20 Best Da Polisher For Beginners (2023 Updated)

Product works like wonders but my god does that machine vibrate like crazy. I wouldn’t say ergonomics is its go to since vibration, of course, is part of ergonomics. I suggest using work gloves to help with the vibration a bit.

Other than that, it works! Update:(January 25, 2019) machine decided to go down on me while i was working on the truck. Comes to find out the wiring broke on me while I was working on an expensive project Im doing for a client before ceramic coating) I saw similar problems from other reviews but I had my benefit of the doubt.

Im very disappointed that this happened to me. As the machine was working well on the project and now Im down on the machine and this is going postpone my work and my client isnt going to be pleased with the delay of work.

This is my 2nd Dual Action Polisher. I have a 20 year old Sea Ray 330EC which I purchased 10 years ago and I use this machine combined with Shurhold products to get this 20 year old boat to look almost new.

I always have people stop by and comment on the how beautiful our boat looks. I am using my original machine as a back up because it still works great. Thanks Shurhold for great products. John G. Lewes Delaware Voodoo Queen.

This is my 2nd new one. The machine works great, like I knew it would. Apparently they changed the sponge polishing head or mine was old or something. Shortly after applying wax with the new head, the thing started shredding, throwing pieces of sponge all over the place.

Ever see what’s under one of those sponges? That backplate could really mess up a paint job. Fortunately, I switched out waxier head and finished the job. I’m not asking for anything but if you happened to come across a couple of waxing heads that were unaccountable, feel free to accidentally ship ’em to me.

Just letting you know what happened on the first job.

Excellent first polisher foe the beginner, but also works great in the professional setting. I’ve made good money with the 7424xp. I get the most mileage from the Jescar line and Buff and Shine (Uro-fiber cutting, Uro-Tec yellow polishing) pads.

Not so effective at lower speeds, but from 3. 5 and up, it’s good. Most of my work is done at speed 4, and 4. 5. Super simple, super easy to use, super reliable. This could last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

I’ve been researching and reading about this product for a while, and locating one was getting very difficult, because many of the distributors where sold out. However, I finally was able to purchase one and all the hype was true.

This polisher is well built and works great, looking to get many years of service out of it. I highly recommend it, that’s if you can find one.

This combo of Shurhold polish and this orbital polisher is a great product. I polished my 18 ft Bayliner in about 2 hours and had absolutely the best results possible. This polish brings out the deep shine, repels water now for several months of boat use.

Salt water just beads off of the polish. This polish worked so good on my boat that I also polished all 3 of my cars and all with 1 bottle. I live in Florida and the weather, salt and sand is hard on your cars paint but this product is really working well and standing up to the weather conditions.

I recommend this product 100% and have replaced all my other polish and waxes with Shurhold.

I purchased the dual action polisher started pack and added the soft yellow brush. I have 40 foot sport fisher that has non-skid from front to back and on the flybridge. I used the dual action polisher and the yellow brush and was able to save a ton of time verses scrubbing with a brush on a pole.

The non skid look better than ever. I also polished the brow and the edges and they were sparkling. I am very pleased with the dual action polisher! I am actually excited about cleaning my boat up versus dreading a chore.

Work quite well. Two issues I have with it are with the switch and the height. I wish it had a lower profile to get around things like hand rails and such. And the switch sucks. It’s hard to get it to stay on and the slightest bump will turn it off.

I have other tools with similar switches so I’m somewhat use to them. The cord is nice and long. The variable speed works good. This kit came with pro-polish which put a nice shine on my boat.

This allows you to get the dual axis spinning action you see on high end polishers for a fraction of the price. Most home users just doing their own car don’t need a $100+ professional polisher. This will allow you to get comparable results for a fraction of the price.

The more expensive options will offer better ergonomics making them easy to use for hours at a time. If your only spending one or two hours a year there is no sense spending the money on a higher end polisher.

It installs onto your drill chuck just like any drill bit. Hold the handle steady and that’s it. A fully featured DA polisher by using tools you already had. It feels well built and couldn’t be a lot easier to use.

