Interested In Learning The Rotary Polisher? Here Are Some Basics To Get You Started!!

This is the first installment for giving those ready and Interested in learning to master the rotary polisher, Some basics to get started. The rotary polisher is a must have tool in your detailing arsenal. It has the capability of achieving the best cut and finish in the right hands. Take these basics, grab a practice panel, and the sky is the limit!!
Flex Pe8 Kompact Rotary.... www.amazon.com...
Harbor Freight Drill Master....www.harborfrei...
Dewalt Rotary Polishers.....www.tooltopia....
apexautodetail.com www.apexautode...
@apexautodetail (Instagram)
@apexautodetails (Facebook)
@apexautodetail1 (Twitter)

[@apexdetail85]

These are the basics. We will cover polishing curvy areas, over edges, into corners, different backing plates, attachments and much more!

[@TheDim3s]

would you say that single stage needs more residue control than a clear coat? Since they both transfer, but a single stage shows on the pad, and clear coat does not.. Could you elaborate a bit?

[@mohamedbendahib2032]

I was about to ask you about that :D thank you Brian for all that awesome videos

[@jimmyswrxchnl1097]

TheDim3s , probably to protect himself from dust and fumes from compounds, and polish.

[@apexdetail85]

@@TheDim3s It needs a lot more residue control. The pad will fill up with dead paint molecules and cease to be effective. Clean after every pass.

[@apexdetail85]

@No Name I honestly do not have the air conditioning, filtration and circulatory system that my last location had. I am saving my lungs while I plan the solution.

[@tonyp9609]

I'm a senior who only worked with a rotary buffer , double backed wool and fine wool pads and Black Beauty to finish. I am glad to see someone teaching the next generation,Thank You

[@danmorrissette4814]

Wool pads on Rotary !! Pure Magic !! Thank-You Brian ! You are a Great Teacher! We Apreciate the Time and Effort You put in for us !! :-)

[@apexdetail85]

4 more vids on this topic are planned...stay tuned.

[@Angel_Peg]

I need that

[@loopsandthreads5028]

Damn that was on point! One of the best tutorials I have seen on the subject!

[@apexdetail85]

Well Thanks! Glad it helps a bit.

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

Fo Shizzle

[@stanleyhersevoort2180]

Asian dominitrix video's

[@greenoasis9568]

Man. I love your channel. Pure education!! I spend hours watching your videos and i never feel as if I’m being sold a product. It’s comfortable. I’ve recently gotten into detailing and I’ve turned a profit. Thank you

[@apexdetail85]

I love to hear that. Well Cheers to many many prosperous years to come!

[@andyhedges5705]

"Marketing Guys." Excellent description of many of the detailing channels.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I have a Flex Kompact 3 rotary. Thing is an absolute beast.

[@michaelcampbell01985]

I want to say thank you for putting this video out I'm now a little more knowledgeable on a rotary. Thanks again

[@apexdetail85]

More of these to come...stay tuned.

[@danielkattantorres]

Wow!! Totally subscribed!!! Now that was a great video, thank you soo much!!! Exactly what I was looking for..

[@anonymousnoname]

Sensei Brian's College of Polishing Knowledge! You are a polishing Ninja!

[@alexn2323]

Finally the proper tutorial found! Subscribed!

[@charlesdetailn8514]

Always glad to see a new video from you Brian. Very informative. Simply the best!!! Thanks

[@apexdetail85]

Thank you...there from the beginning! Much appreciated!

[@johnmaddern3519]

Worked as a Car Painter-Detailer at a large Rolls Royce Dealership in Australia for many years, we only used rotary for cutting and applied polish by hand with cheesecloth-after waxing we would finish with rotary dry buffing and cornflour for super great results. Thanks Brian love your content

[@cedricwebb5576]

Awesome video sir. How the hell you got 10 dislikes???,, I have no idea. I agree with everything you said. You are an excellent teacher. Thanks again

[@stephencarbonaro5462]

As usual, a short tutorial as good as it can get! Thanks for this one, awesome results btw.

[@apexdetail85]

More to come...there is a ton of info to cover.

[@momentumtintdetail]

Great video! Even rotary techniques have came a long way.

[@apexdetail85]

Everything in this industry is advancing at neck break speed.

