Hey everyone,

I have a car or two that need polishing and have been looking for a machine polisher to do it with (a superb by hand is a bit big for my liking!).

Now I understand the basic pro's and Con's of the DA and rotary systems. My concern is the main car that needs doing is the father-in-laws Superb with 25k on the clock, don't think he would be too impressed if it came back in "primer white" rather than the black it was painted in.

Now, here is the issue...

I have been given on "permanent loan" a DeWalt DW849 Rotary Polisher. But I feel a little uneasy at using it on someone elses car. Now I have used this polisher once before on my old corsa with faded red paintwork, lots of G3 and it came up lovely......apart from taking all the paint off the tip of the fuel flap where it protrudes to get your finger in.
Was that just a simple case of not knowing at the time? Should I always avoid edges and corners if they are tight/sharp and just go over by hand? Is it still better to get a DA polisher even if i was "skilled" in both? (looking longer term here).

I wouldn't be using anything as hard as G3 on the cars now mind you, more likely AG SRP or Ultra Deep shine. Just to get a bit of hologramming etc out the way.
The only other thing is the minimum rpm is 1,000. Is that slow enough for modern paint on a rotary?

Sorry if this all seems a bit jumbled, kind of typing as I think which is never a safe thing to do!

A DA is easy for a novice as it generates less heat build up so safer to use and less likely to go through clear coat, a rotary is better for deeper scratches but tape intricate parts so you will not damage . Like everything practice is key, are there any members of your family with an old faded car to practise on, if you want a Da two members have one for sale. Keep practicing

^^^ what he said ^^^

The sister-in-law does have a micra that can only be described as 'Radioactive sick colour' which I'm sure she wouldn't mind me having a go at! Thanks for that idea i might give it a go. I think if i can do that car without issue it might help the confidence on the rotary.

As blueR36 states...a DA is much safer

Mine is for sale BTW

When you say "safer" are we talking as in the rotary is like welding compared to using superglue? Or is it a case of just needing common sense and a sharper eye on heat buildup? Which one gives a better finish too? I Hear differing ideas!

A Rotary..in experienced hands will do a great job

A DA too...but this will not have the heat build up or the infliction of hologramming to the same extent as a Rotary will in inexperienced hands

Rotary's are great but require a greater knowledge and experience, to get the best from them

I primarily use a DA for polishing and use the Rotary for spot scratch removal and small areas that the DA cant reach

You could get a scrap panel & practice on it, this will build up your knowledge of the machine & technique.

You could get a scrap panel & practice on it, this will build up your knowledge of the machine & technique.

Reckon the sister-in-laws micra counts as a scrap panel :D

Reckon the sister-in-laws micra counts as a scrap panel :D

 

Practising on a whole "scrap" car is not to be sniffed at.

 

I cut  my teeth when I borrowed my mate's tatty (but well set up) Eunos 1.8 in black for a few months, and I learned all about wet sanding and machine polishing.  It was only because I was told "do what you like" by the owner too