Which Rupes to Purchase

hammargren

hammargren

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I recently sold my Flex 3401 to buy a Rupes. Just have heard they run smoother. I am a newbie and never have used a machine polisher. I am always nervous to jump into using one so I want something that is safe and forgiving. I am debating between three models and need some help. The models are:

Rupes Bigfoot LHR15 Mark II
Rupes Bigfoot LHR21 Mark II
Rupes Bigfoot LK 900E Mille

If you can help with the deciding of this, that would be great.

Thanks in advance,
 
If you decide on the long throw models over gear driven pick the 15mm one. It will be more versatile fitting into more panel areas. Unless you are working on something big with large panels.
 
This is just a hobby detailing my own items. Might do friends and family once in a while but mainly my own stuff. I do have an enclosed trailer I will be doing and then my vehicles. I also will be doing my pontoon.
 
Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.
 
If you’ve never used a polisher before. You might want to look at the Duetto to start out with. It’s a versatile machine that a lot of people overlook. Plus it’s a great machine to start with and learn as you go.
 
hammargren said:
Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.
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The Flex 3401 is NOT a dangerous as most people think. I'd go with the 21mm and use a 5" backing plate. Even if you bought the 15mm, you'll still need a 3" polisher at some point. The 21mm will correct faster than the Mille(once you've got technique in place). I have the 3401, 12mm, 15mm, 21mm and 12mm MINI. I prefer the 21mm over all of them.
 
Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.
 
hammargren said:
Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.
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The 21mm will also stall less, strictly due to physics and more momentum. Don't get me wrong, the 15mm is a nice machine, too.
 
Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?
 
hammargren said:
Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?
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That's a tough one. Personal preference. You cannot deny the forced rotation of a gear driven polisher. Less of a learning curve with the Mille. Put the pad to the paint and polish. You don't have to worry about technique for pad stall, just keeping the pad flat. Any gear driven polisher is gonna push and pull you and require more energy. The 15/21 will be more enjoyable to use(in my opinion), but take a bit more time to perfect your technique. If you went with the Mille, I would suggest sticking with the Rupes system. Don't use MF pads with any gear driven polisher. With the 15/21, you can use different brand pads aand polishes.
 
If you do not plan on using a 5" backing plate on the 21, definitely go with the 15. The video posted above negates the 5" backing plate option, although, MANYYYYYYYY people use a 5" backing plate on the 21.
 
Funny you guys referenced that video. I was watching that as you sent this. I plan to stick with the Rupes products until I am very comfortable with the machine and at that point maybe try different pads/products. The 15 just seems the way to go but still debating lol.
 
If it were me...

I would choose gear-driven orbital over free spinning orbital any day. But that's just because I like to work as fast as humanly possible. If time was not a consideration then I would still go with a gear-driven orbital because I would be able to power through curved panels and thin panels without having to monitor and adjust how I hold to tool to maintain pad rotation.

If I were to go with a free spinning tool, then I would opt for the tired and true 8mm free spinning orbitals.


When it comes to free spinning long stroke orbital polishers, the pad has leverage over the counterweight and inertia. With small stroke free spinning orbitals, the counterweight and inertia do a better job of maintaining pad rotation when buffing curved areas.


That's my observation.


:)
 
So what your saying Mike, you would choose the Mille over the Mark II, just your personal opinion? With the Mille being new, how do you feel it is standing up next to the Flex 3401?
 
For get the whole argument of 15 being more versatile than the 21..
Like I always say, where the 21mm won't fit, neither will the 15 .

Get yourself a mini for those places.
I originally had a 12mm mini..bit still doesn't fit in all places...8mm 3in works allot better

21 mm will correct faster and cover more area.

With that said, get yourself the 15mm Mark2 and then order a 21mm essentric direct from Rupes
I'd also order a 6in Backingplate to retain balance.

You'll end up with a 21mm with more OPM than the factory 21mm unit
 
If you prefer jist one machine can't beat a Makita PO5000C or Rupes Mille.
Best pads for either are
Foam Mille pads or LC thinpros

For MF or wool any that has a foam inner layer such as the LC lambs wool or the B&S uro finisher wool.. b&s uro fiber
 
I think if I go the Mark II route I would get the LHR15 Mark II but debating between that and the Mille.
 
If you only want one machine right now get a forced D/A
You can always get a longthrow or a mini at a later date
 
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