Rupes LK900E

[Sizzle Chest]

Rupes LK900E Review
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I’m a polisher/machine nerd and have wanted to try Rupes new entry into the forced rotation scene. I picked up a LK900E.
It has the same Rupes quality/build that can be expected of all their products. It feels very balanced and comfortable. It comes with 2 backing plates.

Let’s try this thing out! I used this machine on the last detail job I did. The 2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

It took a bit to get used to the ‘backwards’ rotation compared to my Flex 3401’s, but once I did, it really performed well. I will say that it seems/sounds like it is ‘faster’ in rotation compared to the Flex 3401, but I have nothing scientific to back this up. Just from my eyes/ears. It was comfortable to use during the many hours of correction that I used it for. I like the location of the controls and the ergo's seem good!

Overall I am happy with my new acquisition!

 

[Dr Oldz]

I like that Rupes puts a 5 and a 6 inch backing plate in the box! It’s funny you say “backwards” lol. That’s a common complaint of the 3401. I was one that was hesitant about getting a 3401 back I the day cuz it was spinning backwards. Fact is that I was just being stubborn and now knowing what I know, it doesn’t make a difference as long as it indeed spins.

 

[dlc95]

I like that Rupes puts a 5 and a 6 inch backing plate in the box! It’s funny you say “backwards” lol. That’s a common complaint of the 3401. I was one that was hesitant about getting a 3401 back I the day cuz it was spinning backwards. Fact is that I was just being stubborn and now knowing what I know, it doesn’t make a difference as long as it indeed spins.

The counter rotation of the 3401 never bothered me. Ever.

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Congratulations on the latest addition to the team Scott. rops:

The Hellcat came out remarkable too I must say.


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[TTQ B4U]

Congrats on the new addition. You took the initial usage better than I did and I would say that's likely due in part to you using their pads from the get-go whereby I waited and learned the hard way. (I'm assuming you did that is)

Looking forward to your continued impressions and great work with it.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I have a Flex 3401 and hate that the polisher really takes a lot out of you to "control" it. This is with the pad flat. I'm tempted to buy the Mille, but hesitant that it might feel the same way.

 

[TTQ B4U]

I have a Flex 3401 and hate that the polisher really takes a lot out of you to "control" it. This is with the pad flat. I'm tempted to buy the Mille, but hesitant that it might feel the same way.

It won't if you use their pads. IMO it has nothing to do with the buffer Both units are transmitting power/torque to the surface but the pads composition is key. If I put my hybrid force pads on my mille with the appropriate backing plate size wise, it feels and behaves like my Flex 3401. I am not sure if the reverse would be true, that is to size and use the Rupes pads on the Flex. I have a smaller backing plate for my flex so it may be worth a comparison. Hmmm...

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

It won't if you use their pads. IMO it has nothing to do with the buffer Both units are transmitting power/torque to the surface but the pads composition is key. If I put my hybrid force pads on my mille with the appropriate backing plate size wise, it feels and behaves like my Flex 3401. I am not sure if the reverse would be true, that is to size and use the Rupes pads on the Flex. I have a smaller backing plate for my flex so it may be worth a comparison. Hmmm...

Does the 3401 with hybrid pads behave like the Mille with Rupes pads? Do the Rupes wool pads work well with the Mille?

 

[TTQ B4U]

Does the 3401 with hybrid pads behave like the Mille with Rupes pads?

No. The Rupes Mille with their dedicated pads is way way smoother than the Flex with Hybrid pads.

Do the Rupes wool pads work well with the Mille?

They work okay. In comparison their medium wool vs Purple or Blue Lake Country Pads on the 3401, the Flex corrects far better and faster. Thus why I have mentioned somewhere on this forum that I have since really only used my Flex for compounding. All One-Step polishing and AIO work I've moved to the Mille.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

No. The Rupes Mille with their dedicated pads is way way smoother than the Flex with Hybrid pads.




They work okay. In comparison their medium wool vs Purple or Blue Lake Country Pads on the 3401, the Flex corrects far better and faster. Thus why I have mentioned somewhere on this forum that I have since really only used my Flex for compounding. All One-Step polishing and AIO work I've moved to the Mille.

Give the Rupes Blue Wool Coarse pads a try on the Mille.

 

[TTQ B4U]

Give the Rupes Blue Wool Coarse pads a try on the Mille.

Send me one The reason I ordered the medium ones is the L.C. ones on my flex are already pretty aggressive and I wanted to try something a bit less in hopes they may finish out better. Nope...nearly the same finish. Both are excellent.

 

[SWETM]

The LC purple wool pad on the Mille would be interesting to hear how you think they are compared to the 3401vrg.

How is it with the cut between different sizes of the backing plates on the forced DA polisher? Do you get any higher cut with the 5" backing plate vs the 6" backing plate?


Great that you guys share your experience with the Mille polisher! Even it has been out here in Sweden for about a year now. You don't hear much about it. Same with the Rupes LH19E rotary polisher.
Is the Mille near the mkII longthrow polishers in smoothness? And is it more fatigueing to polishing with the Mille polisher vs mkII longthrow polishers?

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Hey Tony,

In my experience I haven't noticed any notable difference in performance between pad/backing plate sizes other than amount of realestate covered with either machine (RUPES LK900E Mille or Flex 3401vrg)

In terms of user comfort during use, fatigue, smoothness etc for the LK900E - I think it comesown to what you are used too. I read a lot of comments regarding the Flex 3401 being 'hard work' or 'taxing' & I for one feel like my Flex is simply an extension of myself. I use it a lot & if I used the Mille as much I'm sure it'd feel the same.

I don't have any time with the LH19E in hand but I do have the LH18ENS (previous version) & its a really nice Rotary. In saying that, In my opinion, the Flex PE14 is hands down the nicest, best performing rotary polisher ever made. (to date)


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[Sizzle Chest]

Rupes course wool pads + Mille = WIN. They work great. Level out like a champ. Just need to finish down due to the nature of the pad/chemical, the surface will definitely need to be polished/finished to remove the marring/etc.

I like the machine, it is smooth, I wouldn't say it's any 'easier' to use than the 3401...about the same to me.