Not sure if I have an issue

[DetailKitty]

I hadn't used my Rupes Mini in quite a while. When I first got it I found I was putting way too much pressure on it and it was only rotating but didn't have that "dual action" rotation. Posting on here people assured me it was due to too much pressure.
Got it.

Well this time I had ZERO pressure on it and it wasn't occilating. Most of the time it was only rotating. I had to almost lift it off the paint to get the dual action working.
Am I still not using it properly or do I possibly have a defective/broken machine?

Advice is appreciated.

Thx in advance.

 

[expdetailing]

If you are using an extension cord, try plugging into a socket directly to observe any changes. Let's try to remove some variables first.

 

[DetailKitty]

If you are using an extension cord, try plugging into a socket directly to observe any changes. Let's try to remove some variables first.

I was, so I will try that, although it won't give me a lot of working room.

 

[custmsprty]

I was, so I will try that, although it won't give me a lot of working room.

As long as you are using the proper rated extension cord that should have no effect. I used mine with a 25 foot 14 gauge Husky extension cord when I did my new Rougue and it worked fine. I now use the Griots pads instead of the Rupes when polishing.

 

[vobro]

What pads are you using? I had issues with stalling also and found the Meg's 3" mf pads to be the best. Also consider where you are using the mini, usually in small curved areas that are prone to stalling. Take the time to move the back of handle to adjust polisher so that you can follow the panel. I hardly use mine anymore because to me it's the weakest Rupes and frustrates me, I use the mini Flex more

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

I read that with the mini (stalls) but that seems wierd. Are you making sure even with no pressure your not tilting it? I would try holding dircectly on top of DA over the pad on flat surface. Use other hand to move handle/base around to make sure it is not tilted. Probably in need of warranty service.


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[DetailKitty]

As long as you are using the proper rated extension cord that should have no effect. I used mine with a 25 foot 14 gauge Husky extension cord when I did my new Rougue and it worked fine. I now use the Griots pads instead of the Rupes when polishing.

I wouldn't think so either but why not give it a try, right?

What pads are you using? I had issues with stalling also and found the Meg's 3" mf pads to be the best. Also consider where you are using the mini, usually in small curved areas that are prone to stalling. Take the time to move the back of handle to adjust polisher so that you can follow the panel. I hardly use mine anymore because to me it's the weakest Rupes and frustrates me, I use the mini Flex more

They are Rupes pads. It definitely happened a lot going through curved areas. I am used to Flex machines so it's frustrating to me as well... I'm 5'1 and way 114lbs? How hard could I possibly be pressing???

I read that with the mini (stalls) but that seems wierd. Are you making sure even with no pressure your not tilting it? I would try holding dircectly on top of DA over the pad on flat surface. Use other hand to move handle/base around to make sure it is not tilted. Probably in need of warranty service.

I do hold directly over the pad area... my standard DA hold on all my machines
I was being very "strict" with hold and position once it started happening frequently. It COULD be it's tilting a bit but I'm not sure how much straighter I could hold it.

Thx for the responses gang. For an expensive machine I'm a bit annoyed with it.
I understand it's a smaller machine, so that could be a major factor, but (and not to sound like a total jerk) my $50 Harbor Freight never had this many issues.

 

[Bruno Soares]

I would think pressure is not the issue since you said it’s rotating but not oscillating. Pressure causes the opposite, the pad oscillates but stops spinning.

If it’s under warranty call Rupes. Maybe create a video of the issue so people can see what’s really going on. I’ve never used a mini so I don’t know how much power it has.

 

[DetailKitty]

I would think pressure is not the issue since you said it’s rotating but not oscillating. Pressure causes the opposite, the pad oscillates but stops spinning.

If it’s under warranty call Rupes. Maybe create a video of the issue so people can see what’s really going on. I’ve never used a mini so I don’t know how much power it has.

Good idea. Not sure if it's still under warranty at this point but worth a shot.

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

I would think pressure is not the issue since you said it’s rotating but not oscillating. Pressure causes the opposite, the pad oscillates but stops spinning.

If it’s under warranty call Rupes. Maybe create a video of the issue so people can see what’s really going on. I’ve never used a mini so I don’t know how much power it has.

In my head I was seeing opposite. Great observation. If it’s not oscillating definetly failure


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[DetailKitty]

That's what I was afraid of...
Well, I'll be calling Rupes and see what they say.

 

[PaulMys]

Keep us posted, Monica.

 

[DetailKitty]

Well I contacted Rupes... the machine is far out of warranty.

So I'd be looking at $95 flat fee just for them to diagnose if there is a problem.
If there is, not sure how much parts and labor would be.

I feel like I'm at a dilemma... should I pay $95+??? to have this machine fixed?

