$65 Harbor Freight Bauer DA Polisher Review | 5.7 Amp 6 in. Short-Throw Random Orbital DA

When it comes to entry level dual action (“DA”) random orbital polishers, Harbor Freight’s Bauer Short-Throw Random Orbit DA Polisher/Sander is one of the most popular thanks to its wide availability and low price point. But is this polisher actually worth the money? What should you know about this polisher before you buy? I’ll answer all that and more in this review.
- Mike Phillips
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Beasley's
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[@markdickinson6434]

These polishers are on sale this week for $35

[@HarryTwatter]

just got one!

[@markymark9835]

Can't find the sale. Can you share the coupon code. ...or maybe just ended. Thanks

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

@@markymark9835 - If the sale has ended, just wait a few weeks, the sale will be back. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Philips

[@markkempton4579]

​@@markymark9835not sure if you're still looking, but all Bauer and Hercules corded polishers are 40% off Sept 13-15 - 45% if you are Inside Track.

[@Jasonboyee]

wow, what a thorough review. I like his coverage!

[@donnyedmonson4694]

Great tutorial. We spoke Saturday morning. Can't wait to take your class in Febuary the wife already packing her suitecase 😂

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Ha ha, that's funny, but at least she's pro-active. You'll LOVE the class, it's 100% hands-on and you'll get to train on the coolest cars and the worst condition boats. You'll also have the opportunity to test out the largest selection of different polishers from the most expensive to the least expensive like you see in this video. See you in February -Mike Phillips

[@lothar1080]

I've been looking for a used machine but these just went on sale. My daughter's new car needs some love so I'm excited.

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Be sure to have plenty of buffing pads, it takes more than a single pad to buff out a car. Also, always choose products that use great abrasive technology. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@josephnavarro3620]

I own this polished and haven't used it yet. Great video! Thanks

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@sthildas4857]

A great start up machine, microfiber thin pad...good compound.

[@1empyre1life]

That grease mod is crazy! I have a cheap Amazon DA thats annoyingly loud, but otherwise a decent polisher. I was going to upgrade to something less noisy, but will definitely try the grease mod first! Looking forward to that video.

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@MariaGoya-hg7hz]

great tips. Thanks

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Thank you for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@BamaJoeBob]

Funny I bought the Bauer model as a beginner, used it on several cars. Then 2 years later felt comfortable enough and applied Dr Beasleys Nano MX. still looks great btw.

[@MikePhillips-Dr.Beasleys]

Great story, thanks for sharing. Also thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Great story, thanks for sharing. Also thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@billmason7411]

​@MikePhillips-Dr.Beasleys Can you recommend what I should use for my pickup truck. A 2020 F150 Black color, on the hood it has like water spots even after waxing by hand. I don't have a power polisher. Thanks Bill

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

@@billmason7411 - Hi Bill. The reality is, with modern clearcoats it's pretty hard to do any type of paint correction by hand. I teach hand polishing techniques in my classes, but it's mostly for tight, small or intricate areas where it's difficult to get a spinning buffing pad. The tool I show in this video is pretty simple and easy to use, even for a first-timer. Plus, before buffing out the hood of your truck, you could practice on the wife's or girlfriend's car. LOL Besides that, a non-cleaning or non-abrasive wax isn't going to remove water spots. At a minimum you'll need what's called a Cleaner/Wax or AIO - AIO stands for All-in-One. This is a wax that contains some type of abrasive technology and this type of wax will remove swirls and water spots, polish the paint to a high gloss and leave some form of protection behind. In the Dr. Beasley's line, we have NSP Z1 - which is a one-step ceramic AIO. Hope that helps.. Mike

[@billmason7411]

@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing Ok, I'll get a buffer and the Z1. I see you recommend 5" pads. Please give a recommend pad to use with the Z1. I appreciate it. Bill

[@CarlosAguilar-dj4ph]

What is this class I’m reading about?

[@SteezVidz]

Just picked this one up last week for 35$ please do so with showing us that grease mod! Looking to detail my truck with this piece and some 3D compound ..

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

The Grease Mod video is in editing, it will be up soon. Subscribe to the channel to be notified. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@msk3905]

Everyone loves an unboxing video, huh?

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Well most people do, it's the curiosity factor plus *INTEREST* in the actual tool being unboxed. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@tiko2455]

Any recommendations on which 5in backing plates work well for this model? I heard that the smaller backing plates can throw it out of balance.

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

These types of tools will always have some level of vibration as do most orbital polishers - it's the nature of the beast. I can't say I notice any difference in vibration using the factory 6" backing plate versus the non-factory 5" backing plate. Plus remember - you're going to attach a pad; this can cause vibration. As the pad becomes wet with product, this can cause vibration. At the end of the day, if you're going to use a tool like this to do all the paint correction to a car, the size of the backing plate and any vibration it may or may not cause will be the least of your concerns. A quality backing plate for this tool is made by Lake Country Manufacturing, they've been making these for decades and they are uniform in construction and balance. Buff and Shine Pads also offers a similar, high-quality 5" backing plate. If vibration is a concern, I would avoid no-name, cheap backing plates off Amazon. It might be balanced, but it might not be balanced. Thank you for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@tiko2455]

@@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing thank you Mike for the detailed reply there. I will be placing an order for the Lake Country.

[@hwytravler1962]

@@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing where can I get a 3” backing plate

[@I_dont_gamble]

Which backing plate they have that harbor freight one on sale today for 35 bucks I wanna buy it and upgrade plate idk which one to buy tho I never polished

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

I have never seen a 5" DA backing plate at Harbor Freight. If this is what you're looking for, you'll need to shop online. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Mike Phillips

[@charliemagoo7943]

​@@mikephillipsrealworlddetailingwhat thread is the backing plate????

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

@@charliemagoo7943 - 5/16" Fine Thread -Mike

[@charliemagoo7943]

Found it 5/16 24 on the spec page

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!!

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Thanks for watching Humberto! -Mike Phillips

[@steveking8548]

You lost credibility when you said buy the harbor freight warranty

[@mikephillipsrealworlddetailing]

Thanks for watching and commenting Steve! -Mike Phillips