I just don't get it

[mywifehatesclowns]

Why is it that everyone points to using a Dual Action Machine First before using a rotary? What about a very long time ago when all there was to choose from was: Orbital and Rotary?

The cost of these things over time seem just kinda like a waste. That is my opinion though.

I come here from another forum and I like this atmosphere better as there seem to be less "know it alls" and more people understanding.

So here is my question.

What do you think of people who just learn to use a rotary from the beginning but have read literature on it and only use it at a slow pace and never above 1200 rpm and know not to let it sit in one spot for too long and know not to bring it to the edges. Someone who understands they have to keep it moving.

It just seems to me that you cannot achieve the same results with a Dual action as you can with a rotary.

 

[Nica]

First of all welcome to AutoGeek, now to your comment/question.

In my point of view (this is just me) there is nothing wrong with starting off with the rotary but I started off with the PC because I was really cautious of detailing with a machine. Never in my life had I used a machine to detail and therefore, I was a big skeptic. If you look at it from the $ perspective, I would say PC is much cheaper compared to a good rotary. Notice I said "good" rotary, you could always start off with a cheap one but I rather pay a little extra for a good quality machine...again that's just me.

Now take me for example, if I would have started off with the rotary I would have probably done some damage to the paint why becuase I just wouldnt have know what to do. Mind you after reading/re-searching/watching videos...ect..ect...I'm shure I could have figured it out but bottom line is that I started with the PC becuase it has a tolerance for error, meaning no matter what I did I couldn't damage the paint and that was a big reason for me to start off with the PC (DA).

My relationship with the PC (DA) was short..something like a month or two and then I went and purchased my rotary.

I really comes down to the type of person you are, if your a hands on person and are used to dealing with machines/tools then the rotary will probably come natural to you but if you'r like me "old school" only detailing paint by pure elbow power then your alot more cautious and the PC (DA) is more practical...untill you see the light and step up to the rotary.

Well like I said that's just my opinion/testimonial.

 

[mywifehatesclowns]

Your opinion is well respected.

I have always been good with hand tools and I have done such things as framing, woodwork and hand carving furniture. SO a rotary came with ease to me.

I saw many recommendations to use a figure 8 pattern and others that said go in lines. I also saw articles about not laying the pad flat, I saw many more that said to use it flat.

So I only did what felt great to me, therefore in straight lines with a flat pad at no more than 1500 and even that seems high to me.

I now see why someone would spend money on a dual action. BTW - I won't tell you how much I paid for my rotary, but I have put a lot of stress and strain and it has held up just as well as my DeWalt that was about 4 times the cost of my budget rotary.

 

[Rsurfer]

Excellent points Nica.:righton:

 

[Nica]

mywifehatesclowns - I kinda figured you were a power tool dude just by how you talked about the rotary and the DA. I haven't had to many power tools my self but I agree sometimes the "good" tool isn't always the best. You nailed buddy

So I only did what felt great to me

that is what detailing is all about, what you like and what feels good to you.
Glad my experianced helped out.

Rsurfer - thanks bro...you remember how many questions I had and running around I (I'm sure I'm not the only one) went trough with the PC..but it's all good...it was a learning experiance that's what life is all about.

 

[ScottB]

way to many novice or hobbist that dont read directions and heed to caution, if rotary was the only choice there would be alot of burned paint !

 

[Gary Sword]

I see nothing wrong with starting out with a rotary as long as you know what your getting into before you get into it. Knowledge is the key to anything and experience also helps a lot.

 

[Racin10s]

The bing thing with the PC is what I like to call forgiveness. If you make a mistake you will probably be forgiven. If you make a mistake with the rotary, well, you get the idea.

 

[mywifehatesclowns]

I feel ya. IN fact I guess the industry has to be "cautious" because there are a lot of "morons" in the industry driving around here calling themselves detailers and could not tell you the difference between Polish or wax.

I understand now, but it bothers me. I charge $25 just to wash the exterior of a car. Other guys are charging $15 for inside and out in the hot Florida sun! I mean I will give discounts to offices that I can line up 4 or more cars, but I am not taking my shirt off for them.