Looking to upgrade from a PC

**kevinmfitz** · 05-12-2017, 08:16 AM

I also upgraded from a Porter Cable and bought a Rupes Bigfoot LHR15ES last summer. It has been a great machine. The ergonomics are amazing and it is comfortable to use.
It took a little while to get used to it. I bought some Lake county 5 in pads and they work well. Recently I bought some Rupes pads on a sale and have found out
they work better. You will be very happy if you choose a Rupes product.

**idriveblackcars** · 05-12-2017, 08:23 AM

I still own love and use my PC! Even though I bought 2 Rupes polishes. Maybe if I were a pro detailer doing car after car I would have tossed out the PC. But it's so damn versitile. I only use LC flat pads with it and Megs MF cutting pads.

I do however prefer the Bigfoot for longer jobs for obvious reasons.

**986DTM** · 05-12-2017, 09:26 AM

Whats the consensus on something more budget friendly like the MT300 or 10FX? Worthwhile upgrade from the PC or not?

For reference, I do around 2 or 3 cars a week.

**custmsprty** · 05-12-2017, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by 986DTM

Whats the consensus on something more budget friendly like the MT300 or 10FX? Worthwhile upgrade from the PC or not?

For reference, I do around 2 or 3 cars a week.

No, stick with the PC unless you go large throw.

**Eldorado2k** · 05-12-2017, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by 986DTM

For reference, I do around 2 or 3 cars a week.

Dude, what are you waiting for? Invest in either of the 15/21mm long throw machines... Those 2-3 jobs will have it more than paid in full by the end of the week!

And don't forget to pick up a 3" backing plate and some nice 3" pads to go with it so you can turn your PC into a full time 3" polisher to accompany your new larger upgrade.

You're working too hard not only with that machine, but with those tiny pads. [5" pads]

**986DTM** · 05-12-2017, 10:10 AM

I think I'm leaning more towards the 12 or 15 just because I've read they are a bit more versatile. Is it ok to use my current pads with the rupes? I have about 3 of each of the colors and don't want to invest in a whole new set of pads as well.

Whats your take on 12 vs 15? Is the 12 a little too similar to what I already have? Any appreciable difference in comfort or cutting power/speed between the two?

**Eldorado2k** · 05-12-2017, 10:12 AM

dlc95 should be able to provide proper info on that.

**dlc95** · 05-12-2017, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by 986DTM

I have LC flats and ccs but I mostly use the flat pads.

Try the pink ccs, or green buff and shine for more comfort, and cut. Try the green ccs, or blue Buff and Shine for polishing. Greatly reduces vibration, and increases performance opposed to the stiffer orange and white pads. The only time I like stiff pads is with the Lake Country Hydrotech, or the Rupes pads on the Duetto/Mini.

I did a HVAC duct cleaning truck last week. I had some orange CCS pads in my tote that I thought I'd use. Half way through the first side of the vehicle, I was tired of the heavy downward pressure, and vibration. So I switched to my green Buff and Shine pads, and it was so much more comfortable. The pad cuts so fast that I wasn't able to finish three sections passes before the pad loaded up. This with a 1st Gen 7424.

As far as noise, consider the Flex XFE15. In the testing I've seen it runs the quietest. It is made by the company selling it - Flex power tools (like Rupes and Porter Cable), and it doesn't have a recommended proprietary system, like Rupes, and Griots has. You can use any pad/polish combo you desire.

Personally, I don't think you "need" an "upgrade" in your situation, but want is a whole different story.

**custmsprty** · 05-12-2017, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by 986DTM

I think I'm leaning more towards the 12 or 15 just because I've read they are a bit more versatile. Is it ok to use my current pads with the rupes? I have about 3 of each of the colors and don't want to invest in a whole new set of pads as well.

Whats your take on 12 vs 15? Is the 12 a little too similar to what I already have? Any appreciable difference in comfort or cutting power/speed between the two?

I have both as I posted earlier in your thread. If you're getting one machine get the 15" The Duetto falls between the PC and the 15 as far as correcting power.

**986DTM** · 05-12-2017, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by dlc95

Try the pink ccs, or green buff and shine for more comfort, and cut. Try the green ccs, or blue Buff and Shine for polishing. Greatly reduces vibration, and increases performance opposed to the stiffer orange and white pads. The only time I like stiff pads is with the Lake Country Hydrotech, or the Rupes pads on the Duetto/Mini.

I did a HVAC duct cleaning truck last week. I had some orange CCS pads in my tote that I thought I'd use. Half way through the first side of the vehicle, I was tired of the heavy downward pressure, and vibration. So I switched to my green Buff and Shine pads, and it was so much more comfortable. The pad cuts so fast that I wasn't able to finish three sections passes before the pad loaded up. This with a 1st Gen 7424.

As far as noise, consider the Flex XFE15. In the testing I've seen it runs the quietest. It is made by the company selling it - Flex power tools (like Rupes and Porter Cable), and it doesn't have a recommended proprietary system, like Rupes, and Griots has. You can use any pad/polish combo you desire.

Personally, I don't think you "need" an "upgrade" in your situation, but want is a whole different story.

Funny you say this. Doing a car on monday with an orange ccs pad is what prompted me to look into a new polisher. I had no idea that pads made such a difference. I almost exclusively do 1 steps when someone asks me to do their car. What kind of pad would you recommend for that? Right now I'm using orange ccs for harder paints (flat orange has been out of stock locally for a while now) and flat white for softer paints.