Part time detailer...need advice/help

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Craig_K

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Hey guys! I haven't posed on here in a long while...happy to be back! This post is a little long but I really need to figure out a solution :)

So before I ask my questions, I will give you a bit of a background on myself and my business. I work full time at an oil refinery on shift work. 4-5 days on and 4-5 days off. I detail part time on my days off as a side business and I average 50-60 cars usually between April and October depending on the weather here in NB, Canada. Most of my details are the generic "production" style detail which is wash, clay, wax/seal, full interior. However lately I have been getting more and more requests for polishing paint and a FEW full on paint corrections. I started with a GG6 which worked great, however the vibrations were eventually too much for me (even with using anti vibration gloves). So this year I bought a Rupes LHR15II because of the endless praise as to how smooth and vibration free the machines are.

Before buying the Rupes, I had the following pads that I used on my GG6 (all in 5.5"): Buff and Shine green, blue, red and Lake Country CCS yellow, orange, a few white and a couple hybrid foamed wool pads.

I detail part time, mostly out of passion but not far behind as a reason is to make money doing it. Also to be efficient so that I can enjoy my time off from my "real" job and not spend countless hours and not get paid for my time.

So my question to Mike and all the members on here is...is it worth investing in the Rupes system? I am not doing $1000 correction jobs, most of my jobs I do a quick AIO like HD Speed. I am stuck between spending more money on the Rupes system, or buying a Flex 3401. I know they are like comparing apples to oranges, but from what I have read it seems like the Rupes machines like to be used with their own pads and liquids where as the 3401 works well with just about any pad and liquid made. Also, the forced rotation seems like it would save me time. Why didn't I just buy the 3401 in the first place you ask? I bought the Rupes because of it's acclaimed smooth and vibration free operation, which so far it lives up to. However, now I am starting to wonder if the little bit of extra vibration from the Flex would be worth the possible time saved?

Again, this is not a Rupes vs Flex thread, this is what do you think would work best in MY situation.

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted Mike and anyone willing to help to have the best possible idea of what I am dealing with.

Thanks everyone!!!
 
I've been using 3 Rupes machines and have never used the system. I do have osm of their pads but I've used various other pads too and have had excellent results. I don't see the need to invest in another da unless you just want to spend the money.
 
I've tried the Rupes system, but I prefer other pads and polishes to the Rupes options.

Even though the Flex 3401 takes more energy to control, I *prefer* to use it for 1 step and 2 step jobs. Why? It never stops rotating and you can POWER(as Mike Phillips says) through detail, yet finesse as well. I will reach for my 15mm if I can't finish properly on certain paint systems(soft paint) with the 3401.




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Thank you WRAPT C5Z06. That's what has been going through my head, also, is that maybe I should sell the Rupes and get a 3401 because of it's ability to power through jobs and get it done in a timely manner (with hopes the vibration doesn't bother my hands).
 
That new makita looks nice.The rupes is underpowered for me.I can knock out a correction faster with a gg6.Till this day don't own neither grits or rupes.To much stalling the 3401 is a powerful machine compared to the others.In gonna take that makita for a test ride before I buy hopefully if they have some Thursday night projects.
 
Craig_K said:
Thank you WRAPT C5Z06. That's what has been going through my head, also, is that maybe I should sell the Rupes and get a 3401 because of it's ability to power through jobs and get it done in a timely manner (with hopes the vibration doesn't bother my hands).
Click to expand...
Forced rotation polishers take less technique. So, not having to pay attention to pad rotation is one less thing to worry about. I don't find the 3401 to vibrate. It's a smooth machine, it just has a mind of its own. Definitely has a different feel than your Rupes. Not a bad thing, just reminding you.


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Wanna just get the job done ASAP = Flex 3401

Wanna enjoy getting the job done = Rupes
 
Thanks BudgetPlan1. WRAPT Z06, the only reason I didn't get the 3401 in the first place was because some have said it vibrates. I didn't want to risk it, I couldn't even make a fist after polishing with my GG6. I tried vibration gloves and they helped considerably, but my hands were still buzzing after polishing.
 
You'd best take a 3401 for a test drive then, before you buy it. :props:
 
Craig_K said:
Absolutely custmsprty!
Click to expand...

