12 Amp 7 in./9 in. Variable Speed Polisher with Soft Start

Great polisher... I was a little concerned that it was going to be a little heavy, but it's not. Well balanced and easy to handle. I absolutely love the soft start on this polisher, and there is actually a bonus feature to that as well. Even if you have the RPM set higher then the lowest setting, you are still able to control a soft start with the finger trigger. As long as you don't pull the trigger the entire way back, you are able to control the speed with it. I Absolutely Love That. Best polisher I have ever used In my 35 years of being a car guy. I'm not a professional. If I was, this would be my go to polisher.

This is my 4 DeWalt corded power tool. (Ive been in the HVAC business for a number of years.). I’ve beat the heck out of these tools and they are utterly bulletproof & abundant in power. For example on the latter point: the 849 DeWalt buffer has a 12 amp motor whereas the Makita is an 8. I felt, after thorough research, that the Makita was too heavy. I don’t like heavy hunting rifles and I don’t like heavy power tools. I originally thought the DeWalt didn’t come with a pad nor a tube to help align the wool onto the pads. I also thought the DeWalt did not come with any pads; yet, I still chose it over the Makita. I was pleasantly surprised that not only did I get a nice pad butbI also got a nice alignment tool. (See pic) I’ve carefully ran the tool throughout all rpm ranges at each incremental settings. It works perfectly. It seems the natural frequency (a physics term that has to do with everything that moves- even swing sets-look up the term, if you’ve not taken a Physics class.). Seems to be at 1600rpm. That’s perfect! Also, I’ve observed that the motor and drive train appears to be perfectly balanced. ZERO VIBRATION @ all RPMS. Now, I bought this @ HD for 180. I got the bag elsewhere (HD didn’t carry it) I got the 24” DeWalt tool bag (tool measures 22”.) for 50. That’s ok. I paid 180. Makita wanted 230. 230-180=50. But Makita has better marketing and shows you the alignment tool- which DeWalt includes but doesn’t show. And DeWalt includes a buffing pad that isn’t show . (Makita definitely has a better marketing people working for them.). Now the Makita is “assembled in US”- which is import to me; nevertheless, I don’t buy heavy guns nor heavy tools. This DeWalt is a quality purchase that will last our lifetime. And it has externally replaceable brushes-a MUST for me.

What I was hoping for and more. Great sander for fiberglass and resin. I don't know anything about polishing cars or boats.

This polisher is rated #1 because it is the best. It has a great balance, smoothness and the speed regulation is perfect under load.

I purchased this Dewalt DWP849X Variable Speed Polisher with Soft Start last month for two jobs. First, I needed a 7 in, grinder to remove excess concrete on our patio slab for proper drainage. Standard grinders don't have soft start or variable speed which I needed for greater control of the $100 diamond grinding wheel. The DWP849X soft start, variable RPM, power and internal electronics to HOLD that RPM under load were invaluable and impressive. The unit sustained several days of grinding and sanding with the vibrations, dust, and heat generated from the heavy work loads. I covered the lint screen air intakes with a cotton cloth to filter some of the dust that wasn't blown away by my fans. It was the perfect grinder for the job. Afterwards, I cleaned the unit with compressed air, and she looks, starts, stops, and operates like new. Very tight and rugged unit. The primary purpose for the unit will be to clean, polish and buff our 26 gel-coat boat. I have no doubts that it will handle that duty with ease. The rubber head cover is a big plus and the large rounded head handle makes all the difference in control and user comfort. A great buy!!

The Dewalt buffer certainly held up to its description. Meeting all expectations and completion the job with no issues made my week. The Dewalt buffer was used for 3 days straight and preformed well during every hour of operation.

Lot of torque and holds speed under pressure. But it has poor balance. I use it to shine a vintage Spartan trailer using buffing wheels. The “D” handle gets in the way in too many positions; using the included handle is easier, but caused me to lose control while charging the Zephyr wheel with compound. The wheel, at 3,000rpm, took off at least two layers of hide between my leather glove and buttoned sleeve. Might be why some professionals don’t use any type handle.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser