Cheap DA for beginner?

[mxracer49]

Help a newb anyone?  I want to buy a new machine. Right now all I have is a orbital. Great for applying wax and that's about it. I know this unit is probably way below this groups standards but can anyone offer advice on it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92623
This is a cheap rotary, correct? Not a DA. If I do decide to pick one of these up, having never used a DA or rotary before, will I be at risk in doing more harm than good? I guess what I'm asking is will this unit be as forgiving or user friendly as say a PC? I've searched for cheaper DA alternatives, like the HF unit, but so far have come up empty. Any help or guidance is much appreciated.

[Obsessive Detail]

Without having any polishing experience I wouldn't go with that rotary.  You are taking a big chance at burning your paint.  I would start out with a PC or Flex, once you have mastered those, then move onto the rotary.

[Old Dogg™]

These are the cheapest I know of that are known and used by many here.

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html

http://www.autogeek.net/poca74pofcop.html

[Bunky]

It looks like Autogeek will be selling new DA by PC. It is supposed to be available in 1 to 2 months.

[Too Stroked]

I too will vote for a Porter Cable 7424 (or similar) before jumping into a rotary. I played with my PC and learned from the masters on this site for almost 2 years before making the leap to a rotary, and I'm glad I did. There are far too many ways to screw up when you mechanize the process, so start slow, learn, then maybe move up - only if you feel you need it.

[Bunky]

You should be able to pick up a used PC 7424. They are on ebay, pawn shops, etc.  Some detailing web sites have trading sections too so you can look there as well.  Of course, the risks of being used is the lack of any warranty, etc.

[GreyMichFX4]

I picked up my PC on Ebay for about 100 a year ago.

[Poorboy]

I would buy a new PC not a used one ... some warranty is better than none  :thumbsiup:

[mxracer49]

I see a PC in my near future. I attempted to clean up my wife's neglected dark red mini van today. I spent more than an hour on the hood alone. trying to correct by hand. It looks a hundred times better. Too bad my right arm is out of commission for a few days.

Thanks all