Which are the best clippers and blades?

Hi all
I am a new groomer looking to purchase my first set of clippers and blades:
1) which do you think is the best brand of clipper?
2) if i buy a two-speed so that I can groom heavy coats can this also be used on dogs with lighter coats as well?
3) how many blades do you think I would need as a starter set? I was thinking so far from my grooming course maybe I would need a 4, 5, 4F, 5F, 7, 7F, 10 and 15 - what do you think??
thanks groomers!

My answers are in blue. Good luck in your profession!

Thanks so much Giny, really helpful advice

I'm not a professional, but I prefer the andis!! I agree with Giny, they don't get as hot as fast, and they cut really well/easily for me. Like butter LOL The osters I've tried haven't been that great, for me. I only have a one speed, #10 blade with attachements.

Good luck!!

I would go for Andis. As for the blades, I would also get a #40 for poodle feet and faces (I like them really close though). And a second set of #5, #7, and a #3.

Do you have everything you will need? Are you starting your own business or working for someone else?

Also have Andis 2 speed ultra clippers and really like them.

Andis are nice, Oster is preferred by alot of the show people.
With the breeds I am involved in and helped to groom, the blade we use most often is #10, on occasion a #15 as well is good.

I like the oster two speed clippers, and oster blades, blade wash, and clipper cool spray.

I would get a 15(some clients like really short poodle faces), 10, 7, 5, and a set of the Wahl clipper comb sets. I use the comb set more than anything! oh, and a 30 goes on them. Here is a link to them. you will never regret getting these! I even run them over faces and then touch up with scissors as opposed to scissoring the whole face.
http://www.groomersmall.com/images/Wahl-Combs-in-Cady-lg.gif

Feeling a little nervous.....I just bought a set of clippers...the Wahl clippers. I read the directions....and will search around a little more before I actually use them on Stella.

I'm a little confused about what blade attachment to use? I don't want Stella's hair too short. She's a schnoodle mix....with fairly long hair. I like her to be fluffy...instead of a schnauzer short cut....

thoughts??? It came with 4 attachments ranging from 1/8" to 1".

She's been groomed a few times, but I'm hoping to save a little $$$ by being able to do it myself.

I like it a little shorter than 1 inch myself.
we do alot of dogs in a 1/2 inch all over, and leave use the 1 inch on the face and head (be VERY VERY careful using it on the head and face since you are not a professional )

trim up the pads of the feet, around the feet, clip the nails, pluck ears, trim around ears (also very very careful) and trim under and above the eyes.

your clip will look alot better if you bath and completely dry and brush your dog before you began.