Bumblebee - Testing out the NEW DeWALT DWP849X

Mike Phillips · 06-30-2011, 08:19 AM

Bumblebee - Testing out the NEW DeWALT DWP849X

For some reason when I look at the new DWP849X I think of Bumblebee

Probably comes from my son being a fan of Transformer movies...

Been kind of busy lately with some other projects but plan on taking the Bumblebee out for a test drive this weekend if I'm not on the water...

What's in the box...

I like that it comes with a stick handle, I'm not fan of hoop or "D" handles for 3 reasons so like that they configured it so each person can choose their own setup. The head of the unit has a firm rubber molded cover to prevent marring paint should you accidentally bump it into a painted surface and I'm guess to also act as an heat reducing, ergonomic grip should you choose to use it with no handle at all, which is my normal preference.

For reference, here's the new DeWALT in a swarm of rotary buffers...

A couple quick observations, first the new RB is very quiet, just as quiet as the Flex PE14, I ran them side by side at similar speed settings and there wasn't a striking difference in noise level.

The Flex PE14 is a lighter but the new DeWALT isn't bad either...

Fit and finish is very nice. I like that the dust screens are easily removable for cleaning, nice feature. It also has a very heavy duty rubber cord which is a feature I've always liked about the Flex tools. The gloves are nice and a nice touch to include with the tool.

Stay tuned for more...

**cobraa** · 06-30-2011, 08:27 AM

Nice I like the quiet feature and heavy duty cord!

**BobbyG** · 06-30-2011, 08:28 AM

Hi Mike,

I agree!

The color combination make it easy to see and everyone know this is a DeWALT machine.

DeWALT products are generally considered rugged, well build, and dependable. That said, do not think for one minute that I need another machine in my garage.....

Just in case, what's the cost of this machine?

Thanks for the preview Mike.....

Mike Phillips · 06-30-2011, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by BobbyG

Just in case, what's the cost of this machine?

As of this reply on June 30th, it's $215.00 on the store page here

DeWalt DWP849X 7”/9” Variable Speed Rotary Polisher

Nice price for what so far appears to be a very well thought-out and well built tool.

**john b** · 06-30-2011, 09:36 PM

so its only a lb heavier than the flex? i think that could be a better deal for a novice like myself considering the that is guite a bit cheaper

**Rei86** · 06-30-2011, 09:40 PM

LOL didn't think this thread was going to be about a polisher.

/hiJack

Going to to see Transformers at a 3D IMAX Tomorrow. Need to note that the one thing I never understood about the Transformers movie series is why they made Bumblebee a badass...he was always the ##### in every freaking animation series till that point. Seriously Bay screwed it up by not including Hot Rod and getting him confused with that ##### for a bug mobile Bumblebee for the 1st movie.

**S2K** · 06-30-2011, 09:46 PM

Though I'd like to see a review, it's the 4th and I'd rather see you out on the water with Rand driving the boat, Mike.

**Dr Oldz** · 06-30-2011, 09:48 PM

Whats the difference between the two new polishers?

**rwright** · 06-30-2011, 10:55 PM

This will be in my collection very soon

Mike Phillips · 07-01-2011, 06:11 PM

Test Vehicle: 1949 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery - Light Swirl Removal

I lined this up to give the DeWALT DWP849X a test drive, I figured since it was yellow and needed a good polishing it would be a good candidate. Plus there's lots of real-estate to really get a good side-by-side comparison.

My initial evaluating of the finish shows,

Basecoat/Clearcoat paint system
Light swirls throughout the entire finish
Some kind of Above Surface Bonded Contaminants on the paint

Here's a few pictures... I'll start first thing tomorrow, if anyone is in the Stuart area, feel free to stop by and check it out... e-mail me first as I have some boat errands to run first thing in the morning.

1949 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery

Flex PE14 and DeWalt DWP849X

These next 4 pictures were taken at different places on the car, the swirls are pretty much the same over the entire finish. They don't look too deep so as long as the paint isn't too hard they should buff out pretty easy.

These first two pictures were taken on each of the vertical side panels...

These next two pictures were taken on the the horizontal panels of the front clip, I think one is on the hood and the other the top of the passenger fender, you can see little black contaminants on the paint and this is after I wiped the paint down with a spray detailer.