Which device is right?

[Wantabe]

I am new to this forum and the detailing world. By the looks of my autos and boat you would all have me put in jail for paint abuse. I have been given "permission" to purchase one device (rotary vs. orbital) to care for the cars and boat. I would be considered a fast learner when pointed in the proper direction. Oh wise ones - what specific device (Metabo, Makita, PC or Detail Machine) and pad needs do you recommend?

 

[67Customs]

If you have no experience in the past with machines, then I would suggest a UDM or a PC. However, if your vehicles are that bad, you might not be able to fully correct them with those two machines. I would then suggest a Makita. It would take some learning, but you can get practice panels and practice a little. Your cars would make good practice vehicles seeing as how it would be hard to screw them up that much more.

As for pads, I recommend either the Lake Country CCS pads or Edge pads. Some prefer one or the other, but I like both for a rotary or a RO.

This is totaly up to you. However, with little experience, I would recommend a RO. But, if you are a quick learner, willing to read about rotary use and want to practice, your investment would be better served with a rotary.

Good luck.

 

[tod071]

The Festool RO150FEQ will give you both RO and Rotary modes. So if you only have "permission" to buy 1 tool, might as well get the best of both worlds. Just note that the rotary mode only goes up to 600rpms, normal rotary goes up to 2-3000rpms. But, indeed does correct faster than RO mode. Still safe to use on RO mode for a beginner.

 

[ScottB]

Festool is an interesting idea, but to slow for the PC'ing and too slow for rotary IMO. I would highly suggest for the novice or hobbist to pickup the PC or UDM and the Edge pad kit and adapter.

 

[Gnarboots11]

I would suggest getting a rotary. I have a PC and I am upset that I purchased it. It doesn't have enough punch, I need more power. I get frustrated watching it not spin. I have never used a rotary, but I can't imagine it's that difficult. If you know how to use tools I am sure it's not very hard to do it correctly. It's not rocket science.

But, I guess a PC is useful even if you have a rotary because you need a tool to get those sharper edges and curved spots where a rotary might be too aggresive.