My list of tools

Griot's GG6 G21

Rupes 15 1st gen, Duetto and Mini.

I use my Duetto 90% of the time. It's so light, so smooth and powerful enough for most of my applications.
 
I like the Rupes system, but it's definitely not necessary to use it.

It took me some time to get used to it. I feel it has a serious learning curve.

I just got some Lake Country HDO pads to use with Meguiar's and Menzerna polishes.
 
Craig_K said:
Hey guys! I haven't posed on here in a long while...happy to be back! This post is a little long but I really need to figure out a solution :)

So before I ask my questions, I will give you a bit of a background on myself and my business. I work full time at an oil refinery on shift work. 4-5 days on and 4-5 days off. I detail part time on my days off as a side business and I average 50-60 cars usually between April and October depending on the weather here in NB, Canada. Most of my details are the generic "production" style detail which is wash, clay, wax/seal, full interior. However lately I have been getting more and more requests for polishing paint and a FEW full on paint corrections. I started with a GG6 which worked great, however the vibrations were eventually too much for me (even with using anti vibration gloves). So this year I bought a Rupes LHR15II because of the endless praise as to how smooth and vibration free the machines are.

Before buying the Rupes, I had the following pads that I used on my GG6 (all in 5.5"): Buff and Shine green, blue, red and Lake Country CCS yellow, orange, a few white and a couple hybrid foamed wool pads.

I detail part time, mostly out of passion but not far behind as a reason is to make money doing it. Also to be efficient so that I can enjoy my time off from my "real" job and not spend countless hours and not get paid for my time.

So my question to Mike and all the members on here is...is it worth investing in the Rupes system? I am not doing $1000 correction jobs, most of my jobs I do a quick AIO like HD Speed. I am stuck between spending more money on the Rupes system, or buying a Flex 3401. I know they are like comparing apples to oranges, but from what I have read it seems like the Rupes machines like to be used with their own pads and liquids where as the 3401 works well with just about any pad and liquid made. Also, the forced rotation seems like it would save me time. Why didn't I just buy the 3401 in the first place you ask? I bought the Rupes because of it's acclaimed smooth and vibration free operation, which so far it lives up to. However, now I am starting to wonder if the little bit of extra vibration from the Flex would be worth the possible time saved?

Again, this is not a Rupes vs Flex thread, this is what do you think would work best in MY situation.

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted Mike and anyone willing to help to have the best possible idea of what I am dealing with.

Thanks everyone!!!
Click to expand...

i wouldnt even consider buying more of the rupes system unless you are doing a lot of work on ceramic clear coat. Otherwise I would spend the money on a flex 3401 for 2 main reasons. 1- It will be better for curved panels then the 15 you have. 2- you can detail any car faster if you use the 6 or 6.5" pads.
 
Dan@TheBuffingMoose said:
I chose the Rupes for this main reason truthfully.

As a matter of fact. I had the Flex at one point.

The Rupes is much more preferred and enjoyable to use without feeling beat.


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Click to expand...
It's nice to have both. When I have a few days to really get into it, Rupes is the way to go, especially if car is getting the Rupes Ultra Fine (white) or Menz 3800/PO85RD final step. Especially when using DAT products.

If'n I'm trying to push it and am bound by time, Flex and 6.5" for horizontal, 5.5" for vertical LC Force pads and SMAT products can save some time, albeit with more physical effort.

While the Rupes is nice, effective and such a joy to use, the Flex just pounds out the defects.
 
Dan@TheBuffingMoose said:
As a matter of fact. I had the Flex at one point.

The Rupes is much more preferred and enjoyable to use without feeling beat.


Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app
Click to expand...
This is true. As I stated before, the 3401 requires noticeably more energy. With that said, it gets the job done and not having to be concerned about pad stall.


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Another thing you could do for efficiency, is invest in the Meguiar's microfiber da correction system, and just use the GG6.

It was designed to work with 8mm random orbital tools, and of all the systems I use, is probably the easiest / most effective / most efficient of all of them.

The cut is strong and heavy, almost no dust. The pads are durable, easy to use..

The finishing wax is fast, easy, and effective....

The system will work with a Rupes, or even Flex 3401, but The GG6 is more than capable.
 
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