looking to replace the PC with a dedicated 3 inch polisher

[Matt@Revive]

looking to get a dedicated 3 inch polisher that runs smoother than the PC.

GG 3inch: like the price and the smaller size
Rupes LHR75E: expensive, but tons of power(so i've heard)
Rupes LHR75 Pneumatic: i like the size, i have access to a large compressor to run it.

are the rupes units or the extra cost?

[Ryan509]

What about the Flex Kompact. I think it's a rotary though? And out of curiosity, how come you don't make your pc a dedicated 3" should have more then enough power to cut n polish?

[kevincwelch]

Why don't you buy a GG6 and convert the PC to a 3 inch with a new backing plate? Or, get the GG6 and use it as your main machine and then get a 3 inch plate to swap out when needed? My GG6 is now a "GG3" and it's a beast! More powerful than the actual GG3.

[conman1395]

looking to get a dedicated 3 inch polisher that runs smoother than the PC.

GG 3inch: like the price and the smaller size
Rupes LHR75E: expensive, but tons of power(so i've heard)
Rupes LHR75 Pneumatic: i like the size, i have access to a large compressor to run it.

are the rupes units or the extra cost?
I like the Rupes Mini a lot. It works well with B&S 4 inch pads. The Rupes pads are 4 inches too. Tbe Rupes isn't that small though. Not like the GG3 or Kompact, but I love the Mini for sure. I'm speaking about the electric version, not the pneumatic.

[JSou]

Pneumatic if you have the compressor to run it.

I have the mini electric version which is also smooth but the trigger control on the pneumatic version is really nice to have. The smaller body of the frame is also a plus.

Both are smooth machines. I also have a Duetto with a Custom 3" backing plate that I use.

[custmsprty]

The PC nor the GG6 in 3-4" configuration can compare to the Rupes Mini and have have or had all three. The Rupes is superior in both correct-ability, maneuverability and especially smoothness of operation.

[JSou]

^ +1

Here's a review from Todd between the two machines.


SEMA 2013- Rupes S.p.A. announced and introduced two new polishers, the Duetto and the Mini. These polishers retain the traditional random orbital design, namely a thumb-operated on/off switch and a tail-mounted speed dial (1-6).

Almost instantly the interest peaked and the questions were asked... namely, how would these new Rupes polishers stack up against other traditional random-orbital DA polishers? In this brief in comparison, we aim to answer this question.

Here is one of our test panel hoods we had laying around. I cannot tell you what was done to it but it appeared to polished with rocks, sandpaper and thumbtacks. In other words, it was dull and and scratched badly.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/1.jpg


Test One: Rupes "BigFoot" Duetto Polisher (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/rupes-mini-polisher.html) vs. Griot's Garage 6-inch Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-3rd-gen-polisher.html)


The Griot's Garage 6-inch Polisher has been widely regarded as the most powerful (traditional) DA polisher available. A powerful 7-amp, 850-watt motor is by far the strongest in class, while the 6800-OPM speed limit and 5/16 (8mm) throw is industry standard.

In comparison, the Rupes "BigFoot" Duetto features less powerful 500-watt motor but a larger 12mm stroke and a 5000 OPM ceiling.

Would the higher OPM rating and stronger motor of the Griot's be enough to overcome the large stroke of the Rupes Duetto? To keep testing results similar, both products would be applied for 60 seconds using firm overlapping passes. The polish of choice was Wolfgang Uber Compound and the pads were Lake Country's Cyan Hydro-Tech Cutting Pads.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/2.jpg

First up, the Duetto...

Compared to the Griot's, the Duetto is a little shorter, a little thicker and a little taller. However, it instantly feels comfortable and familiar. The soft-start feature means the pad takes a few seconds to ramp up to speed once turned on. This machine, like all of Rupes highly-engineered polishers, is extremely smooth and nearly vibration free.

The pad never achieves the outright rotation (spinning) of the Griot's, but the paint correction results were instantly visible. Here is the final result...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/3.jpg


The Griot's Garage 6-inch Polisher quickly gets up to speed, the fast 6800 OPM gets the polishing pad spinning. The pad is also less likely to bog when pressed down. There is considerably more vibration than with the Rupes, but not enough to be distracting.