[@olds3945]

I get bounced around in the semi all day at work, so it’s nice to pull out the smooth rotary and go to work. Becoming my go to!

[@richardseem7948]

another great video again buddy...nice 2u using rotary polisher...need more video's on rotary.🍻🍻

[@apexdetail85]

3 or 4 more of these to come.😀👍🍻

[@stianrmmen7215]

Good video! I started using the rotary 4/5 times on every car I detail, I just simply like it much more, and the results are better. Once you are able to control the holograms, there is no reason not to use it. Looking forward to more videos, you have my sub from now on 👍

[@visionaryrecords7644]

He's so educational. I e been doing detail work for a year. And I'm still learning about pads and machines. And I'm learning paint is different and pads as well.

[@jamesbiedlar590]

Fantastic tutorial!! You are a machine!!

[@apexdetail85]

Machine...I wish!🙂

[@jt4199]

Outstanding video

[@bigd9848]

Really informative video 👍🏻Thanks always great content.😎

[@apexdetail85]

Hope the vids help a bit Big D.🙂

[@douggreen980]

Awesome, I just got the PE8 a couple of weeks ago with a pile of pads but haven't tried it yet, so your timing is perfect. Thx Brian!

[@apexdetail85]

Get that puppy out!! It can effectively work the 5 inch pad...just keep an eye out for over heating.

[@clevo351]

One of your best videos ! Bravo Brian.

[@apexdetail85]

Thanks...Much appreciated! Hope it helps a bit.

[@marioskosmidhs9454]

Very nice video sir, thanks foa sharing knowledge

[@apexdetail85]

My pleasure Marios...Hope it helped a bit.

[@jrv858]

Best detailing channel

[@davenewton1570]

Brilliant video Bri again one of the best I was afraid of the rotary however after watching this Iam go give it a shot .cheers Dave (uk)

[@apexdetail85]

There is nothing to worry about. This tool will take care of you once you get some time behind it and practice.

[@meme5887]

3yrs later... how do you feel about the rotary now?

[@lifeofbrian9511]

I love the abrasive demonstration in the end.

[@apexdetail85]

It is the only way I could show how the abrasive travels as it is worked in.

[@berryblack3612]

Great commentary

[@mikemazanet7838]

This is so awesome.

[@apexdetail85]

More of these to come Mike...stay tuned!

[@seamuslily]

Brian you just made my day.Now I can take my B&D rotary from the 80s out of storage that Ive hadn't used for years. It is still in like new condition. thanks for doing this.I even still have my 2 double sided wool pads in same shape. Which foam pads should I get for it.Also what would be a good size.

[@apexdetail85]

Dust that thing off!!! 5 in 3 in 7 in. Those are the backing plate and pad sizes I have. As for foam pads...I only have one foam cutting pads. I leave that up to my wool pads. But I do have a ton of open cell foam finishing pads.

[@mikeyp2447]

Master B! Keep these coming! I just picked up a Dewalt!

[@apexdetail85]

Good choice!

[@julianoricardo736]

Good Morning ... I'm from Brazil and I work very little with details .. Learning from your videos and tips Congratulations on the site ..

[@apexdetail85]

I am happy the videos help a bit!👍

[@TripleGAutoDetailing]

Awesome video Brian. You are my college professor for detailing. 👊

[@gkiferlt1]

Please please more rotary dedicated videos! Currently in the learning curve, have the HF rotary and really like it so far.

[@apexdetail85]

3 or 4 more rotary vids to come.

[@russelstender8602]

Great video. I used the smaller Flex rotary to take out a ton of swirl marks on the hood of the White H2 I sent you. I wish I would have seen this 1st, but I’m better prepared for the next one. Keep these coming, I’m tired of the $400 master blaster DA’s of the month that stop turning the minute you hit a curve or apply just a little pressure!

[@apexdetail85]

Amen! More of these to come...stay tuned!

[@nazarethperez849]

Bless you for taking the time mah dude thanks

[@g.osiris1615]

Ladies and Gentlemen ... Brian .... a master of this trade

[@apexdetail85]

Just a bit of experience...no different form you guys!

