PE-8 learning curve

[fotomatt1]

I was about to buy a Rupes Mini to go with my Rupes LHR-21, but I keep looking at the PE-8. I've never used a rotary before so I'm just curious what the learning curve is with this particular machine, or if I should just go with my first instinct to buy a LHR-75e? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[flatstick]

what will you be using the machine and smaller pads for ? for serious correction in tight areas I prefer the PE-8. the machine is smooth and easy to learn. great for headlights and hard to reach areas , if you are doing that kind of work.

 

[fotomatt1]

Mostly tighter areas. My Mini Cooper has lots of tight spots like the hatch and roof around the sunroof.

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[flatstick]

Mostly tighter areas. My Mini Cooper has lots of tight spots like the hatch and roof around the sunroof.

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The machine with the smaller pads is great when working in very tight areas. I only use it to remove, swirls, water spots, scratches etc.... it is nice with a light polish to jewel the paint in limited space. where it shines for me was getting close up against some trim , raised panels or door handles. precision with the power to get the job done, is how I would describe the unit. polishes out small scratches is another area where i find myself reaching for the unit versus my other machines. have not used the machine to apply an lsp but some have said it works well . working around a sunroof will be a breeze with this unit. I like to use the unit to cut in my edges first , kind of like when you are painting in your house.

 

[fotomatt1]

The machine with the smaller pads is great when working in very tight areas. I only use it to remove, swirls, water spots, scratches etc.... it is nice with a light polish to jewel the paint in limited space. where it shines for me was getting close up against some trim , raised panels or door handles. precision with the power to get the job done, is how I would describe the unit. polishes out small scratches is another area where i find myself reaching for the unit versus my other machines. have not used the machine to apply an lsp but some have said it works well . working around a sunroof will be a breeze with this unit. I like to use the unit to cut in my edges first , kind of like when you are painting in your house.

I know the small pads would be great for tight spots..I'm just concerned about using a rotary without any training on one. I definitely don't want to burn an edge due to inexperience.


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[flatstick]

I know the small pads would be great for tight spots..I'm just concerned about using a rotary without any training on one. I definitely don't want to burn an edge due to inexperience.


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the machine is easy to use. just keep it moving and you will be fine. keep the speed and pressure down. if somebody in your area has one you could try it out first . to get the machine down start with a black pad and light polish to get the feel for it . if you have a da you can also get the rotary adapter to accept the small backing plates and pads to get into the areas that are difficult or thin . if you have used a polisher before ( of course you have ) then you can use this one. just take it easy and get used to the machine , practicing on some older cars before working on yours. if you have some friends with a junker that would be a great place to get your technique down.

 

[fotomatt1]

the machine is easy to use. just keep it moving and you will be fine. keep the speed and pressure down. if somebody in your area has one you could try it out first . to get the machine down start with a black pad and light polish to get the feel for it . if you have a da you can also get the rotary adapter to accept the small backing plates and pads to get into the areas that are difficult or thin . if you have used a polisher before ( of course you have ) then you can use this one. just take it easy and get used to the machine , practicing on some older cars before working on yours. if you have some friends with a junker that would be a great place to get your technique down.

So you think the Flex Mini would be more useful than the Rupes Mini?


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[SameGuy]

<snip>I like to use the unit to cut in my edges first , kind of like when you are painting in your house.

That's a great tip.

 

[flatstick]

So you think the Flex Mini would be more useful than the Rupes Mini?


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I do not own a Rupes but in the light of power and versatility I feel the PE -8 is a more complete tool to me for less money . were you looking at the unit for your car , do you have other cars you will be using it on ?

 

[flatstick]

That's a great tip.

Thank you !

 

[Kamakaz1961]

I know the small pads would be great for tight spots..I'm just concerned about using a rotary without any training on one. I definitely don't want to burn an edge due to inexperience.


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Way cool that you got the PE-8. I pre-ordered mine and then got all the stuff for the PE-8 as soon as they came out. Now for the most important thing that I learned and I will make sure everyone here on this thread understands....HOLOGRAMS FROM THIS ROTARY IS A MYTH!!!

I was so scared as I too am a rookie when it comes to a rotary. Hearing all the rotary hologramming and burning stories had me concerned. Well, any detailer with some experience with a DA will not experience this problem.

IMO, most of us on this site will have no issues with this machine. In fact, I am so happy I got it! So quiet and smooth!!

