for about a year now, but haven't touched a rotary. A beginner with 2300 RPMs.... a little too much of a jump? I can't afford a new rotary now, I just thought since this was lying around maybe I could give it a spin :/
 
Yeah 2300 RPM's is way too high. I think it says angle polisher because of the higher speeds. Sorta like an angle grinder possibly.
 
I'm still a relative noob to rotary polishing (I just used my 849X for the first time last night) but I would think 2300rpm is WAY too high for any type of modern CC. I set mine at 1200 max during a few section passes and it seemed like more than enough to correct some pretty heavy defects.

Maybe the trigger allows for varying speeds? I know some of the older ones are just one or two speeds depending on how far the trigger is pulled.
 
that thing was made back when tools were really meant to be used and abused. It's a shame to see the terrible quality alot of tool manufacturers are putting into their tools these days. Black and Decker being one of them. I have used a similar rotary to that. Fast arm speed, no added pressure. Just hang on and DO NOT let it slip because it will make a mess in a hurry. And a protein shake cause that sucker will wear your arms and shoulders out
 
Frenchie said:
that thing was made back when tools were really meant to be used and abused. It's a shame to see the terrible quality alot of tool manufacturers are putting into their tools these days. Black and Decker being one of them. I have used a similar rotary to that. Fast arm speed, no added pressure. Just hang on and DO NOT let it slip because it will make a mess in a hurry. And a protein shake cause that sucker will wear your arms and shoulders out
Click to expand...


You think it's okay to use on a modern clear though? And should I use it on an angle if so? How fast are we talking? Yeah it's true....everything is mass-produced in China now and most things seem to have planned obsolescence :/
 
itsinthedetails said:
And why does it say angle polisher? I thought rotaries were meant to be used flat?
Click to expand...

An "angle" grinder/polisher is referencing that the arbor is at a 90 degree angle to the tool.
This is to differentuate it from a "straight" grinder/polisher.
You don't have to hold/use an angle grinder 'at an angle', other than...as best as possible: 'parallel'...to the work surface.

A "straight" example:



A couple of "angle" examples:



:)

Bob
 
My rotary is an old Black & Decker Professional, similar to that one, with a single speed that is kinda too fast. However, I still use it and it works fine. I would like to upgrade, of course, but I would say you can use it and get good results. Of course I've been using a rotary for years...it may not be the best to "learn" / "practice" with.
 
For about $20 you can pick up an industrial light dimmer from an electrical supply warehouse that you can use to reduce the speed of the rotary. Just plug the rotary into the dimmer and the dimmer into an outlet. You adjust the speed by using the control on the dimmer. I use one to control the speed of an industrial fan in my basement. Just make sure the wattage requirements of the rotary are met by the dimmer.
 
truckbutt said:
For about $20 you can pick up an industrial light dimmer from an electrical supply warehouse that you can use to reduce the speed of the rotary. Just plug the rotary into the dimmer and the dimmer into an outlet. You adjust the speed by using the control on the dimmer. I use one to control the speed of an industrial fan in my basement. Just make sure the wattage requirements of the rotary are met by the dimmer.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a good idea. Got a part number?
 
FUNX725 said:
An "angle" grinder/polisher is referencing that the arbor is at a 90 degree angle to the tool.
This is to differentuate it from a "straight" grinder/polisher.
You don't have to hold/use an angle grinder 'at an angle', other than...as best as possible: 'parallel'...to the work surface.

A "straight" example:



A couple of "angle" examples:



:)

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
What kind of pads would I use for this? Would I need a 3m adapter or something? The old wool pad I had had a string tie to tie over the other wool pad/packing plate/whatever it is that's on it now.
 
What size is the backing plate?
Is it hook and loop?
What size is the spindle thread?
 
truckbutt said:
What size is the backing plate?
Is it hook and loop?
What size is the spindle thread?
Click to expand...

Well it doesn't really have a removable backing plate just a wool pad thing connected directly to the metal part that the other wool pad w/ a drawstring tied over. It's 8.5". The spindle thread...I'm really not sure I haven't tried to take it apart yet. I'm not even sure it's removable...I don't know it's so old haha.
 
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