Rotary polisher/ buffer vs da orbital.

CK-2

Promoted Users
I know this has probably been discussed a lot. And I used the search feature to read and read what I could find. But I have only used a rotary polisher and compounds to “buff” after wet sanding. Am I missing out by not having something else to finish up the process with?
Also at what step would you put down the rotary and switch to a DA type polisher?
 
I personally use the rotary for everything. I just switch pads, compounds and polishes depending on what I'm trying to achieve. I think techs that exclusively do detailing rely more on the d/a type buffer/polisher. I've heard some people say that removing swirls is easier with a d/a polisher and of course it's much less aggressive.
 
The more I learn about this the less I know lol. Also realized there’s rotary backing plates and orbital/da plates.
 
So it looks like the vote is for a rotary. Now I want one smaller and lighter than I have. My arms and neck aren’t getting any younger.
 
Metabo makes really nice tools. I have one of their angle grinders and it is the nicest one I've had. That looks like it would be a really nice buffer
 
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I'll second the Metabo quality. They are the preffered grinder at work by all the welding trades. I definitely would not hesitate to get a Metabo buffer.
They're like a German "Milwaukee" tool company. Quality.
I have a Flex DA buffer that I'm quite happy with, but have no rotary experience to compare it against.
I like that the Flex has a "forced" rotation, not all DA styles do, at least that was the case when I bought it.
Also, my experience is limited to detailing, not buffing out an entire wet sanded paint jobs.
 
This is the definitive Buffer thread.


As an aside to those new to the forum. Your questions are not unique. They have been asked and answered many times on this forum. Using the search function will always reward you with a treasure trove of information. Always a good idea to search before you ask a question.
 
I did a search and read the “let’s talk buffers” thread beginning to end about three times. But I didn’t see where the difference in rotary vs da etc was discussed. That was my reason for starting this thread. That’s why I stated in my first sentence that I did a search first. Also the Metabo rotary Jim bought at the time that thread was going seems to have been discontinued. Just trying to learn the differences. Thanks to everyone for the help.
 
I bought both when I started. One reason is I didn't know alot and depending where your reading or shopping they kind of talk up a DA. I've used it, but a pretty small amount, and not really like I thought I would have thinking back on it. The rotary is the backbone of the buffing operation.
 
I did a search and read the “let’s talk buffers” thread beginning to end about three times. But I didn’t see where the difference in rotary vs da etc was discussed. That was my reason for starting this thread. That’s why I stated in my first sentence that I did a search first. Also the Metabo rotary Jim bought at the time that thread was going seems to have been discontinued. Just trying to learn the differences. Thanks to everyone for the help.

I wasn't trying to bust your chops or anything like that. Just reminding folks that there is so much good info on this site. Lots of good answers to questions. Sometimes some new questions may not get answered as good or thoroughly because it's already been discussed. I like helping people but sometimes answering the same questions over and over gets old. That's why I encourage folks to use the search function.
 
I wasn't trying to bust your chops or anything like that. Just reminding folks that there is so much good info on this site. Lots of good answers to questions. Sometimes some new questions may not get answered as good or thoroughly because it's already been discussed. I like helping people but sometimes answering the same questions over and over gets old. That's why I encourage folks to use the search function.
I didn’t take it that way either. You’ve helped me in the past directly by responding to my questions on here. And you’ve also helped me when I did a search on here and you had already given someone else advice on the same issue I was having at the time.
Thank you and everyone else who takes the time to help guys like me out.
As far as this thread I had been doing a lot of reading and watching videos and some guys insinuate that a forced rotation DA etc is all you need. I just didn’t know because I‘ve never used one.
 
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