Rotary ?

[steve8]

You guys that know what you are doing with a rotary absolutely amaze me with the results you achieve. After you work your magic on a vehicle, how many more times can you use a rotary in the future, ie: is it safe to use once/year? If it is safe, do you even recommend doing a car once or twice a year? I know this is a general question that is difficult to answer, but I'm interested in your opinions. Thanks, and keep those pics coming.

[JoshVette]

Very tough to answer.
You'll really need a depth measuring guage to know.
Depending on how harsh a compound you're using and how harsh your pads are will determine how many times you can use it.
I would say if you get all the swirls out and practice the two bucket washing method you shouldn't need to use the rotary more then once every two years...I don't know that it would even be needed more then that if you properly care for your car.
You should be able to maintain it with the PC once the rotary has done the big work.
Josh

[agentf1]

Yes, hard to say. Every situation is different. I usually tend to be more conservative when I use a rotary on a car even if it means not removing every scratch. That said I have no problem using my rotary a few times a year.

Every case should be looked at and handled accordingly. I will ask the person if I am doing a friends or family members car, do you NEED to have every flaw removed and do you plan on just showing the car and taking meticulous care not to reintroduce swirls or do you suspect we will be removing moderate swirling on a regular basis. If the latter lets go conservative.

[steve8]

Thanks for the answers.
That's about what I figured, and I know it's a very general question to answer.
For now I plan on sticking with my PC, just thinking ahead.
Thanks again.

[bugman]

From a lesser experienced guy:

the first year I had my rotary, I used it for several weekends in a row, getting rid of some deep scratches I had. I was amazed how much I could accomplish in a short time.

Since then I've found that I have not had to use it again, unless there is an isolated deep scratch in one of my vehicles. As the pros stated above, I am really able just to use good washing technique, and then use the PC for maintenance. I'm thinking I need the rotary for a touchup once every two years.

With the PC it is my opinion that you can use it pretty much with reckless abandon, for reasons everyone here knows. I don't ever hesitate to bring out the PC with Zaino PC fusion -- just to do some paint cleaning, and bring up the shine a bit. Some very superficial swirls will vanish. And I know that I cannot remove any measurable amount of clear coat with that combination.

Rotary is great for

1. removing a heavily swirled vette in a HURRY ! (not the hours it takes with a PC)
2. quick repair of isolated scratches, using 4" spot buff pads
3. for re-glossing after focal wet sanding (MIP with rotary 1500 RPM's and meguiar's W8006 pad works well for that)