Hi guys ![Rollsmile]( "Rollsmile")
Just a quick rave and review for my new Makita Polisher that I picked up from Mo@CrazyRides![Praise]( "Praise")
While researching this polisher on the interwebs, I could not find that much info on it, as it isn't the most widely used detailing polisher out there, so I'll attempt my level best to provide some info on what it's like, what it is, how it works, etc.![Thumbs]( "Thumbs")
What is a Makita BO 6040?
This machine is intended to be used as a polisher, as well as a sander (for those that aren't in the detailing sphere and opt to rather do woodwork) The machine is unique in a sense as it combines being a Dual Action polisher (DA) and a Forced Rotation machine.
![[Image: vajurubu.jpg]]()
How does this unique make up benefit me?
As we might know a DA is a polisher that oscillates the polishing head in a random circular pattern this allows the head to then spin freely and rotate (there's no mechanical action assisting the rotation), which helps achieve less heat generation while the polishing pad is on the paintwork. Also, if too much pressure is applied to the DA, the head eventually comes to a stop as a mechanism to prevent 'over-polishing' of paint by means of too much pressure. This is a great way for a newbie to get introduced to polishing as this machine type is fool-proof, very easy to handle, and also makes it very difficult to destroy paintwork. The drawback of a DA polisher system is that high levels of cut are also very difficult to achieve, depending on the machine being used. To get around this, most detailer's will use a rotary for cutting the paint and correcting, and after that they use a DA to polish and wax. So we see a need for TWO machines to be proficient in correcting and polishing paint. The Makita negates this by offering a machine with the best of both worlds: A switch that allows the machine to be used as a DA, then also as a forced rotation polisher!![Joy]( "Joy")
What is a forced rotation polisher?
I'm not going to go deep into the mechanical workings here (we have Google to help for those who'd like to know) but essentially, a Forced Rotation polisher, has the circular motion of the head assisted by it's own drive. What this means is that unlike a DA, when pressure is applied to the head, it will not stop rotating. Which means that it acts more like a rotary polisher, except that the machine still allows for minor head oscillation, which allows less heat build up from then pad, when compared to a rotary.
So I know about how it works, and how it replaces the need for two machines, but how does it feel in practice?
Well from the onset, the polisher itself is as short as a Shield DAS-6 it feels considerably of better quality and is also heavier than the Shield. It isn't as long as a Flex and is less ergonomic than a Bigfoot. The machine does have points to attach a side grip or D grip, should you require.
How does it feel when in use?
After spending a day with this machine, I don't feel as beat up as I would have if I spent the day with both a rotary and a DA. The Makita required me to change my technique to get the action right, after that it was smooth running. It requires more guiding along, and letting the machine do the work as opposed to 1) with a DA using as much leverage and pressure to execute as much cut as required 2) with a rotary keeping the pad moving along the paintwork and also in a large amount of control.
How does this machine cut?
This machine is a beast! With the switch set to Forced Rotation and the speed set to 3-4 I was achieving rotary levels of cut without having to exert much mental or physical stress. I found this puppy to be very rewarding when you let it do all the work and just offer your hands as a means to guide it along. On extremely tough Audi A3 paintwork, I was reducing defects fairly efficiently and easily by using speed 4 and a Lake Country CCS orange pad and Scholl S3 Gold. When the switch was set to DA mode, I could polish with ease, endured hardly any vibration - the machine felt very supple and also assuring in a quality orientated kind of way.
Can I use this as a newbie? What is the learning curve?
Well, if you're using it as a DA only, the answer is yes. The Forced Rotation mode, while being easy to use may take many by surprise if they're unfamiliar with the feeling of the action. It also felt a bit different as the head spins anti-clockwise, but it was just the initial change in usual direction which caught me. The learning curve is not steep at all. As a DA, this machine can be used by anyone. As a forced rotation, start at a low speed, then crank up the speed as you adjust to the feeling.
Would I recommend this machine?
Short answer yes. This machine is extremely adept at what it does. It might not be as popular as a Bigfoot, or a Flex VRG but it does cost less (that being said it isn't cheap). It perhaps isn't the ideal starter machine, but to someone who feels that they need to level up from being a newbie, and you understand the mechanics or polishing and what the different actions do, or someone who just wants to save time and save space on the tool shelf, this machine is for you!
