NEW!!! Harbor Freight (BAUER) 6 inch Polisher! W-T-F Were They Thinking?!?!?! 

Stay away from this one my friends.

Here's a thought...get the extended warranty and if it breaks just replace it. Man, what a critic!! Most people are just looking for something to polish their own vehicles a couple times a year and I'm sure this Bauer will work just fine.

Bought one last weekend and I LOVE this thing. Yeah it's got a little vibration to it. No biggie. For the price it does almost as good of a job as one 10 times the cost. On a car that hadn't been paint corrected in 20 years ( yes 20 years, I know because it's a drag car and it's mine ) after doing a compound, mother's California gold cleaner wax, and then a final polish the car is almost flawless. It's very nearly like brand new. Talk it down all you want but this thing is a beast for the price.

*Good **MyBest.Tools** power and rpm😍 💯 😓 😀 😂 😉 😍control.*

Nice review. I bought a few weeks back at a sale price. Worked just fine for polishing my vehicle and I’ve never polished before. If people want to be extremely picky or do it as a job then why not just buy a nice, expensive quality polisher. Did what I wanted yet indoor see myself using it anytime soon.

I purchased one of these prior to watch this, I noticed that it VIBRATES LIKE MAD

It's good to know the new Bauer polisher is not so good. It's too bad because they had a good tool that could be greatly improved with a few mods. Something many don't know is there was two different 6" Chicago Electric polishers. One was well made, but the other was not. They both were the same price, and one or the other were available at different times. The CE polisher is really a good machine especially with 5 easy mods: (1) Throw away the 6" backing pad and get a 5"and a 3". (2) Get the 5" counter weigh. The 5" Porter Cable CW fits perfectly. This reduces vibration, and is probably better for the tools longevity. (3) replace the gear case grease. I use Mobil 1 synthetic which comes in a tub. (4) Change the location of the switch from the side to the top. (5) Replace the short electric cord with a 15-25' cord. I have used the Porter Cable polisher for years, and find the CE polisher to be much better. It has a lot more power, and is difficult to stall. The PC requires running at 5-6 speed to prevent stalling. I run the CE at 4 speed, and it almost never stalls. MY PC is now my 3" polisher, and the CE is my 5"

3:41 Bauer polisher. Pittsburgh micrometer. This man is all abouts them Harbor Freights!

FYI. They have updated the polisher to a new model number with noticeable changes to the body, speed adjustment, balancing weight and shroud. Could be worth revisiting as I believe it is much better quality from version one.

No real reason as to why he can't recommend it to anyone after he has successfully polished his vehicles with the polisher. For $79 it's not a bad polisher. If the variable speed control is a bit loose, simply use a small piece of duct tape to hold it in place so as to keep the speed from changing easily. Most users aren't going to spend a few hours breaking down the machine to change the grease or other parts. They simply want a cheap polisher that works. This one works and decently at that.

Can only HOPE/PRAY that Harbor Freight takes note and switches back to the Chicago brand or one of "like"/better quality. Glad I watched this video! Thanks and keep up the great, unbiased reviews! 🙏🇺🇸👍

Works good for me been painting and polishing aircraft for 25 years. Doing spot in repairs etc. Its fine little loud if you have a skill and know what your doing it’s fine...

I just bought one of these 😂 now I find the video. Oh well it’s better than the one I had so I’ll keep it for now.

Really what you expect for the price it's a good ass polisher! Your complaining about the switch? Don't understand. To much details looked after for what you probably comparing to. I use it all the time and love it...

This is the best tool review I’ve ever seen on RU-vid. Good content man.

Thank you for doing the work so we don't buy a bad product. You are awesome Brian.

I bought one of these almost a week ago. POS! I took it apart to change the grease and found the gear case halves don't fit together properly (round boss machined off on one area, .030" on high on the other area), the castings were all jagged where the air vents are, the switch intermittently worked. All along with everything else you mentioned in this video. Glad I still have my receipt. It's going back and I'm getting a Griot's. You get what you pay for.

Thanks for the review. I'm really glad I got the Chicago electric one.

turns out there are 2 versions of this machine item 64528 & 64529 (check right below the bar code for item no.). The bad one you (and I) got is 64528. The other model is more consistent to the Chicago electric. Quick way to tell is the dots around the handle insert on the 64528, also the bad machine has the nicer SJ cord while the good machine has the cheaper SJT. Just exchanged mine and am much happier.

