Features such as the blade release (Blade lock) button (See fig 1.) are a delight to use after testing other makes which are often less than easy! The button pushes in to release the blade with ease. Blades slip on and off the "blade hinge assembly" (See fig 2 & 3.) with a positive action and when engaging the blade again, the blade drive lever is positive and engages with ease. This is in quite a contrast with some machines of other makes, some of which you really have to struggle with to get the blade lever to engage. Close examination shows that the Andis blade drive lever is different to other makes and this may well account for the ease of fitting. (See fig 4.)

The innovative head reveals a "drive cap" which is detachable and enables the end user to carry out simple maintenance work involving replacing the "blade drive assembly". (See fig 5.) This is a routine task, which should be carried out every 5 to 10 months, depending upon how well you maintain your blades, if you are a busy groomer clipping say 5/8 dogs per day. Other than occasionally changing the blade drive, there is no oiling or greasing required of internal parts. The unique patented blade drive design also allows the AGC clipper to operate very quietly. The quiet operation is a huge benefit when clipping skittish dogs, plus a great comfort and convenience to the groomer.

Changing the "blade drive assembly". Is a pretty easy job all you need is to follow the instruction (See fig 6.) and just a regular "+" screwdriver (often also called a "Philips" head screwdriver)

The one point you must get right is to make sure that the position of the "drive bearing." This must be in lowest position - it can be easily pushed down with your finger! (See fig 7.)

The Andis AGC Single speed is powered by a 50-watt start-torque rotary) sealed motor which is cool running, reliable and suitably powered to cope with most tasks it might expect to meet in the majority of grooming situations. The motor drives the blades at a cutting speed of 2700 strokes per minute, with a low noise level and virtually no vibration to speak of. Because the AGC motor is designed to run cool, there is no fan intake to become clogged or fan outlet to blow hair around.

Overload protection is Models sold in the UK are suitably rated at 240v 50Hz and fitted with the 3 pin UK type plug Models for the Continent of Europe are rated at 230v 50Hz fitted with a suitable 2-pin plug

Other features include a sensible length of cable (almost 10ft - 3m), which is important, as so often too little cable hampers one, were as to much is a positive nuisance. A small hook or "hanger bail" allows you to hook up the appliance when not in use thus avoiding accidental dropping with possible damage. The on/off switch has a built in locking system, which locks the switch in the "on" position.

When we first review this machine and the two speed version, we thought the locking device would possibly be prone to breakage, however nearly two years on we have been proved wrong and can say that our experience is that we have seen no cases of switch faults in the many units sold. (See fig 8.)

Occasionally the blade attachment tongue gets accidentally knocked back against the hinge assembly, and those who have not experienced the problem, struggle to try to attach the blade without realising the tongue must protrude back and upwards before the blade can be fitted. If the tongue has snapped back the problem is quickly resolved by inserting a small screwdriver blade between it and the latch assembly base and prising it open. (See fig 9.)

During many field trials conducted we have by design had the machine tested by groomers who generally preferred other makes. Without exception all have agreed that if they were in the market for a new clipper this one that they would seriously consider buying.

Like most of the professional clipper manufacturers Andis have built up a complimentary portfolio of dog blades, each designed to meet a specific grooming requirement. The "Ultra Edge" range is extensive and includes both full and skip tooth models. Recently it has been further strengthened with the addition of the sizes#3.75 and #3.75F both leaving ½-inch (13mm) (See fig 10.) and the 5/8thHT blade which leaves 16mm depth of cut. In 2005 Andis added their ¾ HT blade the 19mm (See fig 11.) (The maximum depth of cut of all blades current available.) All blades from blades size #40 down to size 8.5-inch will take the majority of "snap on" attachment combs available, which offers the user greater depth of hair left.

These blades are made from carburised steel, which is designed to extend the cutting edge life, and have a chromed finish to resist rust. The blades fit all Andis AG, AGC, AGR, BG, BGC, BGR and MBG range of machines, as well as being compatible with Oster clippers and most other A5 detachable blade accepting clippers. Andis blades seem to have more of a compatibility factor with Oster machines compare to many of the other detachable blade makes, which can often start to dis-engage after a few months of use.

The ANDIS AGC single speed clipper is packaged in an illustrated and informative box carton. Included with the clipper is a size #10 blade 1.5mm (1/16th inch) a bottle of Andis clipper oil (118ml) a spare blade drive assembly, cleaning brush, and instruction leaflet. It is therefore complete and ready for immediate use!

CONCLUSION:
To conclude, this is an attractive professional clipper, which is equally at home in a semi professional capacity with the individual dog owner or toiling away daily in a busy, grooming parlour situation. It will offer satisfaction in either situation! Slim, pleasant to hold especially in prolong sessions, it has the "poke" to cope with most grooming work put in front of it!

Several machines in the "professional" dog clipping range are aimed at the horse market and indeed do produce very satisfactory results even involving "full body" clipping (Moser KM1) In our opinion the Andis single speed is not a candidate for that type of work, nor are there suitable wide blades to cope with horse hair. This is principally first and foremost a dog clipper - and a very good one!

One aspect we would criticise. The "box" in which the clipper is supplied! It was until recently a case of "once you take the machine out - that was it!" You had not a hope of ever getting it all back in the same way as it came! Recent changes to packaging in the form of a moulded pulp tray are a slight improvement. True the tray is environmentally friendly, provides better product protection, and is easier to repack and put back into the box but it will not last for long.

Most of the manufacturers (the one exception is Aesculap - the German Clipper Manufacturer!) sell their clippers in similar type boxes and it really is time that these were "replaced!" Hopefully one day one of the manufacturers will design an innovative hard carry case, which apart from holding the machine has compartments to put the "valuable" blades (of which most groomers have many) in, plus a separate place for oil, the cleaning tools and maintenance part not forgetting those "attachment combs" and blade wash? How nice it would be to have just such a case, which held ALL the essentials! (Even if it caused a SMALL increase in the selling price!)

Finally the Andis AGC single speed has now been out in the market place long enough for the "cracks to appear" This has not been the case - indeed it has continued to impress and rightly so.

A good hard working, well engineered product earning Andis a place at the top end of the market which has for too long been dominated by one single machine - the Oster!

Priced at an affordable figure it is a "RECOMMENDED BUY!"

© PEASRIDGE 2004