Need info quickly for Rupes polishers

Calendyr

Calendyr

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Hey guys,

I placed an order for a Bigfoot 21 Rupes Polisher with the idea of putting my 5" backing plate on it.

After someone on the forum told me I need to use Rupes' backing plate I went to place an order for it but it says it's designed specifically for the Bigfoot 15ES.

Can I use that backing plate on the 21?

Thanks!
 
Yes, people are doing that...I think that's the major reason AG is carrying the BP's, even though they officially don't endorse using the 5" backing plate on the 6" machine.
 
I just did a car last week with the 15 BP on the 21 and that combo is great
 
Very little pressure and effort is needed in this machine.
 
I contacted Rupes specifically about this question. Here is their reply:

Hi Kevin,
about the back plate swapping, we allow (but not suggest) to use the 5” on the LHR21, you can have some more vibrations but we allow people doing this and the machine it’s still warranty covered. Instead, using the 6” on the LHR15 has not been technically tested so we cannot guarantee the proper functioning. Each machine is designed to work with its own back plate, so any changes could affect the performance and balance of the machine (dimensions and weights of back plates are different).

I hope I was clear in my explanation despite of my non perfect English!
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swanicyouth said:
Is the Rupes much less fatiguing than a GG6?
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It's like night and day compared to my pc. Never used to gg6 though. I actually enjoying polishing now! You really don't have to put but a few pounds of pressure on the machine.
 
Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

Gettting the 21 would mean, buying the backing plate which is $40 more making the unit $373. That's roughly $75 more than the 15 now.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.
 
The longer throw allows for quicker and easier correction. That is the main benefit.
 
nezff said:
Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.
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If you spoke to the man 'Kevin', I believe you should have enough info already to make a decision.

Only thing is looking at your budget which will be up to you.
 
nezff said:
Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

Gettting the 21 would mean, buying the backing plate which is $40 more making the unit $373. That's roughly $75 more than the 15 now.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.
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I was on the same boat deciding if I should get the 15 or 21. I ended up with the 15 because right now I'm just a DIY'er and plan on detailing just a handful of cars. I was thinking about doing the 5in BP on the 21 but I really wanted to avoid vibrations. If AG has another sale and if I like how the 15 performs, then I might be getting a Rupes 21.

Here's a link of Paul Dalton of Miracle Detail has to say about getting the 15 and 21. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...review-all-opinions-welcome-5.html#post795029
 
Just think of it this way, the reason the rupes performs so well is because of the large throw. So if you don't have the 21 you aren't unlocking the full potential of the machine. The 15 will still be way better than most DAs, but the 21 is going to get the job done a little faster.
 
BMWguy206 said:
I was on the same boat deciding if I should get the 15 or 21. I ended up with the 15 because right now I'm just a DIY'er and plan on detailing just a handful of cars. I was thinking about doing the 5in BP on the 21 but I really wanted to avoid vibrations. If AG has another sale and if I like how the 15 performs, then I might be getting a Rupes 21.

Here's a link of Paul Dalton of Miracle Detail has to say about getting the 15 and 21. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...review-all-opinions-welcome-5.html#post795029
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Im a part time detailer and full time firefighter. Im really not doing a lot of correcting currently, but when I do, I find myself staying out there longer than I need to be. A better machine would definitely help.

KillaCam said:
Just think of it this way, the reason the rupes performs so well is because of the large throw. So if you don't have the 21 you aren't unlocking the full potential of the machine. The 15 will still be way better than most DAs, but the 21 is going to get the job done a little faster.
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I just don't want to make the wrong decision on the 21 vs 15 mainly. But then again, the price of the 21 and getting a 5 inch backing plate jumps $75 more bucks. Not sure if that is worth it or not. considering I have nothing but 5.5 brand new pads currently.
zmcgovern45 said:
The longer throw allows for quicker and easier correction. That is the main benefit.
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Understandable. Im looking for something that can make corrections (when I do have them) quicker and not have to change plates etc.. to get in tight spots.

I guess I could use my PC for that.

Wheelzntoys said:
If you spoke to the man 'Kevin', I believe you should have enough info already to make a decision.

Only thing is looking at your budget which will be up to you.
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Budget is the key :props: Like a couple other guys on here, no one needs a expensive polisher less than me. I could get by with a GG honestly for the price. I have an older 3.7amp PC 7424 which is the main reason I started looking at the FLEX and Rupes. I don't do a lot of corrections, mainly personal use and some spot buffind on customers cars.

I did speak with Kevin, but He made me want the 21 more than the 15. This is where my dilemma comes in. ;)
 
If budget is the key, just stick with the porter cable. If you don't do many corrections then the Rupes isn't really a justified cost. The PC is a very, very capable machine - it just takes a while longer to see the same results as some of the other machines like the Rupes.
 
zmcgovern45 said:
If budget is the key, just stick with the porter cable. If you don't do many corrections then the Rupes isn't really a justified cost. The PC is a very, very capable machine - it just takes a while longer to see the same results as some of the other machines like the Rupes.
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Good point. All of the machines will produce the same result. For me personally, I can't stand the vibration of a PC and thus my hands get tired pretty fast.

I'm somewhat on a budget but I plan on detailing 13 vehicles and half of them need some correction. I figured I can cut my working time with the Rupes and hope to make a return investment from the work I'll be doing with those vehicles.
 
re: 21 vs 15, if you are seldom correcting trashed paint, and mainly just moderate to light swirls, does that sway those of you recommending the 21 to instead recommend the 15?

I'm trying to figure out if there's some usage threshold where even those recommeding the 21 would at least call it a draw between the 21 and 15, and considering the price difference plus the extra backing plate?
 
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