A huge shout out to Mo from Crazy Rides for hooking me up with this machine, and ensuring a flawless product delivery, as always!![Ty]( "Ty")
![Bravo]( "Bravo")
Thanks for reading!![Thumbs]( "Thumbs")
Fuzz
Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk 2
Just a quick rave and review for my new Makita Polisher that I picked up from Mo@CrazyRides
While researching this polisher on the interwebs, I could not find that much info on it, as it isn't the most widely used detailing polisher out there, so I'll attempt my level best to provide some info on what it's like, what it is, how it works, etc.
What is a Makita BO 6040?
This machine is intended to be used as a polisher, as well as a sander (for those that aren't in the detailing sphere and opt to rather do woodwork) The machine is unique in a sense as it combines being a Dual Action polisher (DA) and a Forced Rotation machine.
![[Image: vajurubu.jpg]](http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/15/thumbnail/vajurubu.jpg)
How does this unique make up benefit me?
As we might know a DA is a polisher that oscillates the polishing head in a random circular pattern this allows the head to then spin freely and rotate (there's no mechanical action assisting the rotation), which helps achieve less heat generation while the polishing pad is on the paintwork. Also, if too much pressure is applied to the DA, the head eventually comes to a stop as a mechanism to prevent 'over-polishing' of paint by means of too much pressure. This is a great way for a newbie to get introduced to polishing as this machine type is fool-proof, very easy to handle, and also makes it very difficult to destroy paintwork. The drawback of a DA polisher system is that high levels of cut are also very difficult to achieve, depending on the machine being used. To get around this, most detailer's will use a rotary for cutting the paint and correcting, and after that they use a DA to polish and wax. So we see a need for TWO machines to be proficient in correcting and polishing paint. The Makita negates this by offering a machine with the best of both worlds: A switch that allows the machine to be used as a DA, then also as a forced rotation polisher!
What is a forced rotation polisher?
I'm not going to go deep into the mechanical workings here (we have Google to help for those who'd like to know) but essentially, a Forced Rotation polisher, has the circular motion of the head assisted by it's own drive. What this means is that unlike a DA, when pressure is applied to the head, it will not stop rotating. Which means that it acts more like a rotary polisher, except that the machine still allows for minor head oscillation, which allows less heat build up from then pad, when compared to a rotary.
So I know about how it works, and how it replaces the need for two machines, but how does it feel in practice?
Well from the onset, the polisher itself is as short as a Shield DAS-6 it feels considerably of better quality and is also heavier than the Shield. It isn't as long as a Flex and is less ergonomic than a Bigfoot. The machine does have points to attach a side grip or D grip, should you require.
How does it feel when in use?
After spending a day with this machine, I don't feel as beat up as I would have if I spent the day with both a rotary and a DA. The Makita required me to change my technique to get the action right, after that it was smooth running. It requires more guiding along, and letting the machine do the work as opposed to 1) with a DA using as much leverage and pressure to execute as much cut as required 2) with a rotary keeping the pad moving along the paintwork and also in a large amount of control.
How does this machine cut?
This machine is a beast! With the switch set to Forced Rotation and the speed set to 3-4 I was achieving rotary levels of cut without having to exert much mental or physical stress. I found this puppy to be very rewarding when you let it do all the work and just offer your hands as a means to guide it along. On extremely tough Audi A3 paintwork, I was reducing defects fairly efficiently and easily by using speed 4 and a Lake Country CCS orange pad and Scholl S3 Gold. When the switch was set to DA mode, I could polish with ease, endured hardly any vibration - the machine felt very supple and also assuring in a quality orientated kind of way.
Can I use this as a newbie? What is the learning curve?
Well, if you're using it as a DA only, the answer is yes. The Forced Rotation mode, while being easy to use may take many by surprise if they're unfamiliar with the feeling of the action. It also felt a bit different as the head spins anti-clockwise, but it was just the initial change in usual direction which caught me. The learning curve is not steep at all. As a DA, this machine can be used by anyone. As a forced rotation, start at a low speed, then crank up the speed as you adjust to the feeling.
Would I recommend this machine?
Short answer yes. This machine is extremely adept at what it does. It might not be as popular as a Bigfoot, or a Flex VRG but it does cost less (that being said it isn't cheap). It perhaps isn't the ideal starter machine, but to someone who feels that they need to level up from being a newbie, and you understand the mechanics or polishing and what the different actions do, or someone who just wants to save time and save space on the tool shelf, this machine is for you!
A huge shout out to Mo from Crazy Rides for hooking me up with this machine, and ensuring a flawless product delivery, as always!
Thanks for reading!
Fuzz
Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk 2