But I'm worried about early premature wear and tear from not having a plastic cover on my bearing. Hold on let me cook these screws with my Dewalt. 😂 don't worry though I got it on a non static mat

This channel rocks! No BS... only FACTS!!

Can't thank you enough for such a detail forensic analysis. Just earned a new subscriber.

This guy does a good service for us. I thank him by hitting that like button, sharing the video, commenting when I can, lets get him to 100k where he belongs...yes?

Who are the jealous dudes that give Brian's videos a thumbs down? He is one of the best.

I was in the market for a da,saw HF ditched the older model...zero info on it.bailed and bought a maxshine....love it 8mm throw 900watts doesnt bog down but doesnt run away on me .

I have a Bauer. It’s doing it’s job I learned by trial and error to use quality pads. Made all the difference. Of course not with the vibration.

I'm sure it probably is junk, however what we do not know is if you assembled it correctly. Next time do a test out of the box before a tear down.

Looks just like the Porter-Cable in my garage. I wish they would get rid of the wrench needed to change out the pads. I have let friends and family "borrow" the PC. They always lose the wrench. It costs $6-8 to replace. I have 2 hanging on my wall just for the occasion. Thank you for the video. : )

there is an updated unit 64529 that addresses all the problems mentioned in this video except the epoxy on the PCB ...

Why? Whats the bottom line that bothers you? Is it the switch? Price? Or the stalling?

Now that you have given them great constructive comments perhaps the next upgrade will improve. Till then, I'll recommend the Griot's Garage G6 unit for a perfect first buy or perhaps the Maxshine.

I would choose maxshine m85s over this. Same body style but better quality

I just want to say thank you for your videos. I am just getting over the fear of trying to polish. I have two jeeps and have always hand washed and waxed but never got that glowing shine. So using your videos to try and find the right buffer/polisher machine to get. Thank you!!

I got one today and have had great finishing using m205 with cg cutting and finishing pads. Is it a Rupes big foot?, nope! But it definitely gets the job done for a weekend warrior like myself 😎

Great review Brian!

IAt first I was like "no way I just purchased this and it's not that bad" after working on 3 cars with this unit I will say its BAD to me and I dont mean bad meaning good . good...my unit would turn on at times and not at all on other times I honestly did try to like this unit but with the on off switch working when it felt like the speed dial that just has no feeling and the noise I had to return this unit...seems like they took one step forward and 2 steps back with this one...this review is spot on.

9:44 "Shrimp Wrap"???!!!!..........sound's good to me right now!!!!!! LOL, Brian! Some of us do listen and hang-onto every word you say as scripture!!!!!!! Thanks for another great review. Been curious about this new buffer in the H.F. flyer and glad I bought the older 2nd version of the CE back in 2017, but never used it. I guess the saying goes: THEY DON'T MAKE'EM LIKE THEY USED TO.....

Thanks for the review I had bought it already but never used it, I returned it for a full refund and found the black and decker 69924 for $50 ;-)

I almost bought this one today,,was looking at and for the price I almost jumped on it

The are 19 reviews of this polisher on the HF website. All 5 star. I just bought it for $59 (with coupon). Will update once I play with it for a while.

Glad to have the old Chicago.....

The new grease did the trick like a different machine…omg😳

Other than an extra bearing and grease. There is slightly better machining. It's not a big update from cheep harbor freight unit. They bolted on a rat tail and front piece for grip to a angle grinder.

The circuit board can have conformal coating put on easily, just need to buy some conformal spray and cover it yourself. Nail polish can work too but keep away from surfaces like the switches and anything that needs to radiate heat.

The reviews says otherwise. I just need it to do some minor car buffing for details. Still no go?

Now do both of these pad adapters come in the package when you purchase this machine the 3" in a 5" please comment back and do they give you any kind of pads with this machine thank you for this video very interesting I like the machine

Thanks for the review. I've owned the old maroon color HF tool for years and it's been good. Noisy and lots of vibration, but good. Doesn't stall too much and can take a lot of abuse. Sad to hear the new HF tool isn't as good. And they raised the price too!

They still sell the Chicago Electric version still, Bauer is introduced as their premium brand, I have the CE version and still use regularly

Hey Brian I dont know if you're aware but this machine glitches sometimes. First few times it happened I got scared that it was broken. You turn the switch on and nothing happens. You have to click it on and off a few times for it to turn on. This happens once every paint correction. I switch it on, it doesn't doesn't turn on, I look to see if it became unplugged, I see its plugged in and my heart drops thinking my machine broke during a customers paint correction 😂.

