Just bought a New Hitachi SP18VA buffer

[Vegas Transplant]

Constant speed control under load like the Makita.

Microchip?

[BobbyG]

Just bought one today; it'll be interesting to compare it against the Flex.

In hand it looks solid and balanced .. feels tough too.

This is the first time I've seen one of these especially side by side with Flex's flagship PE14-2-150 and I probably would have opted for the Hitachi solely on price.

I have a few Hitachi tools and they work quite well.

[john b]

Very much so:

does anyone know if there is a difference between this model and the sp18vah which is strictly a polisher and bout 50 dollars cheaper?

[feds27]

I have the SP18VA and it has a slow start feature. I didn't see that listed on the SP18VAH. Or maybe its the attachments that are included.

By the way, while looking up the two on Am*zon, I noticed Kawasaki makes a polisher too, model 840581. It was listed for a very low price.

[Paul A.]

Have had my Hitachi for about 5 years now and love it still. Can't be destroyed and i have accidently tried...several times! My only issue is an overheat runaway speed every once in a blue moon but have been careful when i sense that coming on and lift immediately. It has always been related to an overheat issue and i simply turn it off, light a cigar and let her (and me) cool down. Right back to normal after.

[SpoiledMan]

I found these specs. It seems the VAH is simply a revised version of the VA. Not sure what's different though.

Manufacturer Hitachi
Model SP18VAH
Item Condition New
Shipping Weight (Pounds) 10.0000
Grinder Type Polisher
Wheel Diameter 7-inch
Powered By AC Power
Power Used (Amps) 11
Operating Input Voltage 110 volt / 120 volt @ 60hz (North America)
Maximum Watts Out 2,560
RPM (Rotations Per Minute) 0 to 3,400
Electrical Cord Type Fixed Cord
Spindle Thread Size 5/8-inch -11
Spindle Lock No
Tool Length 10-19/32-inch

[g26er]

I ran one of the Hitachis at one of the Poorboy's World Detailing Weekends. It was a light, powerful, quiet, well balanced Machine. I'm really surprised they don't get more attention than what they do. I think the new Flex PE 14 is a toy and I'd trade it for a new DeWalt any day.

Funny you say that. I find my 849x better in every way compared to the PE-14 EXCEPT size/weight.

The speed dial on the flex feels cheap, the trigger feels cheap and you have to have your finger centered on the trigger or it catches, the electronic speed control fluctuates, I can bog it more easily, the handle is less comfortable. I really love the 849x, but with that said the weight of the Flex is enough for me to keep using it. Thankfully I only paid $295 on black friday for it.

Sorry guys, back to the Hitachi.

[Joe@Superior Shine]

I have two Hitachi polishers. Nice machines.

[bmwohio]

I have two Hitachi polishers. Nice machines.

Wow! That's some collection!


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[Joe@Superior Shine]

That is just scratching the surface. I own maybe 20-25 polishers if not more.