[@arielbustamante9333]

Thanks for the info. New to this but I really like it. Just a drive yard detailer but I find it strangely relaxing

[@apexdetail85]

It is therapy my friend! Go with it!🙂

[@arielbustamante9333]

@@apexdetail85 Thanks for the encouragement. Take care and keep them videos coming. I've learned a lot from your channel

[@NipkowDisk]

Rotary club FTW!!!

[@apexdetail85]

Yes!!!👊😀

[@1kontrabida]

Geeeez! subscribed!!!! ive been searching and watching a ton of video on detailing and this is the Best video by far! Your a true enthusiast and detailer (dying breed) and not about the $ keep it up don't change.

[@Illphro]

Boats need rotary polishers, need them. (wonder if I'll get a heart now)

[@jdisdetermined]

Just a ballpark guesstimate, how often do you use a rotary versus a DA for both cutting and polishing steps individually, percentage wise? As in cut with a rotary x% of the time, DA x%? Polish/finish x% rotar, x% DA. What is your thought process on choosing to use one over the other? If the rotary is capable of faster cutting, equal or better finishing with less physical fatigue and time, why use the DA at all? Ever? I picked up a rather large Makita rotary and a bunch of wool and foam pads at an estate sale for only $30 and finally made myself start experimenting and learning it. I'm really enjoying it! It is a lot easier and more fun to use just physically, even being big and heavy with the big 7" pads. Nice and smooth and consistent, almost relaxing just guiding it along, no pad stall management to worry about, etc.. A compact machine like the Flex with a 5" pad seems like it would be just a joy to use and could handle every part of a vehicle well. Appreciate you taking the time to make these rotary specific videos, it's the reason I decided I needed to learn it, just to know how if nothing else. Didn't expect to take to it like I have though. 👌👍✌

[@mecgmecg1]

The more rotary videos the better, Brian!

[@SanelMemisevic1986]

I learned soo much from your videos... Thank you soo much... I wish you all the best...

[@vrodxvrodx]

Love the rotary!

[@apexdetail85]

Yes!! Me too!

[@rwmagnus]

Rotaries are awesome. Nice instruction. Love paring them with wool and wool hybrid pads.

[@apexdetail85]

The newer wool hybrid pads are fantastic!

[@luisfernandoparramartinez81]

Thanks again!! Brian!! An excellent video as usual.

[@toddkeitchen8869]

Thanks Brian for the great video. Just recently purchased a use Makita, can't wait to get out and give it a whirl.

[@kawtriples]

Great Video! Very Helpful. Thank You!

[@masterspin7796]

I was starting to think that my 40 years with a rotary was becoming a dead skill...thanks for the uplift im still using it too...

[@jeramiet154]

Thanks for the video man, just ordered a dewalt dw849x after using Maguire's ultimate compound with a wool pad attachment for my drill on an old black ford I just picked up. It's now covered in holograms lol.

[@spy1422]

Thanks Brian. Love the videos.

[@andrewrackley9628]

I need more of these videos

[@howardlee7216]

It’s good to know hat I can use a 5 inch backing plate and pad on the PE 8 Flex

[@douggreen980]

Thanks for the tip Brian, I will have to pick up a 5-inch backing plate on my next order. That will likely have to wait until spring now. I am looking forward to your next Rotary video.

[@apexdetail85]

If I leave something out of the series...just reach out.

[@48Detailing]

Amazing video! Love the channel, keep up the awesome work!

[@J1Z06]

If You have any seminars and I can make it there, I'd love to learn the rotary. I have an old Makita from 1991. I've played around with it, but I'd love to learn how to use it properly.

[@j.morales3166]

It's the surface speed of the rotary that makes it cut better and faster. DA's don't have the same consistent surface speed because of that random action.

[@richardseem7948]

keep them coming good friend

[@apexdetail85]

Absolutely!

[@johnomahoney7755]

Love it!

[@apexdetail85]

:) 👍

[@degrootautocare9154]

Thanks for the great lesson. Now I want a rotary :)

[@apexdetail85]

DOO ITTTT!!!😀 You will love IT!!

[@qatar313]

Informative video, thanks a lot

[@mobiledetail4you]

Nicely done!

[@kungfupanda891]

Thank you soo much !

[@jameshutchins3396]

Honestly having run a floor buffer for years this makes perfectly good sense. It seems people have forgotten custom and show cars of the 50's thru 70's. They did shine!

