Polisher for bad backs

[conman1395]

Hey guys,

I don't know how many of you have back/neck/shoulder issues, but I am now finished with my nearly 3 years of physical therapy. It's been a really, really hard 3 years, but I learned a lot from it.

Any way, I've been using a Porter Cable and GG6 polisher since I've been detailing. I use the Rupes 15 and the Rupes Mini at work though and I know those things are smooth as heck.

My question is:
What is the best polisher(s) for those with neck, back, and shoulder issues? Although I'm done with PT, I still am recovering. I am considering buying a G15 or G21 for my personal arsenal, but I'm also not opposed to learning rotary if it's even better on the body.

I'd really love all your input, whether you've dealt with pain or not.

Thanks,
Connor

 

[Heisenberg]

I had some minor wrist tendinitis flare up on me after a couple years of using the GG6 and my doc said it was probably vibration that caused it. I went to the 3401 and while I know many would disagree with me, it can be somewhat taxing to fight with. It will punish you if you get sloppy with technique, such as holding the pad anything but flat on the panel.

I have the MKII Rupes 15 and the G21 now - both are incredibly smooth with no complains in terms of ergonomics. I have no wrist pain anymore. Even more important than my polisher choice when I'm working is to make sure I maintain good posture and have the right tools for the job - I sit on a stool instead of kneeling and bending over and stuff.

 

[Rsurfer]

Hey guys,

I don't know how many of you have back/neck/shoulder issues, but I am now finished with my nearly 3 years of physical therapy. It's been a really, really hard 3 years, but I learned a lot from it.

Any way, I've been using a Porter Cable and GG6 polisher since I've been detailing. I use the Rupes 15 and the Rupes Mini at work though and I know those things are smooth as heck.

My question is:
What is the best polisher(s) for those with neck, back, and shoulder issues? Although I'm done with PT, I still am recovering. I am considering buying a G15 or G21 for my personal arsenal, but I'm also not opposed to learning rotary if it's even better on the body.

I'd really love all your input, whether you've dealt with pain or not.

Thanks,
Connor

What you are using at work is as good as it's going to get. A rotary might be smoother, but tough on the side panels. Have you thought of changing profession? As you know, detailing can be very taxing on your bod.

 

[rlmccarty2000]

Sorry to say, but the Rupes is probably as smooth a machine as there is on the market. I've got back problems and all I can say is do what you can do and don't overdo it. Take an anti inflammatory before starting a job and a hot shower afterwards. A back brace may help you keep your posture correct and take some of the stress off of your body. I always know I'm going to be in pain after a big job, I have just learned to accept it. Don't let pain run your life.

 

[VISITOR]

I am considering buying a G15 or G21 for my personal arsenal

can't go wrong with either, very smooth and plenty of power. pair it with the GG6 and you have the twins...

+

= :dblthumb2:

 

[shadwell]

I consciously select my rotary as often as it suits the job because it is comparably so smooth....
The additional mass on side panels is less of an issue if my posture is good and I do use a workshop folding dolly as a stool...
Best of luck.

 

[Detailsbydaniel]

I think the rules or boss griots are great options for you. The cyclo is super smooth as well but it takes longer to correct than the long throw machines.

 

[Mike@ShineStruck]

The smoothest will def be the cyclo, too bad it's not also the best option for paint correction

I think the worst is the flex 3401

Smoothest with great correction will prob be any Rupes with a Kamikaze backingplate and Thinpro pads

 

[PaulMys]

Sorry to say, but the Rupes is probably as smooth a machine as there is on the market. I've got back problems and all I can say is do what you can do and don't overdo it. Take an anti inflammatory before starting a job and a hot shower afterwards. A back brace may help you keep your posture correct and take some of the stress off of your body. I always know I'm going to be in pain after a big job, I have just learned to accept it. Don't let pain run your life.

Couldn't have said this better myself. Any machine you use, if you have back issues, and are bending, twisting, and working with a polisher will cause pain.

When I was in PT for my back, I could not believe all of the muscles my therapist had to work to get it right.

It literally went from "head to ass".

Good luck, and be careful man.

 

[conman1395]

What you are using at work is as good as it's going to get. A rotary might be smoother, but tough on the side panels. Have you thought of changing profession? As you know, detailing can be very taxing on your bod.

I'm a Pre Medical student so I will probably give up professionally detailing in 1.5 - 2 years once I'm in Med School. Other than that, I make so much more money than I would working for someone.

 

[conman1395]

The smoothest will def be the cyclo, too bad it's not also the best option for paint correction

I think the worst is the flex 3401

Smoothest with great correction will prob be any Rupes with a Kamikaze backingplate and Thinpro pads

I need to try a Kamikaze backing plate before I spend that much money, but I've wanted one for a long time.

 

[Rsurfer]

I'm a Pre Medical student so I will probably give up professionally detailing in 1.5 - 2 years once I'm in Med School. Other than that, I make so much more money than I would working for someone.

Good for you my friend. Hope your passion for detailing never dies.