What can a Cyclo correct...take a look, you'll be suprised!

[dsms]

I got my cyclo a few days ago and went right to work testing it. I figured the cyclo would be a simple "One Step" and finishing polish machine only and that any real correction work would need to be done using my rotary, but I was wrong. I took out my trusty test panel today and wanted to see just how much correction power the Cyclo and Gloss It polishes had.

First let me say I really like this machine. Its smooth, balanced and leaves a hologram free finish even after heavy correction...plus one handed polishing is a breeze. As an owner of a Flex 3401 and Makita I will say the cyclo impressed me. The whole time I was comparing it to the both machines and it definatley held its own. Yes of course the raw power of the rotary is far more than the cyclo but with the cyclo I dont have to worry about nasty holograms, even on the softest of paint. Plus the new twin edge adapters are great, changing the double sided pads is so nice. I can go from cutting pads to fiishing pads in 20seconds.

Now onto the test...

I swirled up one section of the panel with a stiff bristle carpet brush using heavy pressure.

This is what I was left with

The swirls were pretty heavy and as you can see there are many RDS left in the finish.

I knew it would take an agressive combo to correct this so out with the orange pads and Gloss it Extreme cut

The pads were brand new so I used a little extra polish to prime them

And now I dry spread Extreme cut evenly acorss the panel to reduce splatter when I turned the machine on

After spreading the polish and a few passes

The end result after ONLY 1 hit of Gloss It Extreme cut and the cyclo

A very good amount of defect was removed, still some RDS were left but it was to be expected, so far I was super impressed.

I made sure to apply a good amount of pressure when working extreme cut so I could polish out the deeper defects and as it began to breakdown further I lightened up the pressure and refined the finish. I would say after only 1 hot of EC and the cyclo using orange pads I achieved 70% correction, around 85% in some of the areas without as many RDS.

Now onto removing the finer scratches I went to Gloss It Evolution cut and the yellow pads. I would have gone to green pads because this techinically would be the finishing stage of polishing but I needed some more bite from the pad if I was going to remove even more defects so I used a yellow pad instead.

After using Evolution cut

After an IPA wipedown I made sure there was no filling and carefully inspected the finish. I would say it was 90% perfect, the only exeptions being a few deep deep RDS which I wasnt able to polish out.

This was a bit of an "extreme situation" being as the swirls I induced were from stiff brushes and not regular washing towels etc. If I was going for 100% correction on this bad of a finish and used my rotary I would have choosen a wool cutting pad - either gloss it white lambswool or edge yellow with extreme cut BUT the only problem would be the left over nasty holograms. With the Cyclo I dont have to worry about that and still I was able to achieve a 90% perfect finish in only 2 steps.

So from this

To this

....In 2 steps using a Cyclo

 

[ScottB]

the biggest disappointment with Cyclo that I can still see is it fails to offer speed adjustibility. I also remember it to be bulkier (heavier) than the current offerings. The two smaller heads obviously work well together and help with some correction.

 

[dsms]

the biggest disappointment with Cyclo that I can still see is it fails to offer speed adjustibility. I also remember it to be bulkier (heavier) than the current offerings. The two smaller heads obviously work well together and help with some correction.

Honestly not having adjustable speed doesnt bother me all that much. The single speed setting is fast enough to do correction but you can still spread the polish easily and because its almost impossible to induce holograms with the machine there isnt big need to reduce the speed after full polish breakdown, like you would on a rotary or even a flex when compounding. And yes its bigger but moving it along panels is very smooth and like I said one handed operation is super easy.

 

[ZoranC]

the biggest disappointment with Cyclo that I can still see is it fails to offer speed adjustibility.

Why is that a disappointment? It is obvious speed has been chosen as optimal for that design and that it does not need any more speed to do even heavy correction nor any less speed to work on even gentlest paints.

 

[ScottB]

Why is that a disappointment? It is obvious speed has been chosen as optimal for that design and that it does not need any more speed to do even heavy correction nor any less speed to work on even gentlest paints.

from my personal use of the Cyclo (freely admitting it was limited to a couple times) I dont believe heavy correction and Cyclo should be offered. I believe its smaller heads and slower speed can help with minor corrections and jeweling but feel most would be better served with a Flex ROB or dedicated rotary for heavy correction.

