I know most people, or atleast a decent amount of people start off with a PC or a Griots or maybe even now the new Meguiars polisher. I want to purchase my first polisher soon and have been doing a lot of research. I was set on getting the Griots for their wonderful lifetime warranty BUT after seeing on YouTube the new Rupes coming out I instantly wondered. I see a lot of great remarks when it comes to Rupes, so my thought was why not start off on the perfect machine? so my question to you guys is; is it dumb of me to start off on a Rupes? Should I go the route most people have with a PC or something in that nature?
Dumb for first polisher?
- Thread starter buddy01
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Rob T
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- Jul 28, 2007
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If you are confident that detailing is something that you will continue to do long term (I think you are since you've been a member since 2009), I would definitely recommend going with a high quality polisher like the Flex or Rupes. No need to buy something twice. Plus, even if you decide that you aren't going to keep detailing or you decide you can't justify the price, you would have zero problem selling either of those polishers on the used market without losing much money.
Neither is inherently more difficult to use than the Griot's polisher. So no, it's not dumb to start with something as nice as the Rupes.
Neither is inherently more difficult to use than the Griot's polisher. So no, it's not dumb to start with something as nice as the Rupes.
AGOatemywallet
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- Jun 13, 2015
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How in the World did you hold out since 2009 without buying a polisher?
custmsprty
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- Apr 11, 2012
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I wouldn't do or consider anything until after SEMA is over.
MarkD51
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- Oct 15, 2012
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In many of our lives, there are sometimes a good many of number of things we can never buy or own. $50K Ranger Bass Boats, $100K BMW's or Porsche's, $700K Homes, etc.
But we can of course dream, and have aspirations-hopes.
Something like the Rupes, or other high quality DA's are not unrealistic, or not so overly expensive that an average Joe cannot afford, even on a meager salary. Just might take a bit longer to save those pennies and dimes is all.
Just like the old Beach Boy's Tune, "409".
I'd say you'd be making no mistake with the Rupes. I'll maybe even one day own one myself, if my PC 7424XP ever bites the bullet, I think the Rupes would be one very good way to go.
If you want something, and want it bad enough, it never is uually good to settle for something less.
It's like walking into a chevy dealer with the intentions of buying a brand new Corvette, and coming out with a Malibu instead, you'll kick yourself for a long long time!
But we can of course dream, and have aspirations-hopes.
Something like the Rupes, or other high quality DA's are not unrealistic, or not so overly expensive that an average Joe cannot afford, even on a meager salary. Just might take a bit longer to save those pennies and dimes is all.
Just like the old Beach Boy's Tune, "409".
I'd say you'd be making no mistake with the Rupes. I'll maybe even one day own one myself, if my PC 7424XP ever bites the bullet, I think the Rupes would be one very good way to go.
If you want something, and want it bad enough, it never is uually good to settle for something less.
It's like walking into a chevy dealer with the intentions of buying a brand new Corvette, and coming out with a Malibu instead, you'll kick yourself for a long long time!
- Thread starter
- #6
Lol been a long time since I joined. I first joined this website and wasn't really active to much. Then I started getting active, and when I was ready to get my first polisher I ended up getting into a bad car accident which totaled my car. After that happen I was a little shooked up and didn't drive for a little. Finally got back into a car, and what do you know someone hit me again and totaled that car as well. Then had 4 knee surgeries all at different times through out the years which prevented me from doing and detail work. Now that I have my truck and good to go (cross fingers) I'm ready to jump in full speed!
rlmccarty2000
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- Dec 23, 2013
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Wait around until after SEMA. There may be some good deals on the first gen Rupes machines if some detailers decide to trade up to the Mark II.
conman1395
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- Nov 23, 2013
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If you're only going to have one then get the Griot's. It gives you plenty of power and the option of 3", 4", and 5" backing plates.
Souldetailer
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- Feb 13, 2015
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My feelings too. Plenty of power, versatility and a lifetime guarantee to match. When adding a superior machine, the GG6 is a hell of an accompaniment and back up. Good luck & take care.
Peace,
Darrin
Todd@RUPES
New member
- Dec 23, 2007
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Any orbital polisher is going to be a great choice for a first polisher. The question ultimately becomes how much growth are you going to do (that is, 1 car every once in a while or will you start doing work on the side and making a few dollars).
