Do I need a smaller polisher or is the Rupes 15 enough?

[nissenc1337]

I'm debating on getting a Rupes 15 or a GG6 & GG3. My main concern and goal is being able to do an entire car without running into an issue. Perhaps my assumption of being able to use a DA on every square inch of a car is misguided and some hand polishing is necessary? I just want the right tools for the job and Rupes doesnt make an electric 3" machine.

[jvs1991]

The griots can use a 3in backing plate and get into areas the rupes can't. The main thing with the rupes is the larger throw makes it harder to maneuver in tight places and having the extra machine for those smaller areas makes it nice. I honestly can't suggest the rupes enough it's a great machine you won't be disappointed

[zmcgovern45]

I would not be able to complete any job properly without my 3" and 4" pads on my Porter Cable

[FUNX650]

You could always give one of the AGO associates a call and see if they have these in stock:



3 1/2" Buffing Pads
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates002.jpg

3 1/5" pad next to 2 1/4" pad
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates004.jpg

2 1/4" Buffing Pads
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates006.jpg


And These:


Backing Plate Extensions
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates003.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates005.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates007.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates008.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/FlexibleRBBackingPlates009.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1202/49SedanDelivery0023.jpg


2-3/4 inch Hook & Loop Rotary Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/2vebapl.html)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2259_52055590



Even this may help you polish areas other polishers may not be able to reach:
Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)


Good Luck!

:)

Bob

[Rsurfer]

[/FONT]
Meguiars DA Power System (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-power-system.html)


Good Luck!

:)

Bob



Have you used this Bob and does it work?

[FUNX650]

Have you used this Bob and does it work?
So far I've had good success when I used it with:
-The compounding pads/UC for "spot-compounding";
-The polishing pads and M205/M07 to follow-up the spot-compounded areas;
-The waxing pads and Wolfgang DGPS/M26 over entire vehicle.
Saved time and energy!

I want to try this system on some headlamp lenses that are in desperate need of clarity-repair.


:)

Bob

[ski2]

You could always get the Rupes for your main polisher and get a HF DA for about $48 and equip it with a 3" pad set up then you'd be good to go.

[nissenc1337]

what's the smallest pad someone has put on a Rupes? The flex rotary isn't any smaller but it is a rotary.

[warwick002000]

I have the rupes 21 and the gg 6. I have the gg set up with a 3 inch baking plate and the rupes can be used with a 5 inch bp. This combo is very versatile and handles my "non-pro" needs and then some. The only problem is realizing that I have no reason to buy any new toys...

[nissenc1337]

I have the rupes 21 and the gg 6. I have the gg set up with a 3 inch baking plate and the rupes can be used with a 5 inch bp. This combo is very versatile and handles my "non-pro" needs and then some. The only problem is realizing that I have no reason to buy any new toys...


In comparison, this is a pretty cheap hobby. Mr Sparkle just did a mustang using 6.5" pads on a Rupes 15. That gives me a lot of confidence.

[warwick002000]

I think the GG6 with the 3", 5", and the 6" backing plates will handle most any job this side of some severe paint correction. And, this is the least expensive route. Of course, you'll spend more time changing backing plates but as a hobbyist, I'm usually not in that much of a hurry anyway. I've never used the GG3 but I think its real value is its size. With the GG6 and 3" bp you still have a fairly large machine. I did read somewhere though about using a long threaded extension to give some distance between the machine and pad...this seems perfect for getting into some tight places that the GG6 or GG3 might not otherwise fit.

[nissenc1337]

I've seen Mike use the extension to give himself more viewing space when using a smaller pad but that was on a rotary. In my head I can't see this being too practical with a DA but the physics may be different in practice. Can anyone shed light on this? With an extension work with a DA? More specifically, Rupes 15?