We purchased this tool and the pads in order to finish our DIY concrete countertops. We used the Cheng products for pretty much everything else.
The good: It was the least expensive wet polisher we could find. We have ground nearly 40 linear feet of countertop through all 8 passes without a problem. Even without the motor heating noticably, despite the fact it bogs if you put too much pressure on the head. The supplied pads are tougher than you might guess and only the 50 grit (which has been engaged on the concrete surface for about 40 hours - we were grinding pretty deep) shows any wear at all, but even it looks as though it could grind at least 2 more sets of tops as big as ours.
The Bad: The water feed system is pretty much crap. The "valve" does not allow much in the way of fine adjustment. There is not quite completely off, more than you probably want, and fully on - all within about 3 degrees of rotation from the stop. The parts are thin and cheap. We have had to completely replace the hose attachment that came with the tool. It brust 4 times before the remainder became too small to cut back. The brass nut that is supposed to keep the feed tube elbow cracked and then broke off. The Switch is rather awkward to operate too. Finally, the velcro separated from the pad, and I had to glue it back down with some tougher adhesive.
The Ugly: Yes, it is double insulated and has a GFCI attached, but you really need to wear rubber gloves when you operate it. The GFCI is not sensitive enough to actaully pop the circuit when a stray current (which emanate from the switch and the hose connection) gives your bare hand the occasional, disconcerting, buzz.
Within all the above limitations, and if you don't mind the occasional soaking when the hose bursts, or zap through your hand, or small repair job to get it going again - it did do the job. Since we aren't very likely to need the tool again... well, ever... and since we could not locate one to rent in our area, it gets a good rating despite it's issues. I wouldn't recommend this tool if you are planning to get into the business, but for a 1 shot DIY, it didn't suck. SECCO WV5GRIN 5-Inch Wet Polisher Kit
I had the same problems with the water connection. Went to the hardware store and bought the cheapest 3/8" air line, a set of quick disconnects and a 3/8" pipe to 3/4" garden hose fitting. Cost me $22.00 but now I have a very flexible, 25' hose that does not leak under any water pressure. Would have paid the extra $22.00 and rate the grinder with 5 stars if the company had supplied the setup at their cost, but now the local hardware store made a couple bucks and I have a tool that works just fine.
This is a nicely built grinder that comes with a assortment of grinding pads. The problem people have with the water feed line can be easily solved by getting a piece of 1/2" ID clear tygon tubing with reinforcing. Make it about 8-10ft. long so it will flex easily when you're using the grinder. And you don't need a lot of water for effective grinding. Turn the hose on so that you get just a trickle of water sufficient to flush. More pressure doesn't make it work better. If you do these things you'll find that this grinder is quite effective. Probably not the best choice for high production work but more for the semi-pro doing custom work.
Overall I am very satisfied with this polisher.I am working on an outdoor kitchen and my pour was 30 days old when I received the polisher, I was concerned with how the pads would hold up and was surprised after a half an hour to 45 min of grinding the pad looked like it had just came out of the box. While the water connector is poorly designed it functions pretty well once you turn the water pressure down to a slow stream, which is all the water you need to keep the pads cool anyway. If your not afraid to get wet to save a little money this polisher gets the job done.
Purchased this kit to do first time concrete countertops. I purchased it based on reviews and price. As noted in some of the reviews, the waterfeed system is very cheap and leaks at fitting consistantly which did prove frustrating. Spent about $30 on new parts at Home Depot to rebuild this part of the tool and now have a very satisfactory tool / system. Considering the original price it was worth the hassel of the modification. If this is not something you are willing to do you may want to look elsewhere.
I thought this worked great! well worth the money...I did have to go over the counters more than once and I would not call it glass when it was done...but very smooth. Not issues at all with the water connection...it was fixed on the updated model and I called the company for assistance on how to use and they told me to use very little water...the less water the better the shine! I love this product!
Have not used the grinder yet but was dissapointed that no where in the specifications was it mentioned that the grinder operates on 110V. I live in Australia and the voltage from the wall is 240V. Now, I have to fork our another $113 to buy a step down transformer.
Looking forward to use the grinder though, as soon as I get the transformer.
At 1/3 the cost of comparable product, this wet polisher has proven to be very effective in a variety of stone and concrete DIY projects. The water line is a little tricky to attach properly and should be improved to accommodate individuals who lack common sense. The tools price and performance makes it a great value for the money and a helpful service department and full warranty makes this kit a winner for me. - Concrete - Polishers'
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