Rotary polisher

[CAD]

I own a couple D.a. polishers. One is a flex which I like using very well. I have been considering buying and learning on a rotary. Mostly to save time and improve results on jobs in our shop. From what i have heard they correct paint in half the time. I really don't know where to start or if that move is worth it. I mostly just remove minor defects and swirls. I know flex sells a small rotary and thought it might be easier to learn on-as I've heard there is quite the learning curve on a rotary. Anyway, looking for some advice or direction in this area. Thanks-ahead of time!

 

[fdresq4]

Is your shop a correcting/ detailing shop? I've been wrestling with the idea of learning a rotary too. I'm a hobbyist who has been doing this for a long time. I have read many threads on the subject. What I have taken away is that, for someone like me, it "may " not be necessary. Today's machines, coupled with pad and polish technology, have made correction easier without using a rotary. I still want to learn though. I have been eyeing up that new Flex Kompakt one too. The idea of a rotary almost seems nostalgic to me and signifies that you have elevated your skills and abilities.
The Pro's will chime in with great advice and I always enjoy reading and learning their experiences.

Good Luck!

Steve

 

[CAD]

No we aren't really doing alot of correcting but we do do it. It just takes alot of time when we do take on a correction job. And it hurts when we have other work to get done. Would like to get em done a little quicker. Also think it would be a good skill to have.

 

[fdresq4]

Dumb question CAD but do you have panels you can practice on? If you know how to use it properly then adding it to your tools could be a good investment, depending how many correction jobs you do.

 

[RaskyR1]

I wouldn't say a rotary does the job in half the time, but it definitely has the ability to cut faster. If you want a good heavy weight rotary, the DeWalt 849X is a powerhouse and very reasonably priced. If you're not doing a ton of heavy corrections or boats, I really like the Flex PE14. It's compact, quiet, super smooth, and just a very well built tool IMO. The PE14 is pretty much the only rotary I use now and I recently sold my DeWalt. I may even sell my Makita because it just collects dust too.

 

[CAD]

Yeah the PE14 is the one I was thinking of. Is it easy to learn on? What else would I need to get started. Foam pads? What size works best? Do I want to keep using Scholl S3 for minor corrections? I know it's alot of questions but I'm interested.