Thanks... I too really like this picture and somewhere I have pictures of my convertible 1959 launching my drag boat at Dexter Reservoir when I was racing it. I'm wearing my race suit, helmet, etc., and sitting in the boat while my driver is preparing to back me down to the water and launch the boat. Per racing rules, the driver must be seated in the boat at the time of launch while others handle the actual launching.
Thanks for the tip! Great to know! I was also thinking of getting some microfiber pads. My local Meguiars guy is selling a complete set of Meguiars products for the Rupes 21...
I don't use a lot of microfiber pads. I know some guys really like them but I don't do production detailing and the potential exists for each fiber to cut the paint. That's good for correction work by walking backwards in the process when doing finishing work. Plus l like the give or cushion provided by foam while buffing.
The key to effective correction work with foam pads is to have plenty of foam pads and simply switch to a clean dry foam pad sooner than later.
As you now know my situation and I have not hit the order button yet - which one would you order?
You have worked with all the Rupes polishers and know them really well. I have read that you are a big fan of the Duetto - but would you want it as your only polisher?
No but I don't preach or teach to have just one polisher. That's like a pro mechanic having just a Crescent wrench... good luck getting a set of 6-point head bolts off a BBC or any engine.
If I had to reduce my tool collection down to just two tools I would opt for a Flex PE14 rotary buffer and a Porter Cable 7424XP. I can do EVERYTHING with just these two tools, including machine sanding like I'm getting ready to do to
this car.
But that's a fantasy world because I don't have to limit myself to just two tools. I like the Flex 3401 for doing production detailing on boats and cars and I like the Rupes Bigfoot 21 and Duetto for long orbit stroke dual action polishers. I also NEED the Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher because this tool is without a doubt one of the most vital tools needed for any full wetsand, cut and buff job. It is hands down the best way to sand thin panels or sand right along an edge or a raised body line because it's so easy to control thus no whoops. Hand sanding is too archaic and it takes much longer to remove hand sanding marks as compared to machine sanding marks and you also remove too much paint off the car when you hand sand as compared to machine sanding.
So I'm not really the best guy to ask if I could only have one tool what would it be. Detailing cars and teaching others how to detail cars is my thing in life and I like machines.
That said, if I were in your shoes and had to pick only one tools to buff out your personal cars and the cars you buy to flip, I would opt for a Flex 3401 and get the Lake Country 4" backing plate and the Lake Country 5" Hybrid pads.
The pad won't stop spinning no matter what you do, how you hold the tool or any design of panel you have to buff. For this reason you can do production work or the correction step of show car work faster without the risk of instilling holograms or burning through the paint like is possible with a rotary buffer.
The smaller diameter pads remove most of the walking-effect some others will speak negatively about but what I always say is the walking effect is a characteristic of the tool that teaches you you're not holding the pad flat. But again, by going with the 5" pads it's really not an issue. Lots of power with the Flex 3401.
If you want the Rupes polisher, then I would go for either a Bigfoot 21 or a Duetto. The reason I like the Duetto is because it has the body design of the Porter Cable and I like this design. It's a personal preference thing. Easy to hold, compact in size, lightweight, etc.
I'd like to see a Duetto with a 21mm orbit length stroke with 5" pads, I think that would be the best of all worlds but I'm not an engineer so I don't know if a tool of this design would work. I like correction power of the 21 but the size and shape of the Duetto. Go figure?
For some projects, the Bigfoot 21, 15, Duetto and Mini are perfect. Take a look at what we predominantly used to tackle this huge project....
Meguiar's Big Rig Extreme Makeover - Pictures & Videos!
Wes using a Bigfoot 15
Jeff using a Duetto...
Antti using a Rupes Mini
Me using a Bigfoot 21
So it's nice to have choices. If you have to limit yourself to just a single tool, then do what you're doing, start a thread like this and get as much feedback as possible before you pull the trigger...
Thanks again for your detailed feedback, the pictures and the links - its highly appreciated!
Keep up the great work you are doing for all of us!:xyxthumbs:
You're very welcome. I don't know if my above answers helped at all but I'm sure when you make you're decision it will be right.
