DEWALT Variable Speed Polisher, 7-Inch to 9-Inch (DWP849)

Never bogged down. Has lots of power and is well made.

This DeWalt tool is top-notch. It’s got variable speed control right at your thumb and comes with a solid 6-inch backing pad for sanding tasks. I grabbed a hook-and-loop backing pad with a wool buff pad, and it makes finishing work a snap. The price is a bit steep, but right now, the quality you get for the cost is hard to beat.

Thickness? Why is thickness a rating on Amazon? I guess it's a "medium thickness". I dunno. Ok, I'm a professional boat detailer and I use this machine almost everyday. Sometimes for 8 hours plus of constant use. I mean if there is anyone dewalt should be worried about as being a tester, it's me. I use dewalt because out of all the buffing machines and all the different brands I like the smoothness and the torque these machines provide. Others are just different. These are almost instant and when you feather the trigger they seem accurate and predictable in conjunction with how much you depress the trigger. I use the heaviest gauge cord possible to hook these up because it will make the armature last longer. It has to do with the flow of electricity and smaller cords have this machine run hotter than normal there by wearing out the internal parts faster. I clean out the vents and change the carbon brushes about every 3 months. Do these things and this will last well over a year. I really really abuse this thing. Also something to consider is the Square Trade warranty. I recently used it and I wasn't too impressed. Ya they answer the phone, you get a person who you can understand and all but they don't fix them, they replace them. BUT, they replace them by cutting you a one time check and I paid almost $200 for the buffer (not including the $20 Square Trade warranty) it and the check was for $139. It's better than nothing. Maybe I can send it into Dewalt or bring it to an authorized repair shop and have it fixed for less than $139. Also something to note is I buy these off of Ebay also, but because I did, Dewalt would not back up there warranty on the machine and said "we don't honor the warranty because you bought it off eBay". This is why I bought it off of Amazon, I'm gonna try to go through them when this breaks and if it doesn't work out with Amazon, hopefully Dewalt warrants these machines if bought off of Amazon. I'll post an update when I give it a try. Square Trade was a let down.

I use this polisher a minimum of twice a week if not more. Ive owned about 6 months. Its rock solid. I love this polisher. Very easy to use and control. Just an all around great tool to have in your detailing aresonal.

After using my DW849 for over 20 years (many of these years in heavy professional use), the case handle cracked on it and I had to replace the machine as parts were out of production years ago.Yeah, I am that guy. Once I get something that works I will do whatever I can to keep it.This DWP849 cost less than what I paid for my original in the 90s and is now made in China, so I was a bit skeptical.The first one I received was defective (difficulty with trigger and speed) and I ended up exchanging it per DeWalt customer service's advice. Amazon seamlessly handled my return and sent a replacement.At first the trigger on the replacement machine acted the same as the first one I ordered; that is, it was a bit twitchy and the machine speed seemed to skip and cut in and out as if there was a short.The first machine got worse with use.After trying this replacement for a week I was ready to return it and abandon DeWalt polishers once I could find a suitable replacement. However I noticed during one grueling compound and polish session (6 hours) that the trigger seemed to smooth out plus the skipping and jerking were gone.Maybe I just had to get the machine hot to seat some of the components.Some general comments:In comparison with my 90s DW849, this machine is lighter. However, by today's standards this machine is still on the heavy side (still not quite as heavy as a corded Milwaukee). I appreciate this as I want a machine with some heft for stability and to absorb any harshness from the surface I am working. I also appreciate that it is full size.The grip portion of the handle is slightly more narrow than my 90s model and feels as if made for smaller hands.This model has a variable speed trigger which allows the operator to start at very slow speed. It does not have the "soft start" feature which I feel is unnecessary and (on some machines) downright annoying.The trigger has decent uptake and the lock button is located intuitively so a person can click it on and off without breaking contact with their work surface. This is a professional feature and well thought.This machine does have more torque than even my 90s model and is quite strong. I have used it daily for a couple months now and it does not bog down. It also compensates for load to keep the pad spinning at a consistent RPM which you set with a solid feeling dial.One small complaint:The machine has a rubber pad on top which is used when you set the machine down with a pad attached. Unlike my 90s machine, this pad does not have feet so it tends to tilt and lean on the side handle unless you are very careful when setting it down. I don't like that, but it is a minor annoyance.This IS a strong machine and is priced very attractively when compared to other major players in the corded polisher field such as Milwaukee and Makita. While it is more expensive than a Harbor Freight or similar Chinese branded machine, this one is in a different league for features, capability, and consistency. The extra money spent to buy this one over one of those machines is well worth it: small difference in price for a major jump in quality.Hopefully this one is as durable as my original. It feels as if it will be and replacement parts are readily available.Four stars because of having such issues with the first machine and similar (initially) on the replacement, for the rubber pad being less stable than it should be, and for the handle being a bit thinner now (though I have adjusted to it I still notice it)

Top of the line

Has my boat looking new again! It is a little on the heavier side but that’s a trade off I’m willing to make.Really easy to use.Fast at cutting through the oxidation.Seems durable like it’s built to last.It came with a handle but I removed it for comfort while operating.

38 years ago i bought my first buffer. It was a black and decker just like this one but was not adjustable rpm. In those days it was top of the line in our shop. Got out of body and paint work a long time ago but kept using that black and decker buffer through the years. Wore out three cords due to cracks in the insulation, and one set of brushes in the motor. Decided to treat myself to a new one with the soft start and adjustable rpm. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT !!!! So much easier to control the wool pad and not sling liquid.