Test drive - NEW RUPES Mille and Rotary Buffer by Mike Phillips

[TMQ]

I use the word nimble to describe this lightweight, compact rotary buffer.





From memory, and I tried to watch the clock as I tackled this project. Yancy moved the clock for the recent RUPES class so I had to keep reminding myself to look over at the vending machines instead of the wall by the workbench.


Waterless wash - about 20 minutes - Glenn and Billy did this on the Friday before the RUPES class.

Claying - about 30 minutes - I think Billy did parts of the car but other parts had not been touched so I re-clayed the entire car plus the glass, bumpers and chrome and stainless trim.

Test Spot + pictures - About 30 minutes - takes a little time to do the work plus capture pictures.

Compounding - About 4 hours. The below is from memory.

45 minutes for the roof
A few minutes for the A-pillars
5-10 minutes for each sail panel.
An hour for the hood - had to work around the vacuum activated and spring loaded cowl induction air intake.
About 30 minutes for the trunk lid.
15 to 20 minutes for each of the 6 vertical side panels, (front fender, door, rear fender - passenger and driver sides).


Polishing - About 5 hours. I divided up the car like detailed above and of course for any polishing step you have to bring up your level of care when wiping off polish.

Sealing - About 30 minutes to spray on and wipe-off the P808 Protective Sealant


I also wiped down all the door jambs, around the hood and trunk jambs. Wiped the tires down with Tuff Shine Tire Cleaner and applied BLACKFIRE Tire Gel


For the entire process approximately 11 hours. Then I took the after shots


Also just to note - I rand the rotary buffer on the 1 speed setting for the entire compounding step. That's 450 RPM. Jason didn't have the new RUPES wool pads for the RUPES rotary buffer, (had them for the Mille), so I used a new lambswool pad from Lake Country. This one with the foam interface. My prediction for the future for this tool is smaller pads, not the traditional huge pads most people have historically used with rotary buffers. Smaller pads are easier to control and are also a lot easier on the tool.


Lake Country 6 inch Lambswool Cutting Pad






Thanks for the questions...

Thanks for the overall write up above at the different posts. Really appreciate the time break down of the different steps listed here. This will be a good standard or guide which to use to check my progress. Very nice to have somewhat a rough idea of timelines by others!

Tom

[Ronin47]

I have a Rupes 15 mk II. Would you think the Mille be good fit...? I was thinking Flex for the hard stuff, ie unfinished rotary compounding stage, gel coats on boats and if needed-- fast work on car paint. Is this doable? Or go with the rotary to make a set between Rupes 15 and the new rotary? I'm not sure which would be the next logical step at this time. Really liking the thought of having a Mille...

Tom

Mille covers all that.

Have you used the new Makita DA in forced rotation mode? If so, how does it compare to the Mille?


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I just know the Makita’s da mode is well useless and the forced rotation is better than the 3401 and almost as good as the Mille.

[TMQ]

Question---If I get the Mille, would that take over what the 15 mkII use to do? In other words---Toss out the 15 mk II and replace with Mille?

Tom

[lane5515]

Mille covers all that.




I just know the Makita’s da mode is well useless and the forced rotation is better than the 3401 and almost as good as the Mille.

How do you know that? Have you actually used the Makita yourself?


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[Ronin47]

How do you know that? Have you actually used the Makita yourself?


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Used yes owned no as its not my kind of tool-personal preference. I’m more into dedicated type tools, they just perform better.

[Ronin47]

Question---If I get the Mille, would that take over what the 15 mkII use to do? In other words---Toss out the 15 mk II and replace with Mille?

Tom

They two very different tools. I don’t need to state the obvious there. However since the Mille I did sell off my Duetto and 15MKII as well as I personally felt the Mille did everything better. I still have the 21 MKII and Mini, no overlap there.

[TMQ]

Agree with this---In general all dedicated tools and dedicated products tends to perform better.

Tom

[TMQ]

They two very different tools. I don’t need to state the obvious there. However since the Mille I did sell off my Duetto and 15MKII as well as I personally felt the Mille did everything better. I still have the 21 MKII and Mini, no overlap there.

Thanks...what I needed to know! Thinking...thinking...

Tom

[Ronin47]

Thanks...what I needed to know! Thinking...thinking...

Tom

If you like or own a 3401 the Mille is a nice addition or upgrade. If you only into long throw type polishers and don’t like a 3401, I suspect the Mille will not be for you. I enjoy both long throw and forced rotation.

[DETAILROOKIE]

Mille covers all that.




I just know the Makita’s da mode is well useless and the forced rotation is better than the 3401 and almost as good as the Mille.

I just purchased the Makita, the Mille took too long to come to the market. Is the Mille good enough to sell the Makita off and purchase the Mille?

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