Sounds like they wanted to make more profit by cutting quality in a lot of areas. Thanks Brian

I'll be buying one for sure.

he forgot to criticize the warning sticker on crooked too 🤦

just confused as i did not hear a bunch of negatives or red flags until your final assesment

i been using this cheap DA polisher for 2yrs now , no issues and works well… why do you not recommend this cheap DA polisher? cos i think its worth for those DIY car enthusiasts like myself…

Man, you are way to critical for a $49 Polisher. I have this one and it works just fine for the money!

You reviewed the HF 64528. You should take a look at the HF 64529. It appears to be a better build and quality.

I agree with your review. I have the older Chicago Electric and I did a review on that one before this Bauer version came out. I think the new one has all the problems of the old one (quirky side switch, noise, vibration) but to a greater degree. HF made a cheaper model with this new version, BUT gave it a supposedly new high end name so people would think it is an improvement. HF is slowly eliminating all the Chicago Electric and rebranding them Bauer so people think they are better tools than before. HF is getting very sneaky, Buyer Beware!

I'm pretty sure the name change is strictly for profit !? The Chicago electric was a great selling polisher and you can use 20 and 25% coupons on CE brand but can't use on Bauer !!

There's a new DA Bauer model which is pretty much identical to the old Chicago Electric inside and out, including the sealed bearings old yellow grease, old 10ft cord, older style fan, epoxy around the winding on the bottom, same switch and the speed dial unit is sealed. I think one of the bearings is smaller and the gear ratio is slightly higher - it's model number 64529 (i saw different video that shows 1814E-B on the box). What you reviewed was a model 64528. Hopefully it's better than this one.

I use this and he's right... light correction work but primarily I will use this to polish / wax. It's very good for those things and at $67.00 or about that I paid for it, it beats doing it by hand. I will change out that grease and hope to get a little extra life out of it by doing this. Wish I knew the exact type of grease he recommends. Otherwise, for real corrections I turn to my Flex 3401.

That's unfortunate. I love the Chicago electric I have. Gunna go with maxshine 18mm next and maybe make the CE my permanent 3"

Thank you so much for this video. Clear,concise, VERY INFORMATIVE and very useful. T H A N K Y O U! and please don’t stop. People like me need these. Bought it for the price point, plus compound pad & polishing pad for personal use ( CRV, Tundra & Pilot) worked great H O W E V E R, I’m only 3/4 of the way done on the 2000 CRV compound done, polishing 3/4 done. I’m pretty sure that your NOT supposed to be able to grab it and stop it with your bare hands on speed 3. It will be going back today!

I love you're honesty! thanks brian

It's also a LOT more expensive now. Glad I have the old one

Honest and to the point. Thxs for saving me some cash.. APEX Rocks

...the shroud screws on the old grey model are soft and the heads strip easily I found out today on two out of three...other than that, I think it is built much better than these newer ones. Somebody say screw extractor?

So you’re saying if I want an entry level DA polisher this isn’t worth the $59.99(it’s on sale)?

Yeah I miss the $20 rotary and $40 DA. They both worked great especially for the money. Same goes for the infamous $10 purple HVLP gun. They are swapping them out for equal or worse units trying to push a "name" at 4x the price... It's no bueno. If the price difference goes from $180 for a name brand to $80, I'm buying a nice one

Can you show us how you put the grease in and what type. Also, tell why the grease was replace. Thank you 🙏🏾

Would be helpful if you stated which Chicago electric model you are referring to, because I still see this model "Chicago Electric 7 In. 10 Amp Digital Variable Speed Polisher" is still available. Its $50. The Bauer is $80, I would much rather get the Chicago electric if it will last longer than the Bauer and at $30 cheaper.

Excellent review. Thank you.

Great series on polishers! I really appreciate your work. Now that the Chicago Electric is replaced with this Bauer, what do you recommend for us garage enthusiasts? I used to work at a detailing shop as kid many moons ago, looking to get back into it now that I've picked up an old miata to play with.

I need to return mine it gets so hot and after just working one panel it made my hands tingly from the vibrations.

Apex Detail... what is your opinion on the Rupes Mark 15 polishers? Are they good at actually making some corrections, or do they bog down just like the Harbor Freight and the Torqx lower line polishers. I have one of the Torqx and I am so over it bogging down if not held in a perfect sweet spot or on a flat surface. I am really looking to buy the Rupes if I can get some honest feedback on it. And btw. Love your channel!!!!

