6 inch orbitals
- Thread starter nakranij
- Start date
Rsurfer
Well-known member
- Jan 26, 2007
- 14,159
- 26
IMO, yes. The Rupes has a 15mm throw instead of a 8mm which will correct faster. The Rupes has a soft trigger start instead of an on/off switch. The Rupes is much smoother and much more quiet than the Griots. The Rupes is made in Italy by their own plant instead of China.
They are two things going for the Griot. One, it carries a lifetime warranty and the cost.
If you can afford it, you won't be disappointed with the Rupes. You can put a 3.5" backing plate on your Griot and use it for tight areas.
dennis hiip
New member
- Jul 24, 2011
- 225
- 0
IMO, the Groits will do it all. I have both and unless you are tool geek, there really is not a big advantage with a long throw in the real world for a hobbyist. I know others will disagree.
Coopers ST
Active member
- Nov 23, 2013
- 1,277
- 4
Another option, replace the 6" backing plate with a 5" plate and get 5.5" pads on your existing machine.
Mine should NOT be the final word on the topic, but (as someone who is just now transitioning from a hobbyist just doing two vehicles to someone who wants to make money polishing cars), if I were remaining a hobbyist, I would stay with whatever you have. I started with an off-brand 6" DA, and it did fine. I upgraded to a Griot's 6" DA, and it was better. I'm looking to upgrade again right now, but only because I want to do this for profit. If it was just mine and my wife's car, I'd stick with what I have. It does 90 - 95% of everything I need it to do, and at what I estimate is 80 - 90% of the efficiency. The incremental improvement in quality and efficiency isn't worth the few hundred or more dollars you'd be looking to spend for a new piece of equipment if it's just for your own cars.
My 2 cents - Worth every penny you just paid for it.
My 2 cents - Worth every penny you just paid for it.
PaulMys
Active member
- Jan 14, 2014
- 10,772
- 3
IME, my GG6 does 100% of what I ask of it. As Coopers stated, the 5" BP is a must in my opinion.
As for smoothness, I have used almost every power tool on the planet. In my opinion, the GG6 is smooth as hell for what is basically a converted 6" sander.
Would a Rupes be smoother? From what I have read, I would say it certainly would be.
But, I for one wouldn't shell out another 300 bucks for a little more smoothness when I can use my GG for 8+ hours and have zero discomfort.
As for smoothness, I have used almost every power tool on the planet. In my opinion, the GG6 is smooth as hell for what is basically a converted 6" sander.
Would a Rupes be smoother? From what I have read, I would say it certainly would be.
But, I for one wouldn't shell out another 300 bucks for a little more smoothness when I can use my GG for 8+ hours and have zero discomfort.
UncleDavy
Active member
- Aug 22, 2017
- 1,609
- 16
I am a hobbyist who does an occasional detail for family and friends on the side. I have a Porter Cable 7424XP and have been contemplating a second machine for some time. After some research and talking to Paulie last night I think I am sold on the Griots GG6. For a guy like me there is no need to spend $400+ on a premium long throw machine. I can reserve the Porter Cable to 3" pads and use the Griots with a 5" backing plate.
- Thread starter
- #8
Well Griots has 15 and 21mm long throw machines also. The way they explained it is the Rupes machine is more balanced and tolerances are tighter so it is less fatigue. Right now I only use it on my Camry and Silverado. I might want to use it once a year on my parents Honda Pilot and CRV.
Doing 1 car is allot of work, the Pilot (the large tahoe like body style, not the new body style). I might enjoy the 15mm throw for faster work with larger panels and less fatigue would be nice too, but it is like $200 more for the Rupes. I don't know if I want the liability doing it professionally.a
I was looking at a 3 inch machine though for side mirrors and head light polishing where the 6 inch is just too big.
Doing 1 car is allot of work, the Pilot (the large tahoe like body style, not the new body style). I might enjoy the 15mm throw for faster work with larger panels and less fatigue would be nice too, but it is like $200 more for the Rupes. I don't know if I want the liability doing it professionally.a
I was looking at a 3 inch machine though for side mirrors and head light polishing where the 6 inch is just too big.
VISITOR
Active member
- May 10, 2007
- 9,859
- 3
if you want to bang out cars quickly and aren't tolerant of pad stall, the flex 3401 would be an excellent choice and is a proven workhorse. if you want a long throw to compliment the GG6 (use a smaller backing plate and pads for smaller/areas), the G15/21 (cover large/open panels) would be a great addition (video below if you haven't seen it). if you only do your vehicles and a few here and there, the GG6 is all you really need. also.. in regards to GG tool quality (polishers), here's a quote from mike's reply (#31) in this thread...
Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips
Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips
Just to note, behind the scenes, Jeff Brown from Griot's and I are working on something to share about Griot's tool quality.
We don't need any mis-information on our forum.
Hang tight...
rops:
PaulMys
Active member
- Jan 14, 2014
- 10,772
- 3
Nice post, Allen.
I'm a little sick of hearing that old "Made in China" argument referring to the Griot's machines. As a whole, and rightfully so, we here in the United States have experienced the "Made in China" items that are really just awfully made.
"Crap" for lack of a term that wouldn't fly here. Things people routinely buy in Walmart. The companies that order these things to be made there want it done as cheaply as possible. Quality be damned. China obliges.
But, the Chinese aren't just a bunch of backward people with no skill. Remember, they are on the short list of countries that have built and perfected long-range nuclear armaments.
If you contract with China to assemble, oh......I don't know, the iPhone with all it's intricacies that billions rely on daily, China obliges.
Saying things that are "Made in China" are somehow inferior as a blanket statement nowadays is grossly misinformed and misleading to potential buyers from companies that pay for premium Chinese manufacturing.
dennis hiip
New member
- Jul 24, 2011
- 225
- 0
I gotta say that I purchased a long throw because of my obsessive thinking and unrelenting curiosity. Really, it's in not that much better relative to the cost. I still use my GG6 and still like it. If another polisher is in your future, consider a forced rotation or a rotary. That way your bases are covered.
Cruzscarwash
New member
- Oct 16, 2015
- 2,425
- 0
I've owned every machine minus the mikita 5000, all the rupes and Griot's long throws, pc, flex, them all, now I have 2 gg6s that I daily and wouldn't look back. They do everything and anything. They make me money and they do it quickly and effectively. The lifetime warranty as been used a few times with no hassle. The only thing I'd ask for is this machine in a BOSS body for a bit more comfort but besides that when I had ally other machines I always went back to the GG6.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
I actually agree 100%.
Last summer I was hot and heavy on the Rupes stuff I have, and still am! I love their system of tools pads, and liquids. I do not do the washer mod, and I get incredible results every time....
I love the Flex 3401 that I have. It has incredible torque and power. In a word, it is relentless..
Then there is my Porter Cable 7424. Not even the XP. The original little tool that started the orbital craze years ago. It is this tool the generates most of my revenue. Just yesterday I did two cleaner wax jobs with it, and total time invested was just over six hours. It created happy customers, and a fatter wallet. I got it use for something like $48.00 used. I got my 7424xp in 2011 brand new. I keep it in my duplicate rig at home.
Especially for the hobbyist or enthusiast the PC is the only type of tool I recommend. If they're using it two times a year, it doesn't make much fiscal sense to a lot of people to spend hundreds of dollars on such a tool, then the accessories necessary to accompany it.
So to the OP, if you are happy with the GG6, then keep on using it!
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
PaulMys
Active member
- Jan 14, 2014
- 10,772
- 3
Hobbyist? Yeah keep the PC.
Paul likes that GG6!
Me? I'll take the PC
I told UD in our face to face to PM you on pad choices for his PC
I may have referred to you as "The Master Of All Pads" :righton:
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
Well said. You get what you pay for.
I've had an iPhone since they came out, it has always worked to my needs and expectations.
I don't have a long-range nuclear armament yet though... not ready to make that leap...
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
You are too kind, sir!
I saw the notification, and will be answering right after this!
- Thread starter
- #18
So ultimately what I am hearing is keep my Griots Garage 6 inch Random Orbital. The Boss 15 or the Rupes LHR15 Mark II is really not a big deal unless I really want one? and moving to the 5.5 inch back plate and pads would give me better results (not that I have issues with the 6 inch plate and pads).
So the next question is which machine will save me time on larger vehicles if I want to cut my time down per car/truck/suv? or there is no sub. for time?
So the next question is which machine will save me time on larger vehicles if I want to cut my time down per car/truck/suv? or there is no sub. for time?
Cruzscarwash
New member
- Oct 16, 2015
- 2,425
- 0
The only speed to be gained in the cut comes from a rotary.
If you don't go rotary then just test spot until you find the best pad, Polish combo and you are gtg.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
If you don't go rotary then just test spot until you find the best pad, Polish combo and you are gtg.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
The Rupes Duetto can save me time, as can the Flex 3401. I seem to be able to cover a larger section with those tools, than with the PC. However, the PC is so comfortable and familiar that it's difficult to put down.