 

[67Customs]

What kind of clear is on that panel?

 

[ScottB]

Slower speed, smaller head, and less correction? Not according to what I see and what me and others have experienced. If we put aside discussion about experiences (because they can not be eaily presented nor compared) and look at just specs they are:

1) Even though surface of pads is smaller surface of area effectively covered by those pads when tool is in use is approximately same as one covered by 6.5" to 7.5" pad. Thus "smaller head" is irrelevant.

2) Cyclo's head rotates at 3000 orbits per minute. So in orbits per minute Cyclo's head is not slower than any of other tools (including rotary), it is actually faster (because nobody sane, excluding me, runs rotary at 3000 spins per minute). However, we all (or at least some of us) realize it is not tool's spin that abrasive care about, it is speed that it is being moved at (at inches per second) that it cares about and once one starts calculating that speed for movement of Cyclo's heads one starts realizing Cyclo is moving it at the clip that is just fine.

So that sheds light on any misconceptions about Cyclo. Plus in the end it is not specs on paper that matter but actual result in the field and those that have took time to master the Cyclo have found it is very rewarding even though sometimes not as fast as going Tim The Toolman Taylor way.

Theres no misconceptions here about the Cyclo, it is a fine machine but like other orbitals is best used for minor correction and light polishing or jeweling of paint. Opinions do matter and help the end user decide on purchase when spending this coin on a buffer. Your last paragraph on in field results actually re-suggests that opinions matter, is your field all that different from mine ?? Mastering its limitations does take time and commitment I will agree and some may choose its not worth the effort.

An orbital and a circular cannot be measured on the same scale. Orbitals dont spin directly and transfer heat and power to finish the way a rotary does. I do feel a Cyclo has be optimized given its power and head size just as in a manufacturer places the correct size wheels and tires on a car based upon power (engine) and weight. However without a gas pedal/brakes (speed adjustibility) it would be darn hard to pull up a hill or slow coming down and regulating itself going around steep corners. I suppose you might be able to master this also but certainly considered a limitation by some ??

In closing, I am not arguing that a Cyclo doesnt play a part in car care and should not be considered. It should however show pro's and con's as in all items. Since Flex ROB is closest in price and could be considered against Cyclo, then shouldn't its power, weight, speed adjustibility also be considered and maybe to some considered a benefit. (its head size could be faulted if for nothing else as it wont fit everywhere thus a con). I would also challenge it as not being the best choice for full or heavy correction as to a degree a rotary with outplay it with quicker results do to its design.

 

[08 300C]

I suppose as with anything there are good points and bad, but as for value the Cyclo is a steal. Thanks to Autogeek I read all the pros in the description of the machine but when I saw the picture my heart almost stopped. Years ago the Fire Department in which I volunteered decided to get a new buffer and throw the old one out as the plug was damaged. I remember taking it home probably 20 years ago but never used it.

When I saw the picture I immediately ran down to the basement to see if I could find it. Well there it was in the farthest corner left neglected for all these years. I copied the Serial number and contacted Cyclo to see how old it was, Wendy at Cyclo Toolmakers said the company was started in 1953 and my machine numbered 3901 was made in the 50s. I put a new plug on it and guess what, it works GREAT. So what more could you expect after 50 years it still does what it was made to do. Buy one with confidence, it hasn’t really even changed much in all these decades, can’t say that for most of what you buy today.

 

[ehuth1]

I love my cyclo. Matter of fact I did some wetsanding with 2000 grit on my 1987 4runner today. I took out the cyclo with Meguiars M105 and edge green foam and finished the paint down mar and scratch free.

AMAZING tool and thats why I always go back to it, plus I love 8" of coverage while polishing a extended SUV!

 

[Junebug]

Zoran - I sent you an E-mail, so you know where I'm coming from on the whole machine issue. I was in the market for some new toys - until a few set-backs this month. But I have rebounded and now the cyclo is on my list. Thanks

 

[Meghan]

I suppose as with anything there are good points and bad, but as for value the Cyclo is a steal. Thanks to Autogeek I read all the pros in the description of the machine but when I saw the picture my heart almost stopped. Years ago the Fire Department in which I volunteered decided to get a new buffer and throw the old one out as the plug was damaged. I remember taking it home probably 20 years ago but never used it.