The original Porter Cable is still an amazingly capable machine in the right hands, and it only gets stronger from there.
In the RUPES' world we have two tools that offer BigFoot's already legendary durability, smoothness and performance whilst being ideal for the first timer.
1) The Duetto - this is a super balanced, super smooth, super powerful random orbital that is built on a Porter Cable - like chassis. The 12 mm throw and 6-inch pads make it easy to fit into just about any area.
2) The (upcoming) Mark II LHR 15ES - The high RPM ceiling, large throw (15 mm) and high torque capacity of the Mark II make it a tool that you can grow into. This is a beast that is capable of removing P1500 sanding scratches quickly (from most paints) but it is easy to use, nearly vibration free (used with RUPES pads), and has loads of power.
You cannot go wrong with either polisher. It's more of a choice of what is better for you. :xyxthumbs:
FinishingTouchA
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- May 8, 2013
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If the money isn't an issue go with the Rupes. It will make you fall in love with detailing in a whole new way.
VISITOR
Active member
- May 10, 2007
- 9,859
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if you don't do many cars or just the families and maybe a few friends then buying a $350 polisher may not be a wise choice. i've said it many times, but every detailer/enthusiast should own at least one traditional PC-style DA and with that said the GG6 (it's been used and proven by many) is a great choice. packs plenty of torque/power, excellent (no nonsense) customer service (GG is known for), and phenomenal warranty. with the plethora of pads/backing plates and polishes/compounds out these days (technology keeps advancing as well) there isn't much that it can't handle. if it breaks down after the other's (competition) warranties expire (usually only 1 year), no problem GG they will take care of you...
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
conman1395
New member
- Nov 23, 2013
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Yes, but he'll need a second polisher to get in smaller areas too.
If money is an issue remember that money saved from buying a more expensive machine can also be used to buy more products (you'll need at least 4 pads for every step).
KBsToy
Active member
- Jul 4, 2011
- 1,490
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if you don't do many cars or just the families and maybe a few friends then buying a $350 polisher may not be a wise choice. i've said it many times, but every detailer/enthusiast should own at least one traditional PC-style DA and with that said the GG6 (it's been used and proven by many) is a great choice. packs plenty of torque/power, excellent (no nonsense) customer service (GG is known for), and phenomenal warranty. with the plethora of pads/backing plates and polishes/compounds out these days (technology keeps advancing as well) there isn't much that it can't handle. if it breaks down after the other's (competition) warranties expire (usually only 1 year), no problem GG they will take care of you...
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
:iagree:With the money you save you can get pads, polishes, waxes you will need to do your detailing.
If you get the detailing bug like the rest of us this hobby can get expensive
Goog Luck
ski2
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- Dec 2, 2011
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This makes so much sense for someone just starting out. You can equip the GG6 with 5" and 3.5" backing plates and handle all areas of a vehicle. Then later if you really like machine polishing add something more like the Boss or Rupes machines and use the GG6 with the 3.5" backing plate for the small areas. As others have mentioned you need to get multiple pads (4-6) for each step (cutting, polishing, finishing, applying LSP), polishes and compounds, towels etc etc so add $250-300 to the cost of the polisher to get yourself started.
I have a pc a flex 3401 and a Rupes 21. I generally only work on my cars and occasionally those of friends. I ended up putting a smaller backing plate in the pc as I rarely used it after I got the Rupes and the flex. I love the Rupes and that is the tool I reach for first but it does bog down on curves ans side panels. The flex is a workhorse. Nothing slows it down. I do like the Rupes pads and compound polish options. Best of luck. Phil
Every_detail
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- Apr 13, 2014
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I hear that the Rupes will cut your correction time in half? Any truth in this? Would the GG6 also do this?
VISITOR
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- May 10, 2007
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yes, it has 2-3 times more (throw) coverage but it shouldn't be your only DA. the GG6 can be equipped with different size backing plates so you can cover more areas on the car. money being no issue the GG6 and G15/21 would be an excellent combo, otherwise the GG6 can do it just as well but with a little more time. if i were only doing a few cars a year (including family) then there would be no reason to buy a more expensive polisher when the GG6 can do it all...