One thing you will have to get used to (to those detailers that use free floating DA's) is that the PE8 will not stop until you stop it. The machine is light enough to where (IMO) you can't cause hologramming unless you do it un-purpose.

Additionally, Speed setting 1 at 600 RPM is TOO SLOW for correcting IMO. I had to bump my speed setting to 2 - 3 for correcting.

You can correct SIGNIFICANTLY faster than a GG3" DA (can't comment about the Rupes Mini as I have never used it).

Here are the things you should do with the PE8:

Get the extension...PERIOD.

Get all the 1", 2" and 3" Backing plates and pads. I thought I never needed anything smaller than 3" but I was wrong when my GF scraped my side mirror. I corrected it with the 1and 2 inch pads.

Now the biggest issue and I am 99% Positive everyone here will have the same experience: SPLATTER!!!!!

With the 3" Pads you will not encounter any splatter as the pads are large enough to absorb and contain the product.

The 1" and 2" Pads are so small that you have to make sure you start SLOW and then move to the speed you want. Even still; I get splatter. My technique is improving to reduce splatter, however, I still encounter it. I think it is because how small the Pads are that it will never go away.

If someone does know how to contain splatter with the smaller pads please let us know.

Now the hologram non-issue is for this machine. I can't comment on a larger rotary, however, I know that if I have to use a rotary I may have a better experience to curtail holograms. That being said, I will be sticking with my Flex 3401 for quite some time and feel no need to change as I am content with what I have now.

Sorry for the long thread, I just wanted to give you some idea of what to expect since you are new to the PE8 too.

BTW, I think I made the right choice and I am completely ecstatic that I bought it.

:buffing:

 

[fotomatt1]

Ugh. Buying this stuff is so stressful to me because both products have their pluses and minuses. I think I'll ultimately wind up with both Flex machines and both Rupes machines.


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[Rsurfer]

.HOLOGRAMS FROM THIS ROTARY IS A MYTH!!!
Now the hologram non-issue is for this machine.




Have you tried to compound/polish a black hood and have no halos?

 

[expdetailing]

Yah never know Matt, the PE8 just might open a whole new world for you and you'll start collecting rotories too.$$$$$

 

[Kamakaz1961]

.HOLOGRAMS FROM THIS ROTARY IS A MYTH!!!
Now the hologram non-issue is for this machine.




Have you tried to compound/polish a black hood and have no halos?

Yes my side mirrors and a Black Shelby GT. I know you have to change your technique, however, if you are aware that you can possibly cause holograms is where I think you can take care of that issue. In other words, be careful.

But I also think the PE8 is so light and small it can't cause hologram unless you do it un-purpose or with carelessness.

 

[Rsurfer]

Yes my side mirrors and a Black Shelby GT.


What part of the Shelby GT did you polish?

 

[281]

Ugh. Buying this stuff is so stressful to me because both products have their pluses and minuses. I think I'll ultimately wind up with both Flex machines and both Rupes machines.


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I've had the Rupes mini since it came out, great machine! I also just picked up the Kompakt, and I love it. Granted I've never used a rotary before, I found it's very easy to use. With all those intricate nooks and crannies you have on your Mini Coop, I believe your better suited with the Kompakt. The Kompact is light, quiet and very balanced...

 

[Kamakaz1961]

Yes my side mirrors and a Black Shelby GT.


What part of the Shelby GT did you polish?

Rear of the car next to the faux gas cap. I did not do the hood as I used my Flex 3401.

Again, I would not worry about holograms. The PE8 is too small of a machine to cause any serious hologram issue and the fact that if you know how to use a DA, that will help too. Technique! technique! technique!

Knowing what I do about the PE8, I would not hesitate to get it.
:xyxthumbs:

 

[Rsurfer]

Rear of the car next to the faux gas cap. I did not do the hood as I used my Flex 3401.

Again, I would not worry about holograms. The PE8 is too small of a machine to cause any serious hologram issue and the fact that if you know how to use a DA, that will help too. Technique! technique! technique!

Knowing what I do about the PE8, I would not hesitate to get it.
:xyxthumbs:

It's still in the box.

 

[2old2change]

Finishing with a rotary is possible but also a skill many don't have or had the opportunity to learn. Unless one was doing production work or in a hurry I would lean towards the da. If one was set on learning rotary skills it would be on a old beater or practice panels. that's just my opinion.