2nd Buffer?

[Mach1USMC]

Not sure if this is the correct section or not but I figured this was a good a place as any.

I already have a PC 7424 and an assortment of pads but have heard that the PC may not be "strong enough" for some jobs. Since I am going to open my own business at the beginning of next yr, I'd like to get a second buffer. What are some of the recommendations? Should I get another DA or go with a rotary? The following DA's are on my short list: Rupes Bigfoot, Flex 3401, and Griots DA. Are there any others I should consider? It seems like those are the ones mentioned the most.

[Colinpd137]

You wouldn't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned.
If money is not an issue, deff the Rupes (<3 mine) but if your on a budget i'd go with the GG6 (griot's)

Flex is also a great machine especially with the hybrid set up.

My 2&#162;

[Mach1USMC]

You wouldn't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned.
If money is not an issue, deff the Rupes (<3 mine) but if your on a budget i'd go with the GG6 (griot's)

Flex is also a great machine especially with the hybrid set up.

My 2¢

Thanks for the input.... I can afford a Rupes "kit" no problem. I just want the best "bang for the buck" so to speak.

[Colinpd137]

I have not used any of the rupes pads or polishes, from the couple opinions iv'e heard there not anything special, and the price is.. not something I want to pay to find out. So I went with stuff that worked.

Rupes 21 w/ 5" BP
Rupes Bag (was wary at first but its well worth it)

For Cutting:
Meguiar's MF Cutting Disc
Optimum MF Cutting
Surbuf (for heavy/hard corrections)

Menzerna FG400
D300


For Polishing/light correction:
LC Hydrotech: Tangerine
LC Hydrotech: Crimson
LC Flat: Black

M205
Menz SF4500 (po85rd)


Thats just what I use on my rupes, hope it helps!

[jdmj0]

If money were no object, why not get a GG and a flex/rupes? I personally own a PC and a Flex. Love that I have both machines. PC for delicate situations, Flex to give me that oomp.

However, if money were no object for me, I wouldn't mind getting a Rupes either. I've had a chance to play around with one and boy, is that thing smooth.

[Mach1USMC]

It's not that money is no object, I just have 2 basic objectives. Get a variety of basic tools needed to do a full detail. Once I get a good client base I can see investing in a larger variety of buffers. I'd still like to get a good steamer, a good wall mounted shop vac, an "Eco Friendly" waterless/rinseless detailing system and some good product to support the basic detail model. I figure it will be about 2500-3000 grand.

[Mike Phillips]

What kind of work do you mostly do?

Production detailing?

Show car detailing?


If you're doing production detailing, get a Flex 3401.

If you're doing show car detailing, I can do everything with a rotary buffer and DA polisher like the Porter Cable.

[Mach1USMC]

What kind of work do you mostly do?

Production detailing?

Show car detailing?


If you're doing production detailing, get a Flex 3401.

If you're doing show car detailing, I can do everything with a rotary buffer and DA polisher like the Porter Cable.

Thanks for the reply Mike. My main customers are production and DD types of cars. Obviously I would love to expand that and get into the show car and or the weekend cruisers.

Looks like it will be a Flex for now and after I take a couple of your classes next year, Maybe a rotary. Thanks again everyone!

[Mike Phillips]

These were all done using the Flex 3401...

The 442 is what I would call "production work" that is, one machine step and done.

The 1957 Belair was a two-step...

The Ferrari was a three-step...

The Rolls was a three-step...



How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits







New Menzerna FG 400 - One-Step Show Car Makeover




Christmas Detail - Ferrari P4 - Move over Rudolf




This Rolls-Royce Phantom was a 3-step using the Flex 3401 for correction and the PC for finish polishing and machine waxing...




It's really all about using the right tool for the job and balancing how many steps you do for what you're charging.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

I dont have any experiance with the RUPES tools but do quite a bit of detailing on the side. If you are going to pick up the 3401 go with the longer cord and the interchangeable backing plate system. Then pick up the 5 inch Lake Country hybrid pads to go with it.

For me this is the best setup since sliced bread on the 3401. This way you have a machine more than capable of doing the grunt work and will give you the results you are after for production detailing. For soft finicky paint pick up the D/A you currently have and finish with that.