I recommend this product.

I’ve used rotary polishers before, and of course if you are careful to move them back and forth quickly as you go you can get excellent results. However I have frequently lost the rythm or pressed to hard a left a nasty swirl that takes ages to get rid of.

This attachment oscillates rapidly back and forth as it rotates, which allows you to hold the drill steady and move gradually across the surface without leaving swirls or uneven areas. It fits into the drill chuck so that you have one hand on the drill’s trigger and the other on the attachment handle.

The bearings are very low friction so there is little effort to stop it spinning, and the weight is moderate so not too tiring to use provided your drill is lightweight. It feels unwieldy to begin with but you get used to it.

A short, compact drill is easier but I found my little 10. 8V Bosh didn’t have the power and I ended up using a small mains-powered drill. The Meguiar’s pads are good quality and after five hours use with rubbing compound the pad shows no sign of wear.

There are different pads available for rubbing, polish and wax and the compounds seem to be good quality, if a little expensive. I’m not sure if there’s any difference in the material of the pads but they are different colours, so I suppose that helps you to not mix up your rubbing and waxing pads! The pads are about 9cm across so it takes a while to cover a panel, they fit with velcro so it may be possible to use a larger pad if your drill is up to it but I don’t think Meguiar’s make one.

The attachment feels solid and well engineered; good quality. At the time I bought it halfords was the best price I could find (three score) and with a 3 for 2 offer I got a couple of extra pads as well, so top marks for value.

The system is great, the only issue I had was that the yellow foam polishing pad that came with the unit, detached itself from the velcro after just 5 minutes. Its quite expensive to buy the replacement pads, so this has left a very sour taste in my mouth.

Is there anyway i could get the yellow foam pad replaced?.

Great for large areas, will need a smaller polisher or backing plate for tight areas. So far I’ve machine waxed a Subaru CrossTrek – worlds faster than hand waxing. Have hand waxed for years, never going back unless I need serious control/precision.

Washed, clayed, compounded and polished a 13 year old CLK. Used the hex orange and white pads, as well as Meguiars microfiber pads. Ended up getting away from the V series compounds and polishes and using Meguiars 205 and 105 on the hex pads with best results.

Took nearly 6hrs since I was messing around with different products along the way. Will likely be picking up a smaller TORQ polisher to make life easier in the small areas. Overall, it’s a pretty comfortable and easy to control DA polisher.

I’d definitely recommend adding this to the tool kit in order to speed things up.

An absolute beast of a machine. Easy to use. The trigger pull is amazing. Everything is easy to reach while using the machine. From locking in the speed to the speed dial. The grip fits perfect in my hand and gives lots of added control.

Excited for my next one.

This unit is great and makes the job so much easier. Better results with less effort-what’s not to love? In this case, you really are getting what you pay for-results. Only complaint (-1 star) is that while one is purchasing a true commercial grade polisher, the feeble spray containers for the pad cleaner and conditioner are weak and leaky, even with a very minimal amount of jostling to account for it.

Leave it in its side, even screwed on tight with the little plastic spray pump cover, and the product seeps out and it WILL seep out unless you maintain them in a constant vertical position on a shelf (forget carrying these in the bag) OR buy your own atomizer.

sprayer, because these spray bottles are made to fail. *** I see they now use McKee’s for the included pad maintenance items, instead of the ones included with the kit that i got. these appear to be sturdier right off the bat, but I’ve yet to use that particular product.

This machine is truly capable in the right hands. I’ve had one for years and loved it until it got stolen, so I got another one because it’s simply the best, however this new machine even though it’s new it doesn’t keep a constant speed, and I’m a bit disappointed by bn that.

I’ve owned my Bauer since 2019 and it’s 2021. It can definitely put out good results with some small cons. The Pros are: 1. Delivers great results 2. The price is good 3. Available to pick up from a local store 4.

