Looking at Dewalt DW849

[kbohip]

I look at threads usually with a little different perspective than some in that I know there are a lot of Lurkers that will read threads on the AG forum and these threads have the potential to be around for decades... with that in mind, it's important that people don't read a thread, look at the picture and then think they can buff out their car's paint using a rotary buffer only and the automatic result will look like the photo you posted in your garage only it will look like that in all light settings.

I've replied to hundreds and probably thousands of questions that go something like this,


Help! Can't get a swirl free finish with my rotary buffer!



So, been there, done that, typed about it for years and will be typing about it for years to come...

I don't mind you critiquing my work one bit, and I can definitely see where you're coming from. I am the newest of newbies when it comes to working with the rotary, although I've used a machine polisher (Cyclo) for years so I'm not finding the rotary to be a huge challenge yet. It definitely requires a lot more patience and time though to get the finish the way you want it. It took quite a few passes to even get a decent reflection back for the hood. It also helps that I have a paint coating thickness gauge t see just how much clearcoat I was taking off. That being said though I've never come close to getting this finish looking this good with the Cyclo, even in garage pics. I'll be interested to see how many swirls I have in the sunlight.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I don't mind you critiquing my work one bit, and I can definitely see where you're coming from.

Just to note, I'm not critiquing your work, to me it looks great in the picture while the car is in the garage and you can easily see the massive improvement you created in the quality of finish.

I am the newest of newbies when it comes to working with the rotary, although I've used a machine polisher (Cyclo) for years so I'm not finding the rotary to be a huge challenge yet.

Using the Cyclo or any machine polisher gives you experience enough to reduce the learning curve using the rotary buffer.

One thing for sure, we are all Newbies to start with.

That being said though I've never come close to getting this finish looking this good with the Cyclo, even in garage pics. I'll be interested to see how many swirls I have in the sunlight.

The Cyclo is very different than all the other tools we talk about here on the forum and like all tools it has it's features and drawbacks.

 

[Shade Tree]

I also find that different jobs require different approaches.

I have the DeWalt 849 which I use for the heavier paint corrections.

I also have as Makita that has probably had the power cord replaced at least 5 times over the past nearly 20 years. I'd have to look at the model number to remember which one it is .......... gotta love antiques! LOL

After the Dewalt takes care of the heavier stuff I'll move onto the PC for the finessing.

Something else I really appreciate is the GEM 10" orbital polisher. I use it for applying the sealants, waxes and even sometimes a glaze. MF bonnets make it a wonderful accompaniment to the arsenal and my work just a little but quicker to finish. The bonnet is soft enough to use as a pillow so no worries for scratches as long as the MF bonnets are clean.
Besides, it makes for a great workout since it weighs in @ 16lbs. :dblthumb2:

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I don't mind you critiquing my work one bit, and I can definitely see where you're coming from. I am the newest of newbies when it comes to working with the rotary, although I've used a machine polisher (Cyclo) for years so I'm not finding the rotary to be a huge challenge yet. It definitely requires a lot more patience and time though to get the finish the way you want it. It took quite a few passes to even get a decent reflection back for the hood. It also helps that I have a paint coating thickness gauge t see just how much clearcoat I was taking off. That being said though I've never come close to getting this finish looking this good with the Cyclo, even in garage pics. I'll be interested to see how many swirls I have in the sunlight.

Make sure you do an IPA wipe down. :xyxthumbs:

 

[LincolnZephyr2006]

Funny thing is... I learned on a rotary. If you are passionate about cars and detailing, then I think you will get the hang of it. I sure did..