When I saw the picture I immediately ran down to the basement to see if I could find it. Well there it was in the farthest corner left neglected for all these years. I copied the Serial number and contacted Cyclo to see how old it was, Wendy at Cyclo Toolmakers said the company was started in 1953 and my machine numbered 3901 was made in the 50s. I put a new plug on it and guess what, it works GREAT. So what more could you expect after 50 years it still does what it was made to do. Buy one with confidence, it hasn’t really even changed much in all these decades, can’t say that for most of what you buy today.

I cannot tell you how many times we hear this, people that call to get Cyclo pads have had their polisher for 20+ years! It simply amazes me, Cyclo Polishers are work horses, you just can't beat them down. Lots of professionals use them due to their durability, let alone the quality of work they can help you produce.

 

[08 300C]

Junebug,
Not sure where you live but if its close to me I'd be happy to lend you my 56 year old Cyclo for a weekend or so, you can PM me if you'd like.:

 

[RTexasF]

I too am a Cyclo fan. For those that have used one "for a short time", there is no way you can possibly appreciate what you can accomplish with it. The single speed is neither a negative or a positive......that's just the way it works and further reduces the complexities of it's operation. It's simple, I'm simple, we work well together.

 

[Junebug]

08 300C - I'm in Louisburg NC. But, I have this problem using other people's tools, cars, etc - I borrowed my best friends car, the next day the trans dropped out, then the next time the engine blew, not my fault ok, but it was a bad omen. Then I went through 4 farm tractors that my uncles let me borrow to haul off old wood, maybe I just have bad karma!! If you're in town, I'll buy you lunch and you can show me how that Cyclo works!

 

[DetailnDude]

I just bought my cyclo in December and I wish I had bought it a long time ago. Using the right compound and pads it will get a more than a person would think being that it is an orbital. My buddy just had his 57 Chevy repainted (enamel) it was orange peeled up pretty good. I hit the car with some 2000 and compounded and polished the vehicle and it was ready show.If I ever learn how to get URL for pictures I will share pictures with stories...The only thing I do not like about the Cyclo is where the power switch is ....I also like the brush attachments to break loose dirt in the carpets and vac before deep cleaning ...
Have a Great One !
Bob
p.s. Don't throw away the High speeds The Cyclo does not completely eliminate them but it's pretty close.

 

[WindyCity]

The thing I like about the cyclo is the learning curve is very small. Just use it a short time and you will feel good with it....Sometimes my wife comes on a detail job with me and that is her job while I do other things!

 

[Junebug]

How about the noise level? I assume it's pretty vibration free due to the design - but what about the sound? How would you compare it to say a PC or a Makita rotary?

 

[DetailnDude]

How about the noise level? I assume it's pretty vibration free due to the design - but what about the sound? How would you compare it to say a PC or a Makita rotary?

It makes a little noise but not much louder than a high speed other than it's a different sound. really it's such a minor detail I never put any thought in to it. as for comparing it to a makita I couldn't tell ya cuz I don't own one. between the brushes for breaking up old dirt in carpets and the different stages of pads for compounding and polishing. I do feel it's a must for any professional detailer or hard core weekend warrior.. I know some feel otherwise and that is why this is nothing more than my opinion.
:buffing:

 

[Rsurfer]

First let me say I really like this machine. Its smooth, balanced and leaves a hologram free finish even after heavy correction...plus one handed polishing is a breeze.
How about the side panels? Get arm weary?

 

[oldmodman]

It is slightly louder than a rotary but not as loud as a Porter Cable. But I always wear fitted ear plugs when using any power tools.

A lot of my friends thought I was a "pansy" for wearing ear plugs when tree trimming, running a band saw, shooting etc. But I am 55 and have almost no detectable hearing loss. While their hearing starts to roll off at 5K and they are deaf above 11k.

The thing that I really like about my Cyclo is that my wrists don't go numb after a couple of hours like they do with a PC.