Makita & PC or Just Makita?

So I am new to detailing and was intending on getting a PC to learn with, and eventually move to the rotary. Then a screaming deal popped up on a Makita and I jumped. Now I am wondering if I should skip the PC all together and spend the money on supplies for the Makita or still get the PC.

From what I have read a lot of people say that once they learn to use the rotary they never use the PC again... my concern is though is the learning curve on the rotary.

So what would you guys recommend I do?

 

2 machines never hurt anyone :shrug:

Real advice:

The learning curve on the rotary isn't as steep as people make it to seem. But make sure you have a scrap car or panel to practice on. I didn't touch my PC&Flex for almost 6 months, but ever since all this talk about the KBM and the fact that I get such good results with it, I use both the makita and flex about equally now.

 

If you get a PC you can start using it right away as soon as you take it out of the box. That will allow you to at least do some real machine polishing on real cars while you practice on beaters or scrap pieces with the Makita. Since you have never used the rotary before I would suggest you start with the PC so you can at least do some machine polishing from the get go.

 

Is the Makita that easy to do damage with?


I have a LOT of junkers I can practice on

I think I might get both still... I'm guessing there are situations where the PC will be better than the Makita even down the road.

 

Yes.. like for applying sealants. But I do agree the PC is right out of the box thrasher.. but with the makita it has more of a learning curve. The pc? Just take it out of the box.. speed 6.. pressure.. go to town!

 

The rotary is not unless you don't have any common sense. I started detailing with a rotary. The second car I ever buffed out was a custom paint job that I wet sanded. This made sure I paid attention aand learned different pressures and angles in which to work the buffer. Like said above too many people put the fear of God into people about starting out on a rotary for no reason. Just practice and pay attention and don't get cocky with it you will be fine. Just ask JL, I pushed him to buy another rotary after he sold his first one because he wasn't happy with the results. After giving him a few pointers on my technique he is great with one now.

 

Only problem is a lot of guys myself included take the rotary out and start buffing in the garage and things look good, hell all cars look good in the garage when you are polishing, so they GET confident and cocky. Then when pulled out into the sun it looks A LOT less stellar than it did in the utopia of the garage lights. Then they get frustrated and never pick it up again. That almost happened to me but your obstinate ass kept bugging me about it and I got another one and tried again. However I was glad I had a RO in the meantime.

 

Very true, just got to love the garage shots. On the other side of the less stellar part in the sun, this makes you practice more and get to the point where you don't need the garage as a crutch to make your work seem like it is good when its not and then post them in show and shines for all to get false impressions. Atleast I did a good deed and made you a better person for by keeping on your ass about the rotary, plus look at all those awesome details you do with the rotary now that will and never be able to be duplicated with a pc by any method.

 

I'm guessing that you guys are speaking of holograming?