Chicago Electric Rotary Models

P

pra4snw

New member
My friend has convinced me to purchase a rotary. he has the Makita, and I've seen it in action. Since I plan on only using it very occasionally, I thought I would start out with a Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight. $200 is too rich for me too.



They currently carry 3 models:



The $25 unit: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507

The $30 unit: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92623

The $50 unit: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90820



I am stuck as to which would be the best for a newbie. The prices are so close that it hardly matters, but each have different features.

The $25 has a stronger motor and a trigger

The $30 has a wider range of speeds and a trigger

The $50 has an electronic speed control like the Makita, but no trigger.



Which one should I go for?



Thanks.
 
I'd go for that $30 one, if for no other reason than the style of handle. I think it would offer greater control on curves and vertical panels.



Actually I should specify and say that IS the one I'm going with, because I'm finally going to break down and order a rotary sometime very soon. Unfortunately the local Harbor Freight retail store doesn't carry ANY of those three units in-store.
 
The $25 and the $50 one are the same mechanically. THe difference is that the more expensive one has electronic control of the speed, rather than a thumbwheel.



Tom
 
I have the $25 one and it worked great for me. I've only gotten around to using it once so far...I'll be doing both of my parents' vehicles with the rotary next week.



Does anyone know what the speeds refer to in terms of RPM on that model? I was using my rotary on speed 3 most of the time, since the 1 and 2 just seemed really slow.
 
The most expensive tools are the ones you have to buy twice. Any corded tool from HF is a real gamble. Hope you are in no hurry, some things from them can take forever if you mail order.
 
I purchased the $25 model from a HF store near me. I have used it a couple of times and so far, so good. Depending on much use it will get, any one of those models should be ok.
 
I ended up buying the $30 model, for the same reason above - it looks a lot like the Makita. I ordered it via the Internet, and it took 2 weeks



I haven't tried it out yet, still trying to find some time. And since I'm a newbie, it looks like I'll be practicing on an old junker first.



This is the polish I plan on using:

http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SF&Category_Code=

It was highly recommended to me and I've seen the results this stuff can do on a vehicle with 10 years of neglect.
 
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