[@Sherukka]

Thanks! Great video!

[@apexdetail85]

Thanks! Hope it helped a bit!

[@barrydehart5630]

Great video Brian how to you combat the mess that is made with the rotary that's the main reason I don't use it cleanup os nasty.

[@joeyphillips2423]

Great video you are the man.

[@apexdetail85]

Cheers Joey!!🍻

[@alimoghadasi3748]

I am wondering why you have some DAs in your workshop?You use DA in many of your videos! I would be so happy if you do all your projects with rotary.I love rotary insanely...well done Brian.

[@MyGuyKirby]

Nice video and interested in learning how to use the rotary without burning those edges. Please take time and show how you polished out that other side behind the turn lamp body.!

[@apexdetail85]

3 or 4 more rotary vids to come ...each more advanced as I publish them.

[@frandanco6361]

This man is a great teacher - listen to him ! My experience with edges - do NOT hold the machine running on them - ever - Think about this - there will be the - Least Amount of paint on all edges, because they are so sharp, paint will not adhere very long and want to run off.. Edges also do not need any paint correction because it is a tiny edge.. So, just pass the machine right over them, touching them just lightly and quickly.. Never needs anymore than that..

[@isaacgonzales654]

In my experience the rotary builds more heat? Dont understand how it can generate less heat

[@AnilPatel-ch2sf]

HI, I like the fact that you don't recommend going about speed setting 3 for beginners, I've seen others recommending going to 5-6 after the polished is applied. What would you recommend for someone like me that just wants to wax the car and not do any correction work.

[@bighorn9119]

Body shop still use the rotary and restoration shops

[@johnsullivan7599]

HI BRIAN I BOUGHT THE PE- 8- 14 FLEX ROTORY CAN I USE THE MEQUIRERS 5 AND 3 INCH MICROFIBER PADS WITH THE ROTORY IF NOT COULD YOU HELP ME WITH THE RITE COMBINATION I ALSO HAVE A 3 AND 5 INCH DA MY CAR IS A 2010 BLACK LEXUS ( SOFT PAINT ) I ALSO HAVE BOTH JESCAR AND SONAX COMPOUND AND FINISH. AS USUAL YOU ARE A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. CHEERS!!!!

[@turfdancer78]

I don’t even use dual action anymore. You can pay $450 for a rupes that’s honestly not as universal as a rotary and over priced. Or you can spend $190 on a rotary that’s more powerful, cuts faster, finishes faster, can go from 7 inch backing plates all the way down to 1 inch AND you can polish metal with it. I mean I was sold on dual actions until I got a job at gerber collision and used the dewalt. 2 weeks later I bought a dewalt and haven’t used a dual action ever again🤷🏻‍♂️💯 best decision ever

[@ant_ele]

Great argument made for rotary! I went cheap and got an ok DA to learn on (but i need to get rid of it.) But my instinct tells me i want to a rotary. I’m thinking, Mikita (dual), Dewalt or Milwaukee cordless. Whatcha think?

[@OBS.Rey__]

Thanks i was starting to think i made the wrong buy 😅

[@omarsmobiledetailing7287]

Hi. What is purpose or difference between a thick backing plate versus thin low profile plate. Thanks in advance

[@BRunkel07]

Can’t wait for more of these tutorials! I have the drill master rotary, a bunch of pads, and a few hoods in the basement to practice on during the winter. What determines when you go for the rotary over a dual action polisher? Is it when the paint is totally trashed? Time is an issue? Clear coat is on the hard side? Thanks!

[@mohammedbenz9361]

What rotary do you recommend me to buy ? I am a beginner and does a lot of sanding and polishing

[@lucabrazi36]

I'm looking to buy a rotary. Which machine would you choose between this flex rotary or the Makita rotary?

