Wax or epilator?

Hi!! I started waxing when I was 12. I tried waxing about 4 or 5 times, but the pain was awful. I cried, I kicked, and since then I've been using a razor. But I'm fed up with the thickness of the hair, the increasing amount, and the hassle of shaving 3 times a week. My mother had a Braun epilator that she used (before anything else, before we both use the epilator, we make sure to thoroughly clean the heads). I think I'm not risking myself by saying that the epilator is from the 1990s. It's a great epilator, but I can only do from the middle of my leg to a little above the knee. Ankles, bikini line, left side of my thighs are hell. I don't want to buy a new epilator; if I use one, I want to use this one. But I'm wondering: do you think it's better to try waxing again or try to get more used to the epilator? And if I'm going to get used to the machine, are there any tips to make the hair removal process less painful? Thank you!