Okay, this does appear to be a smooth running machine, BUT, smooth or not, it's no good if the pads don't stay on over a "3" setting.I got this to restore the finish on a white 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor that I bought from the local auction. I actually wrote in and asked Meguiar's if it could be used with their 105 compound. They said yes and I ordered the machine.Unfortunately, the pads would not stay on at the higher speeds in order to cut through the scratches and there is no way it would cut 1,200 to 1,500 sand lines like they advertise it doing in many of their videos. So, I learned that issue on the trunk, and did the rest of the car with 3,000 and after several applications of 105 at the slower speeds got the car to shine and ready for the 205 polish.I did write in to Meguiar's regarding the pad issue and they did send me a pad and a new backing plate. Unfortunately, they sent me the 5"-6" backing plate and NOT the 7" plate that this machine is all about, so what's the point? Locally, ONLY 8" pads are available in all the parts stores, so that's another issue, your pads must be ordered also.I thought I did all my homework before I ordered this product and looked at videos and reviews all over the place. I guess I didn't pay enough attention because when I received the machine and reviewed specific videos on product use I noticed many of the Meguiar's training videos show Maguire's folks using a MAKITA ROTARY tool and a WOOL pad at high speeds! I think that should have been a CLUE!Anyway, in my next life I am going to at least go down to the local auto paint supply store and see what they are offering before I buy online. While 3M stuff is not so prevalent in the auto supply stores around here and I haven't seen any "good" DA's with the pressure responsive motors and the speed ranges of the online stuff, I'm sure they must have a complete set of products that local professionals are using for about the same price ... less the aggravation.I've used Meguiar's products since the Blue Coral era in the 70's and between this DA thing and multiple problems with their failing spray bottles I am moving on to other vendors.