Best Dual Action Polisher? Rupes - Griot's - Porter Cable - Meguiar's

[Tresca]

I have that set-up in the garage too with the washer mod and for that shape and design of tool it works very well. I still choose the Duetto over it or any 21 or 15 when I want that "type" of tool.


Just personal preference.

Everyone attending my Detailing Boot Camp Classes this year will get a chance to use them on on really cool cars and make up their own mind.

MIke, did you experience an improvement with the washer mod?

[peter hurcos]

Love my Flex, It makes the waxing part (even with paste wax) one of the easiest and fastest parts of the chore. That said, its overkill for me. With Collinite I only wax 3 X per year. If my wife replaces her jalopy, it will probably go to 6 X per year. The Flex moves so fast, I doubt its on two hours per year.

They didn't have the Harbor Freight thing when i bought. That would probably be a more reasonable choice for a regular guy.

[Tato]

As always, incredible topic.

A pleasure experience, with rich pictures for viewer excitement: Objective (fully) Accomplished. Thanks for that.

I have a QUESTION:

- Does the Rupes Duetto needs any kind of washer mod, or we use it the way it is?

I aks it because I'm not comfortable with modifications (even simple) not even noticed by serious engineers involved in designing those tools... Washer mod is something that makes me sad about Rupes 21/15. Please, don't throw washers at me, it's just my opinion.

Thank you in advance,

Kind Regards.

[brianch]

I'm not entirely sure but I don't think the 75e could really take a washer mod or if it would benefit.

I think the 12e has a similar shroud to the 15 and 21 and could benefit from some sort of spacer. .

[ski2]

I aks it because I'm not comfortable with modifications (even simple) not even noticed by serious engineers involved in designing those tools... Washer mod is something that makes me sad about Rupes 21/15

Tato--the washer mod is a very simple process and does not involve any permanent electrical or mechanical alterations to the Rupes. It's simply a washer installed on the backing plate to pull it away from the shroud. Here's a short video showing the modification: Speed up your Rupes corrections with the washer mod - Machine Polishing & Sanding - Autopia

[b0b]

If the washer mod works so well why didn't Rupes engineers think of it??

I don't own a Rupes (yet) so I can not comment on this but I find it hard to believe they "missed" that in the design process..

I don't doubt for a second that the washer improves the performance, I just think it looks sort of bad on Rupes end. But hey, what do I know. Someone please chime in.

I agree with Tato on this one

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[brianch]

The reason Rupes didn't space the backing plate from the shroud is due to a feature they advertise -

Anti-Spinning Shroud
The dual function anti-spinning shroud is designed to protect the operator against the moving parts and act as a clutch for the backing plate, preventing further stress on the foam polishing pad when it is not in direct contact with the surface.

If you space the backing plate away from the shroud you no longer have this feature.

There should be less resistance after the washer mod - which would lead to the belief that the pad spins faster

[SR99]

If the washer mod works so well why didn't Rupes engineers think of it??

They designed in the friction mechanism intentionally. I think there are some safety regulations in non-US markets where tools in this category must have a safety mechanism to prevent free-rotation.

[swanicyouth]

If the washer mod works so well why didn't Rupes engineers think of it??

I don't own a Rupes (yet) so I can not comment on this but I find it hard to believe they "missed" that in the design process..

I don't doubt for a second that the washer improves the performance, I just think it looks sort of bad on Rupes end. But hey, what do I know. Someone please chime in.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

From the rumor I heard (I'm not sure) it has something to do with you can't have tools that free-spin in Europe. Like, there has to be some drag on the BP so it will stop quickly and not free spin if not on paint.

Just what I heard. May not be true.

[fljoemon]

Alright .. I went to Home Depot and got the 8mm washer. looking at the video, he grinds it on 2 sides .. is this necessary? Will the washer be okay without grinding it on 2 sides? The reason I am asking is I do not have a Dremel or any similar tool for grinding.