Able to switch from 6 inch backing plate to 5 inch and 3 inch backing plate. 5. Minimum pad stalling The Cons are: 1. It gets really hot when polishing for a long time. The heat blew out one of my 5 inch pads and part of the pad melted to the center of the velcro of the backing plate.

Also, the heat destroyed one of my 3 inch pads as well. So, you must take breaks to avoid the polisher from getting too hot or get a backing plate with vent holes. See pic of destroyed pad. 2. One model of 1814E-B is built better than the other.

The one with the sub-model# 64529 is built better than the 64528. That number can be on the box under the serial number or on the polisher under the model number. See youtube video: Teardown: which Bauer DA polisher from Harbor Freight is better? See pic of the box with sub-model no.

3. Vibration can be a bit much if polishing for hours. Short term is not that bad to handle. Wrapping things up, I think this is a great polisher to start with and keep because you can switch to 3 different backing plates without having to buy another polisher.

If money is tight or you are just starting, there is no reason to buy a Rupes, Flex or Griots, when this polisher can get you the same the results. Sure, those other polishers above have less vibration, run cooler, and stalls less (well the Griots G9 stalls less), but you can move up after you feel there is a need and then keep the Bauer for your 3 inch polisher to get in those tight spots.

My advice for owning a Bauer is: 1. Get a 5 inch backing plate and 3 inch backing plate. 2. Change the grease. 3. Watch youtube videos for what polishes and pads to choose. Personally, I learned quite a bit from watch youtubes videos from Apex Detail and Dallas paint correction.

There are others, but start with those guys and that’s my take on the Bauer Polisher. Pics of: Last car polished with Bauer 5 Inch Pad Blow out from heat Different backing plates Sub-Model No. to get (64529) Would have added the 3 inch pad destroyed, but only allowed 4 pics.

This is not my first DA polisher from HF. I have used the older version/brand that looked very similar to this one. I will say this is an improvement on the last version I owned. My only comments are that it is loud, and runs fairly hot when doing a lot of polishing.

It would get very uncomfortable to hold on to the head due to the heat. Running it with the handle would solve this issue but I find using the handle to be awkward and does not allow the control that having your hand directly on the head gives.

The backing plate is fine and functional but putting on a nicer backing plate (thicker w/ more flex) from other companies is certainly a thing to consider. This DA had no issues running a 6″ pad doing “heavy” correction.

I do think it runs much better with a 4 or 5 inch pad as it is easier to control/gets better bite. Overall, for the price I think you cannot go wrong for a first time user, hobbyist, or detailer who is just starting out.

This 85 dollar tool can and will make you money and give you great results at the sacrifice of noise and comfort vs. much more expensive polishers.

I purchased this a couple of weeks ago, on sale, after watching several YouTube videos. I was amazed at the results on a 2015 Corolla. I used Maguire’s liquid compound 205 (mild formula) and ran the tool on 2.

5 so to become comfortable with it. The tool performed unbelievably well removing minor paint scuffs from door dings and water spots. Some comments question the durability of the Bauer DA polisher because it is made in China.

I questioned some HF tools initially myself. Having purchased a Chicago Electric corded impact wrench 7 years ago and a Chicago Electric belt sander 10 years ago I got that out of my system as both are going strong; I did change the brushes in the impact wrench.

Guess I should mention the 25 year old 6 inch bench grinder still kicking butt. Bottom line this tool is doing a great job, easy to use and produces great results. I have 3 daughter’s cars to tackle now that I have this!.

Purchased to apply Shurhold Pro Sealer Wax to a 1984 hull, including the non-skid. Worked GREAT! Light enough not to fatigue the arms, yet heavy-duty enough to be effective. Long cord, multiple handles, and velcro-pads made the job easy and fun! I looked at all 3 wheels sold by Shurhold and chose this one so I could seal/wax my non-skid.

100% satisfied!.

Used on a 2014 F-150 XLT super crew, 4×4, all black. Truck had all sorts of branch scratches, water marks, spider webbing and all the other stuff but no major flaws. Mind you I have never polished, waxed or compounded ANY vehicle in my 57 years.

