CostaK

We have been looking at this in the Aussie forum.

I have seriously thought about importing a Porta Cable into Aus. In the end it wasnt the cost of it or the shipping (which was high but not prohibitive). The biggest stumbling block was the transformer to "step down" our current (240v) to 110v.

As the PC draws 3.7amps I would need a 400 - 500W step down transformer. They are a big ugly unit and because the market in Australia isnt that large they are also not cheap - like A$200 - A$300 (on top of the price of the Porta Cable).

The Hitachi is used by a lot of pro detailers as their porta cable equivalent. There are other more specialist tools but you need to outlay A$400 - A$500. The Hitatchi is only A$155.

scott2k

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CostaK
We have been looking at this in the Aussie forum.

CostaK

The more specialist tools (ie they have a similar speed range to the PC) that I can think of are the DeWalt DW443-AU and Makita BO6040.

Key specs for the Aussie DeWalt are 4,000-6,800 opm speed and an orbit diameter of 5 mm The Makita has two operation modes - random orbital and random orbital with rotation (which I think effectively makes it like a rotary). The speed range in random orbital mode is 1600 - 5800 opm. I am not sure of the orbit diameter but I dont think it will be anywhere near the PC (which is just under 1 inch (25mm)). It may be as small as 3 - 5mil.

There are other tools available from smash repair supply places. I havent checked these out b/c they usually start out in the A$550+ range. I dont know what the price for the Makita but I think it will be at least A$350 (and I wouldnt be surprised if it closer to A$450 - A$550). In the US I have seen it advertised for US$299.

I know of at least one Australia pro detailer (waxwizard) who uses the Hitachi (and a cheaper (A$50) Arlec). Ring Mary James at waxwizard.com.au as she has tested a few different models. Apparantly the Hitachi is also used by Meguiars Australia.

I also know a number of other so called pro's who only use rotaries and their customer cars have the swirls to prove it.

Having been through the process of trying to decide myself I think I will go for the Hitachi. Although I am also not a fan of its high speed the only other comparatively priced alternative in Australia is a rotary (although a good one is also not cheap).

Personally, I think the risk of defecting the paint is higher with a rotary (at least in the hands of a beginner) than with a higher speed random orbital. I know of at least 2 guys who started off with Hitachi's (they were absolute beginners) and they seem to going okay.

I dont think Porter Cable make a 220v version of the PC. Without a dedicated 220v I dont think a distributor would bring them to Australia. However, if they do let me know asap.

scott2k

Hi CostaK,

Thanks for the additional info, much appreciated.

Nope, no PC's in Australia. Here is the email dialogue I had with Porter Cable company:

[QUOTE]Email from Porter Cable Company
scott, we do not stock these sanders , my understanding is they are not made in the correct voltage and frequency for Australia.

kind regards,
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott"
To: <info@carbatec.com.au>
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2004 12:58 PM
Subject: FW: Consumer Contact from PORTERCABLE.COM


> Hi,
>
> The Porter-Cable website stated that you were their agent in Australia.
>
> I am interested in the Porter-Cable 7425 or Porter-Cable 7336 Random Orbital
> Sander, for use in polishing a car.

AquilaEagle

I can get a voltage step down for about

scott2k

Hi All,

I've done further research since last contributing to this thread, and have come up with these alternatives to the Porter Cable that are available in Australia:

Festool:
Festool ETS 150/3 (3mm orbit):
http://www.festool.com.au/cat_mediando/ind...D018A3DDB824852

Festool ETS 150/5 (5mm orbit):
http://www.festool.com.au/cat_mediando/ind...D018A3DDB824852

Festool ETS 150/7 (7mm orbit - note the slower speeds):
http://www.festool.com.au/cat_mediando/ind...D018A3DDB824852

Festool Rotex 150E (both random and rotary in one):
http://www.festool.com.au/cat_mediando/ind...D018A3DDB824852

Festool Rotex 150E (better details on the US site):
http://217.7.135.83/festool.us/cat_mediand...OTEX%20RO%20150

Comments:
These last two look comparable to the Makita BO6040 (see http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/matwomopo.html)

Festool are highly regarded as very well-made, professional quality, but very expensive.

Which is better: a small orbit (eg. 3mm) or large orbit (eg. 7 mm)? The 3mm is promoted as a fine sander, but the PC has a whopping 25mm orbit, so I'm confused on which is better, small or large orbit?

Bosch:
Bosch GEX 150:
http://auptocs.bosch-pt.com/boptocs-au/Pro...58&prod_id=5850

Bosch 3727DEVS (US version of the above - this web page has more details):
http://www.boschtools.com/Tools+and+Access...tem_no=3727DEVS

Bosch 1250DEVS (not available in Australia, but looks very interesting - again similar to the Makita BO6040):
http://www.boschtools.com/Tools+and+Access...tem_no=1250DEVS

Makita:
Makita BO5021:
http://www.makita.com.au/catalogue/d...?tmodel=BO5021

Makita BO6030:
http://www.makita.com.au/catalogue/d...?tmodel=BO6030

Makita BO6040:
http://www.makita.com.au/catalogue/d...?tmodel=BO6040

Hitachi:
Hitachi SAY150A:
http://www.hitachi-powertools.com.au/tools...enu.htm#SAY150A

(Sorry for the crappy website above, I searched all over for better specs but couldn't find any. At least there's a picture of the Hitachi.)

Dewalt:
Dewalt 443-AU:
http://www.dewalt.com.au/Products.asp?catN...hierarchyID4=64

I've stayed away from the circular polishers Porter Cable 7428, Makita 9227, and Dewalt 849, since I'm inexperienced and don't want to damage my paint.

The thing is, I can't decide which of the above is a better choice. Ignoring price, which one(s) would you recommend from the above list that would be comparable to (or better) the Porter Cable? Also, would the various pads and backing plates available for the PC fit any of these polishers if the size is the same?

Thanks!!!

Revenuer

One of my other hobbies is woodworking so I have some experience with the other brands. The festool stuff is supposed to be the best out there. I've also had pretty good luck with Bosch. Mixed results with Makita.

The things that you really want in a polisher are

1 - Random orbital
2 - Variable Speed
3 - Velcro (hook and loop) backing pad.

My Porter Cable (P-C) has a 5.75 inch diameter (14.5 CM for the rest of the world) Velcro backing pad (uses 6" sanding disks if you are comparing sanders). If you find another brand that meets 1, 2 & 3 and has a backing pad the same size as the P-C you will be able to buy the "standard" polishing pads - I get mine from Griots - www.griotsgarage.com . I don't think there is any magic with the Porter Cable, it is just easy to come by in the US.

I'd go with the kind that has the motor sticking out like the P-C or Festool 150E just because it has a nice feel. However I think that Festool does not use hook and loop sandpaper - if this is correct, you would have to come up with a different backing plate. I would think the Bosch 150 AC wouldn't be as comfortable to use as the Festool 150E- especially on vertical panels. However, the Bosch uses "standard" hook and loop paper, so you should be able to use the normal P-C polishing pads.

The biggest thing you will need to find is the hook and loop backing pad.

I think you will be better off finding equipment that runs on the local voltage than dealing with adapters. Also, if you have problems you will be able to find someone local to help as opposed to sending things back to the US.

I can try to check my P-C to see if it uses Metric threads to attach the backing plate - if that would be helpful. At the outside chance that P-C uses metric threads that match one of the European machines, you would be set. Let me know if that would be useful info to have.

Good Luck!

John