AVID POWER Car Buffer Polisher, 6 Variable Speed 1000-3500 RPM, Rotary Buffer Waxer Kit with 6-inch and 7-Inch Backing Plate, 1200W Car Polisher for Car Detailing, Polishing, Waxing

Best Starter Polisher Ever
Excellent Starter Polisher.I started with this and it’s been reliable and works well.I have taught some of my employees with it to get them started and they learned quickly & easily with this.For the Money Best Starter Polisher on the Market

Powerful Motor, Great Features for Price
I already owned a lower-end polisher from the same company (Avid AEP127), which has proved to be a good unit. I will use that as the comparison to this polisher (AEP174), which I purchased and found to offer some significant advantages at a very competitive price. Comparative features for the smaller AEP127 are indicated in [brackets].1) Its 7A Motor 2100-5000RPM is significantly more powerful [5A, 1500-6800rpm]. Though the 127 offers a bit more RPM, these are both no-load speeds and the 174’s more powerful motor combined with the longer throw and dual action appears to make it more effective with both polish and wax without bogging down under load.2) On/Off control on the 174 is via a positive-clicking and lockable trigger on the handle, and the speed selector on is a rotary switch with seven detent positions (min, 1-6). This compares to an on-off slide switch on the 127 with an infinitely adjustable (and likely less durable) speed selector on the 127. Infinite speed adjustment is not something that I believe is especially useful in a polisher.3) The 174 offers dual action “long throw” motion, both rotating and eccentric action. The description says 21mm of throw, but after measuring, I found that this is to each side, so the buffing/polishing pad will move a generous 42mm from center as you work. While the 127’s random orbital action works well (if used with care), the 174’s action is significantly less likely to cause problems with swirl.4) Both models have 6″ diameter velcro feet (nominal measurement – my tape says 5 3/4″), which accept commonly-available pads. They wisely recommend using 7″ or larger pads (the unit ships with a selection of 7″ pads) to avoid scratching the surface on which you are working.5) The 174 tips my scale at 8lbs, vs 5lbs for the 127. A T-handle comes with the package and can be fit to either side to help you manage the weight, vs the adjustable D-handle on the 127. The smaller unit is noticeably easier to handle in smaller locations and less fatiguing when used vertically on the sides of a vehicle.6) Both units come with a selection of 7″ pads, an allen wrench for adjustment/pad replacement, and (this is a nice touch) a set of replacement brushes for the motor. The 174 also included a microfiber buffing/dusting mitt.Both units do a fine job, as tested on both surface scratching and wax application/buffing. How well do they work? Check the photo that shows half the hood untouched and the other after being polished (before waxing).Both units allowed me to work quickly and efficiently. The long action of the 174 requires somewhat less work to avoid swirling than the smaller random-orbit of the 127, but the added weight becomes very noticeable on a longer job or if the job requires a lot of work on the vertical. I really appreciate the controls of the 174 – the speed selector is easy to change on the fly with the thumb of the same hand that is running the on/off trigger, and the lock button for the trigger is positive and easy to operate.This would probably be a 3+ star review for a name-brand polisher that costs 3x as much, but earns 4+ stars when you consider that it is available on sale for $70!Note: I was provided a significant discount on this item. However, I was asked only to write a fair review and was not pressured as to the content of this review.

Vibrate
out of the box this looks decently made for the price, could use a more flexible cord but now days you have to spend good money to have a real rubber cord on a power tool. I have read that some think the pads are sub standard but, I think they are actually pretty good so far. The worst part about this tool is that with the side handle in, the vibration is horrible and in 5 minutes my left hand was going to sleep or numb, maybe using the front grip of the machine to press down on will be better but, it shouldn’t vibrate like this It seems to have good power for 7 amps and it defiantly a large orbital pattern which should cut my oxidation pretty fast. I may change my rating once I do the grease change out that others have said makes a difference although I cannot see why that would do anything but, I’ll give it a try. I have always used my big ole Bosch 9″ polisher but its cumbersome for my wrist anymore. Hope this works out.

Ok so far
Does seem on the cheaper electric tool category. Will get warm using it a few hours. Did what it was supposed on one car. Will be putting it to the test next with my toy hauler. We’ll see what this is made of and will post after with pictures. OK so far.07/20/23 after using this for 4 jobs now it’s holding up. Not recommended for professional use but great for the enthusiast. If your detailing professionaly then we all know the rule(s). You get what you pay for when it comes to tools. Should have spent more and bought a name brand. Will update in a few more months. Still running strong but now gets warmer when using. Anytime you get an electrical corded tool and comes with extra brushes then you know the original brushes will fail. A way to make it last a bit longer. I’m guessing maybe 10 to 15 big jobs for it’s life span. Next is the biggest challenge a 32 foot toy hauler 5th wheel. Preparing it for a ceramic coat. That will definitely make or break this buffer.

It arrived very fast and well packaged, but that’s the end of the good, now for the bad. I took it out of the package and put the 6 inch backing plate on, then plugged it in. I tested the variable speed control and found that speeds 1 and 2 don’t work, you can hear the motor trying to turn the pad and failing. It doesn’t start to rotate until you set it at speed 3 by which point it’s rotating too fast to spread out any cutting compound and would cause damage to the paint with an aggressive pad. I would give it 0 stars if I could because as it stands right now, it’s a very heavy paperweight. I will be sending it back asap. Don’t waste your money in this one and I would suggest you invest in something more reliable.