Wish I'd watched this vid before I bought this Bauer DA. Extremely underpowered. Very difficult to do defect reduction. By difficult, I mean EXTREMELY time-consuming. I may put a 3 inch backing plate on it and have it as a dedicated polisher for tight spots.

This was disappointing. I've been wanting to get into polishers. So far the Griot's orbital polisher has been at the top of my Want list but was wanting something cheaper. Went to HF last week and saw that Bauer and was very curious, did hate how the dial doesn't click and was too easy to switch speeds. They also had a Chicago Electrical polisher for about $50 or $60, but thought the Bauer would be the better choice.

I prefer the prior model. I purchased the Chicago Electric when my Balck and Decker Variable speed was stolen from my truck. The Chicago model was the cheapest replacement. Considering I'm wasn't polishing as frequently. Good vid thx fir sharing

Thanks so much for this Brian. Went to buy the CE and this was all they had. I'm a new enthusiast and only do my car. Used 1x so far. Hated the switch right off. I noticed the vibration but nothing to compare to since it was my 1st rodeo. I have some Gorilla epoxy. Can I just apply that? What DA would you recommend for a personal use ( probably 1 or 2x a year) guy like me?

Can the Switch be moved from the side to the top? I don’t like the switch on the left side of my Chicago Electric #62862 6” Dual Action Polisher. I thought I read a few years ago about someone moving the switch by turning the head on this unit. So far I haven’t found that video.

i dont understand... for the price.... its a good ass polisher. Does it get the job done? im sure it does. Is it a headache to use, no! Does it have a few flaws? yes but its cool

Must be a lot worse than the Chicago electric, if I remember correctly you recommended it and gave one away. Forgive me if I’m wrong I’m old! 😂

I have one it’s ok but I’m ready for something better - the on and off button is hard to move sometimes and it stops rotating of the label has any curves or high spots

Looks like the Chicago one but added a few cosmetics outside .Didnt like the looks of it when I first saw it. I had a hunch it was a POS

It seems now a days companies do a tremendous amount cost cutting, and the next model is cheaper, has less function and low durability. If you fond something that you like and works, you can't bank on the next model being an improvement. In this case, HF made a sourcing decision to go with less expensive supplier with an inferior product and charge the same price. I'd venture to say they didn't do any trials or testing.

Thanks I’m taking your advice and staying away. I did think about it. I’m just want to do my own cars Not for customers. I’m thinking I should still stay away

There’s 2 versions of this. There’s a $79 and a $109. The $109 feels way better in terms of quality and they’re sold out everywhere near me. As much as I wanted it I think it’s better to get an actual brand name

the new one is awesome if....only if you replace the backing pad and grease...I went with the max shine 5 inch backing plate...runs smooth with new grease and backing plate

I bought Flex. Zero problems. Last two lifetimes.

Has anyone ever told you that you look like the bald version of Michael from the Office? lmao

Great information and a good heads up on this unit 👍🏻I value your opinion Thanks Brian ✊😁

Tried harbor freight polisher from Chicago electric and it was the most uncomfortable and overheating polished I’ve ever used. Broke after half an hour. Complete shit. Save up for the griots.

This video just seems overly whiny and n nit picky. Yeah it vibrates a bit. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I haven’t had an issue with bumping the speed dial nor does the switch bother me even though I’ll acknowledge it’s not the best. Overall it’s a decent little polisher that is plenty adequate to get the job done for any non-professional. For the price what more do you want. If you’re doing this for a living this polisher shouldnt even be in the discussion and you should know to invest in higher end tools.

Brian, love the way you look at all aspects of the unit and find the differences. Thanks for the videos.

GF 30 means 30% glass fill that makes 70% nylon not 90

The gear screws are real tight. No way the electric drill wouldn’t bugger up the screws.

Thanks for the heads up! Sorry if I missed it, but did you ever do a review of the Maxshine 8mm? It is $89 and I have been looking to add it to my arsenal.

How would you say this compares to the “Ironton Dual Action Car Polisher - 5.7 Amp, 6in. Pad” from Northern Tool?

Dang, I paid $59 for this, then saw this video. Tested it and it could barley take any type of contact without lagging. returned it the next day.

Thanks fir the video. I have an aged coating to cone off and be replaced with minor correction. I know it’s off topic but what were you using on that truck ? Do you still recommend IGL as well ?

The reviews for this are amazing. People have used and have only good comments. Why is it?