[@AuctionRecoveries]

In 2023 buying my first machine, would you get a Maxshine Rotary or a 15mm Da? I have a bunch of experience with angle grinders so I think I could learn the rotary pretty well, I do a lot of early 2000s flip cars to resell. I like the thought of you’re 50/50 Urofiber pads with 3D one.. Seems quick and pretty good results

[@AuctionRecoveries]

Also to add, I would need a small machine for a 3 inch backing plate for all those small areas. So it’s two machines Vs rotary right? Lol

[@davenewton1570]

I’ve been told using a smaller pad gives you better control when using a rotary is this correct Bri

[@michelledentino2049]

Brian...Dewalt rotary or Drill Master from Harbor Freight? I’m 5’3’’ 115 lbs but looking for effectiveness and ergonomic feel. Which one if you were me? Your videos have inspired me to leave my nursing job and start car detail business!

[@zanaga1901]

So can you start off with heavy oxidation with a yellow pad then go to orange and then like a black pad. When I first started the rotary I used a orange pad but I had the speed going way to fast at times on a speed 6 the highest speed on this Warrior rotary polisher I will go slower from now on and start at speed one and the highest I will go will be is on two and not a 6.

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

Brian for your drill master rotary polisher what backing plate and wool, foam pads do you recommend?///

[@MAD20248]

what's your rotary 1,2,3 speeds?

[@johnsullivan7599]

HI BRIAN HOW'S EVERYTHING THING GOING I NOTICED THE 5 INCH YELLOW BACKING PLATE IS NOT A FLAT PLATE IT HAS A HIGH RISE TO IT WERE CAN I FIND THAT TYPE OF BACKING PLATE I TRIED TO NO LUCK CHERRS BRAIN !!!!! OH I ALSO NOTICED U HAVE A WHITE DEEP BACKING PLATE ALSO THANKS

[@jimmyswrxchnl1097]

When I first started using the rotary I hated it, because it would skip and bounce around, so I went and bought myself a flex DA, but after learning how to use the rotary I prefer it over the DA. Because the rotary vibrates less than the DA.

[@apexdetail85]

Exactly...glad you found your way!🙂👍

[@frandanco6361]

Jimmy's WRX CHNL -- The machine bounced and skipped because of many reasons, including dirty, used, pad, wrong pad, wrong product for that paint, not enough moisture on the pad, too much speed, not keeping the pad flat, not enough downward pressure.. Starting off at the slowest speed ( 650rpm on my Makita), will always work best, and allow the pad, product, and paint to get - acquainted - making the process work easier and better..

[@greggriffin3242]

What size backing plate are u using?Can I put a 5-6 inch backing plate on my drillmaster

[@johnmaddern3519]

I dont believe someone is a Detailer if they cannot use a larger rotary as experts in the past could do superbly

[@SRKarting]

Hi mate, I like the fact your using the mini rotary with a 5”. Why is it Flex only recommend using the 3” or 80mm pads? The way I see it If I buy this Flex PE8-4 80 its the only machine I need. My car is pretty immaculate anyway so I only plan on using it for applying maintenance polishes and sealants etc. Thanks for any advice and great vids dude :-).

[@espadaYdaga6426]

Hello Bryan! I know this might sound silly, I'm just a DIY weekend warrior who likes to keep my car clean. I want to learn how to polish my car but I don't think spending money for a rotary or DA polisher would be practical for me as it is also costly. With that said, can I get the same result if I slap on some backing plate together with a quality foam pad on a drill? I don't really wanna do some correction. Just wanna start with paint enhancement. Thanks!

[@joshuaopfer6566]

What are the pros and cons of higher and lower speeds also is it a good idea of adjusting speeds for each step. For an example start on a higher speed and lower the speed for each step

[@apexdetail85]

It all comes down to surface temps and what kind of temperatures the pad you are using generates. High temps in concentrated areas are the clear's worst enemy.

[@jt4199]

Do you have a video on the order you use your foam pads when waxing???

[@darkomtc]

Looks so easy, but when i try, the rotation wants to kick the machine out of my hands and goes uncontrollably side to side...

[@livinglife7042]

If you have a minute can you send me a link to your rotary backing plates or if not just the name every further hit the link so I can give you some points or however it works with the linkage give you credit thanks Brian I have loved your videos ever since I started watching them very thorough very clear

[@apexdetail85]

Anytime!..www.autogeek.net/lc43175.html www.autodetailingsolutions.net/backing-plates.html

[@larrydavisj]

So, I notice that in some of your newer videos you use a M550. It's cheaper in price than the Flex, but how does the Maxshine perform compared to the PE 8? Thanks in advance Brian.