This polisher with heavy blue cutting pad and Meguires ultimate compound, then white polishing pad with Meguires ultimate polish, then Meguires gold wax removed with polisher, white pad and micro fiber bonnet.

This combination and 8+ hours of work yielded amazing, mirror like results for my first time in the polishing game. Overall truck looks amazing for a 2014 that was already in “not horrible” shape. Seriously, I am amazed at the glossy finish that was hiding under there! This polisher, Bauer pads and Meguires is a winning combo if you watch plenty of DA polishing videos and let the polisher do 90% of the work.

After purchase I had to do the immediate modifications to ensure it would even last more than a few cars. Opened up the gear housing and removed all that Chinese “grease” It seriously was more like Vaseline than grease.

Packed it up with high temp/pressure lithium grease and it hasn’t made a sound since day 1. Then I replaced the backing plate with one from a company who speacalizes in this market, not just adds this as part of a larger product line.

$30 for a backing plate made by a company who this is what they do everyday, thats 10-15 years of real world research that developed that, trust me, it will be money well spent. When I first started I used a cheap backing plate, during a pass the weld betweem the stem and back broke sending the pad flying, and me dragging a jagged stem edge turning at high speed across a hood.

I had to pay to get the car repainted. well when I swapped this, the box that the stem attatches to on this plate had already cracked, comprimising its integrity after just doing a hood to check it out when I got home.

But those aren’t problems that only occure on the bauer. it’s on many machines. Other that that, my usual deal, I like it. It does seem to struggle a bit with low profile pads, but that could be me not having the speed correct.

That is something I do not like. Not giving a correlation of RPM in reference to the numbers on the speed dial. I know the RPM range, but gives no reason to believe it is broken up evenly through the range.

Ok I know I’ve been nitpicking, but I really do like the machine. I’ve been wanting to add a long throw to my arsenal for a while, and I think this will do me good for maybe 1 1/2 or so which for the price that is fantastic.

I mean don’t get it twisted, this is made to be disposable, with regular use, it just isn’t made with the quality of a 5+ power tool, but the price being what it is, I’d say its more than an even trade.

This polisher is widely regarded both my some as the best in the business and by others as antiquated. Some of the detailers favor the DA. I grew up on DA polishers decades ago. I’ve worn out more than a few.

So it seems I have regressed with technology to get into this heavy, powerful machine. The Dewalt can remove material that a DA cannot. I am detailing a fleet including a class A motorhome. You have not lived until you have done the Three Step with one of those monsters.

The Dewalt is less likely to be uneven and splotchy. It is smooth and heavy and the Dewalt finish is fine. It is a bargain at JB Tools that is not matched elsewhere.

I’m not brand loyal. I’m about good quality. I use it for polishing aluminum with airway buffing wheels and also sanding prep. I need the variable speed for the different buffs. So far the only possible issue will be the variable speed adjusted wheel and it’s starting to tilt sideways and I wonder if it’s gonna come apart and not work.

But so far it’s working. And from all the other people I know who use them everyday all day, these machines are excellent. Clean it out though. Will last longer. As far as shipping and dealing with the company, normal shipping time wasn’t late.

Would have liked to receive a sales receipt worh package or by email. Oh and I have the makita version too. Dewalt feels more solid to me. But each person may like one or the other better. Both built well.

Both work well. The arbor on my makita was just a hair sloppy. The dewalt is absolutely solid. Maybe I got a fluke makita. But I have the makita mainly as a backup now that I got the dewalt. And the dewalt has an extra long cord which I love.

Also the dewalt if you press hard on the trigger it shoots right up to selected rpm. The makita soft start won’t let you get to those rpms any faster by pressing trigger down fast. The dewalt will go up and past selected rpm maybe by like 200rpm and settle down into selected rpm.

Doesn’t bug me but they should correct in the future just to make their product tighter. All I all I love my dewalt polisher. And I will buy from jb again as long as they keep the price right.

