Harbor Freight In-Store Chicago Polisher $30 until 2/14/2010

[TwoTwo]

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=92623



Coupon Display



I found an old thread discussing similar polisher. It has not been updated and I wonder if it's the same item as the one that was previously discussed.

http://www.autopia.org/forum/good-deals/30305-new-25-rotary-6.html



I don't have any experience using a polisher and I thought this would be a good unit to have to practice. Not on my own vehicle, I know .



Anyway, does anybody has any experience with the unit and can give some pointers based on their experience?

 

[Pats300zx]

Anyway, does anybody has any experience with the unit and can give some pointers based on their experience?

You can do a search for "Chicago Rotary". You should find a few reviews on it.

 

[tonyS]

I use one. You can adjust the speed and backing plates are pretty universal so I don't see the point in spending $200 on a buffer. I wish they would sell a porter cable knock off.

 

[IkeRay]

I don't have any experience using a polisher

I've heard rotary is a tough cookie to start out with, my suggestion, and its what I'm planning on doing in a month or so, is buying a test panel from the junkyard...hood would be ideal, black even better .



I have the HF (Chicago) Rotary but I haven't had a chance to use it, looks similar to the Makita but couldn't comment on the build quality comparison, but price...$200 for Makita or $30 for HF, I'd try the HF first on a test panel to see if I even liked rotaries, Makita maybe in the future (seems lots of rotary guys use the Makita)

 

[Dan]

These days, unless you are a pro and REALLY need the speed, there isn't that much need for a rotary, you are just fine with 105/205 and a PC. You still need a PC for the paint that doesn't finish up perfect on the rotary anyway.



The hood is a good start, but to be frank, flat surface + rotary = pretty easy. Edges and close by plastic are the placed you and your paint will get burned. Mirrors are an amazing rotary magnet as are bumper covers!



That said, if you have a PC and have mastered it and you have $30 (plus another $20 for a new backing plate) burning a hole in your procket, this isn't a bad deal. I have one, it works well enough.