I have two, a Porter/Cable 7424 and a Chicago Electric 7" variable speed rotary.

I got the PC in a package deal from Top of the Line.com that included a bunch of pads/backing plates/bonnets/towels/etc, paid about $180 for the whole getup.

I got the rotary at Harbor Freight for $29

I'd recommend both as they both have thier place in a detailers arsenal.

 

i use the harbor freight one to "dry" my pads haha

 

LOL. My $30 special does one hell of a job for me so no complaints here.

This is my friends S430 before


and after


Front fender before


and after


Very easily my most difficult detail yet

 

^ That's only from using the $30 orbital?

...been meaning to get the 7424 here :dunno:

 

geez thats a big difference. do u have a paint thickness meter?

 

I used both my $30 special and my 7424 to complete the job. I used the 7424 for the final polish and everything after that was done by hand.

The 7424 is no slouch when it comes to correction, you just have to know when draw the line. Here's an example of the kind of correction that can be achieved with one:


You can see how heavy the swirls are, the paint is dull and has very little reflection.


And this is after I polished it using the 7424/Green polishing pad/Optimum polish. No more swirls, very shiny, reflective and even brought out some depth in it too.

I don't, know of a good one that won't break the bank?