I was after a polisher for my Venetian plaster, and after weighing my options between this one and the Bosch, I decided to go for the Dewalt. And I was not wrong. It is a bit heavier than the Bosch (on paper) and a cheap one that I had to take back, but boy does it have torque.

This comes with the backing pad and a wool bonnet, unlike the Bosch that hasn’t got any of these. Build quality is great and the 3m cable is perfect. Slow start is a great feature, and not as noisy as the cheap one I mentioned earlier.

All in all, a great purchase and not to forget the 3yr warranty. No box unfortunately 🙁 So, to conclude, don’t think much about it just buy and forget. Read the reviews too and you’ll see.

I purchased this because my beloved ’97 Nissan Maxima is closing in on the 1/4 million mile mark and the paint is. commensurate with its age. I was tired of using the old Sears random orbital buffer.

And the clay bar, for all its wonders, did little to erase some of the water damage my wife (bless her soul) accumulated during her tenure as driver of this fine automobile. Now I’ve tried other orbital polishers.

Some of them were as feeble as the price I paid for them. Using the Mothers buffing ball/power drill combo was a disaster waiting to happen. So I took the plunge and spent about $150 for this Dewalt polisher.

Oh, my gosh. Right out of the box, this machine impressed me. Its substantial heft, combined with a feel that simply exudes “quality” left me almost(!) speechless. This machine is professional, folks.

No doubt about it. I got the wool polishing pad on quickly, and proceeded to try out a test area on my car. I began with the 1k RPM setting and let the machine do the work. Even at low speed, this polisher has the amps and the torque to quickly heat up your finish–so I proceeded with caution.

By the other side of polishing my Max, I was up to around 1800 RPM and kicking rain etching/tree sap butt. The finish it left behind was better than glass. The rain spots were barely discernible in reflected sunlight.

With a little more courage and a slightly more abrasive polishing compound (I was using Meguiar’s wax/cleaner) I could easily see these remnants disappearing completely. At the risk of sounding persnickity, I will say that this machine tends to run a little hot.

I periodically gave it a rest between sections, but it builds up a bit of heat. I’m not at all worried about burning anything out, just more of a FYI to potential buyers. The features of this DeWalt polisher are great.

The variable speed and locking trigger are a godsend. I’m also left handed, so being able to mount the handle on either side was a big plus. It makes quick work of what would otherwise be a laborious and time consuming process.

All in all, I’m wondering why I didn’t get one of these things sooner.

Arrived in good condition. Impressed w quality of tool. Works as advertised. A solid buy if you have a large job to do. In my case, I’m buffing a ten year old RV we purchased a year or so ago. The finish was so dull you couldn’t see reflected light.

Now I can see myself in the reflection.

Searched for a replacement for my professional grinder/polisher I’d owned for about 15+ years. Never owned this brand before but took a chance. Only used it a couple times but with a 7 inch cutting wheel on it I gave it a significant work out from the get go.

She handled the “abuse” without complaint. So far, so good!.

The photo needs to be updated. This is the G6 orbital polisher. It comes with Griot’s 3 in 1 wax and 1 – 6” foam pad, but any 6” pad will fit. Use your own combo of pads and products for your custom needs.

Decided to go with this one over cheaper ones on the market. I am impressed with the quality of this product. So glad I spent the extra money. It is perfect for weekend warrior detailing on my 2017 Silverado.

I’ve never used an orbital polisher before but found it easy to jump right in with the G6. Really great results removing spiderwebs and holograms. Will be using this one for years to come.

I have used the Griots garage synthetic clay bar and was very impressed. I have watched the use of their different DA polishers on their website. And, decided to try it. The one at Autozone was the less bells and whistle model but did not disappoint! Along with the polisher I purchased the black pad and the compound in the yellow bottle.

I did a 2 step on the whole car. The results we better than I hoped or expected. Far exceeded them in fact. Griots products are top notch and would not hesitate to buy anything they sell. the scratches that can be removed are incredible.

I tried wet sanding with 1500 grit a few spots that had some deeper flaws. Then did a 2 step and the paint now looks like it is wet it is so nice.