Or do I use that money towards a new Flex XFE 3" polisher?

:dunno:

 

[Bruno Soares]

I know this doesn't help you fix your issue but the experience you described is exactly why I opted to give Griot's Garage my money instead of buying a Rupes. If their machine was as superior as they claim they'd give better warranty.

If at least they said they will apply the diagnostic fee to the cost of repair after you approve it then it would be better but as it is I see why you brought up just buying something else, it can get expensive quick.

 

[DetailKitty]

I know this doesn't help you fix your issue but the experience you described is exactly why I opted to give Griot's Garage my money instead of buying a Rupes. If their machine was as superior as they claim they'd give better warranty.

If at least they said they will apply the diagnostic fee to the cost of repair after you approve it then it would be better but as it is I see why you brought up just buying something else, it can get expensive quick.

Sadly I've never been happy with it... maybe it's because it has been broken since day 1? Or maybe I'm just a Flex girl through and through.
The XFE wasn't on the market when I got the Rupes... otherwise I would have bought it from day 1.

I don't have any Griots machines. I'm sure they are nice as well... I just prefer Flex.

No offense to Rupes or anyone who like their machines... it just hasn't worked out well for me.

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

Sadly I've never been happy with it... maybe it's because it has been broken since day 1? Or maybe I'm just a Flex girl through and through.
The XFE wasn't on the market when I got the Rupes... otherwise I would have bought it from day 1.

I don't have any Griots machines. I'm sure they are nice as well... I just prefer Flex.

No offense to Rupes or anyone who like their machines... it just hasn't worked out well for me.

When buying my 3” I settled on the flex, Rupes and Adams SK mini. I love Griots products but the 3” was out due to power complaints. The Rupes next due to stalling. I was settled on the flex because I don’t mind spending money on quality. I PM’d 3-4 of notable detailers on the Forum and all gave the SK mini rave reviews. At a 3rd of the price I decided o well if I don’t like it it’s not the first time I’d wasted $120. I have not regretted my purchase as it is a quality machine and worked well above my expectations. I understand if your brand loyal but if not..... check it out

FWIW: I also got nothing but amazing reviews on the flex mini but not many users out their. It is definitely a top notch machine.


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[PaulMys]

Well I contacted Rupes... the machine is far out of warranty.

So I'd be looking at $95 flat fee just for them to diagnose if there is a problem.
If there is, not sure how much parts and labor would be.

I feel like I'm at a dilemma... should I pay $95+??? to have this machine fixed?

Or do I use that money towards a new Flex XFE 3" polisher?

:dunno:

Wow, that is pretty pathetic IMO.

If they told me "$95 just to diagnose..." I would be Pissed.

Just my opinion, Monica....... But I wouldn't give Rupes one more cent of my money.
Get something with a good warranty, or something that actually works for more than a couple seasons without breaking.

 

[DetailKitty]

Wow, that is pretty pathetic IMO.

If they told me "$95 just to diagnose..." I would be Pissed.

Just my opinion, Monica....... But I wouldn't give Rupes one more cent of my money.
Get something with a good warranty, or something that actually works for more than a couple seasons without breaking.

To be fair, the $95 covers shipping to and from the facility, cleaning and a few minor replacement parts (like cords)... but it doesn’t cover most of of the machine.... I'm thinking if I do have an issue replacing the cover or a cord isn’t going to fix it... the machine is pristine.

I bet a repair is going to be a couple hundred dollars... if my Rupes mini was a car it would have under 3,000 miles on the clock. I don’t want to pay that much to repair a basically brand new machine.

Sucks but it is what it is.

I will be checking out both the Adams machines and the Flex.
Not in a rush to make a decision. It’s not a major necessity right now.

 

[SWETM]

It's defently something wrong with your mini if it's only rotates and not oscillating. The oscillation is gear driven and makes the rotation by circular force from the oscillations. If hold it pad up and no cord in the electric outlet. Then spinning the pad by hand it should spinn quite easy if it's not against the shroud a lot. Next take a grip on the backing plate and move it around the offset. This you will feel some resistance from. But you would be feeling the gears rotating inside of the polisher. It sounds like you rotate an electric motor too. If this works as it should and feels. I think it can be that the counter weight may be loose or out of it's place or even forgotten to be installed LOL.

You could look at some reviews that Apex Detailing Channel on Youtube does on DA polisher. It's about the same build up tech wise. And pretty straight forward to open up and take a look.

This is a very strange fault I have never heard about. But almost anything is possible. Is the backing plate spinning free from the shroud or just a little amount of resistance against it? It should not be a problem to spinn the backing plate. The shroud should just stop the spinning part faster.

If you want to do some own trouble shooting with it.

/ Tony