The results of the Griot's...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/4.jpg


The Duetto, with less power, less pad rotation and less vibration, easily produced a better, faster result.



Test Two: Rupes LHR 75E Mini "BigFoot" (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/rupes-mini-polisher.html) vs. Griot's Garage 3 Inch Polisher (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-3-inch-polisher.html)

If you were looking for a purpose-built spot-buffing polisher you used to only have one choice. The Griot's 3-inch... until now. The Rupes Mini Polisher is loaded with the features you would expect in their "BigFoot" line, but has been balanced and designed to work with 3-inch polishing pads.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/5.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/6.jpg

The Griot's uses a 240W motor which spins a 3/16" orbit to turn a maximum of 10,000 OPM. The Rupes uses powerful 500w motor, a large 12mm (slightly more than 7/16") stroke and a maximum OPM of 5500.

First up, the Rupes...

In your hands the Rupes has considerably more weight and the larger stroke means that it doesn't quite fit in tightest of areas. That said, this thing flat-out rips!!! It equaled (or bettered) the cutting power and speed of the Duetto, quickly eliminating the deep paint defects and rough finish of the paint.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/7.jpg


The Griot's light weight and small stature make it easy to operate. Ideal for small areas were the power can be focused, the Griot's 3-inch Polisher struggled on the large surface area of the test panel.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/rupesvgriots/8.jpg


Ultimately, both Griot's polishers have excelled at their jobs and have both achieved outstanding results for years. It is ultimately a question of money. The Rupes offerings deliver more polishing power and higher-engineering, but will cost 2 to 3 times as much. You cannot go wrong with any choice, but you will go faster with Rupes.

[Kamakaz1961]

What about the Flex Kompact. I think it's a rotary though? And out of curiosity, how come you don't make your pc a dedicated 3" should have more then enough power to cut n polish?

:iagree: Save the money and just use adapters and backing plates and you can make a dedicated DA that can go to 1, 2 and 3" Pads.

The PC is way more powerful than the GG3". I gave my GG 3" away as I was not happy with its performance. I have posted pics in another thread on how to convert your PC into a 1, 2 and 3" DA.

If that does not suffice than your best bet is to go with the Rupes or Flex Kompakt

[Matt@Revive]

I'm running my PC a a dedicated 3 inch now, but i can only use it for 10 minutes before my hands start to go numb.

[custmsprty]

I'm running my PC a a dedicated 3 inch now, but i can only use it for 10 minutes before my hands start to go numb.

Exactly! And it's way worse with a GG6!!! Whacka Whacka Whacka. I put a 3.5" bp and 4" on my GG6 and compared it side by side with the Mini. Next subject. LOL.

PS: I have the PE8 too. I prefer the Mini as it doesn't require constant attention. I have the PE8 too and it is unforgiving. It has it's place but I'll take my Mini for 90% of the smaller areas. Just my humble opinion.

[Cruzscarwash]

Why don't you buy a GG6 and convert the PC to a 3 inch with a new backing plate? Or, get the GG6 and use it as your main machine and then get a 3 inch plate to swap out when needed? My GG6 is now a "GG3" and it's a beast! More powerful than the actual GG3.


how did you swap the backing plate? I have an extra GG6 and want to turn it in to a 3 but cant figure it out

[mrbtd]

Why don't you buy a GG6 and convert the PC to a 3 inch with a new backing plate? Or, get the GG6 and use it as your main machine and then get a 3 inch plate to swap out when needed? My GG6 is now a "GG3" and it's a beast! More powerful than the actual GG3.

I did this exact thing...Just have to be careful with the balance of it. I am trying to find some kind of foam to put over the housing to prevent an accident.

[Rsurfer]

how did you swap the backing plate? I have an extra GG6 and want to turn it in to a 3 but can't figure it out
Take the backing plate off with the supplied wrench.

[Mantilgh]

I did this exact thing...Just have to be careful with the balance of it. I am trying to find some kind of foam to put over the housing to prevent an accident.

You can go to your local home improvement/hardware store and buy the peal and stick type of foam weather striping for making your home or garage doors more air tight. They make a bunch of different sizes. Some are thicker and softer, some are thinner and more dense.

[Mantilgh]

You could also spray, brush, or dip it with plastidip.