First time using Rupes 15 mark II and I must be doing something wrong...

**rodneypierce** · 07-06-2016, 06:57 PM

I just purchased a Rupes 15 Mark II polisher here a month or so ago. I have used it two times, and on anything but a perfectly flat panel, it seems to stall out very easy. I would arguably say its stalling out nearly as easy as my PC used to.

I have tried different pads, speeds, pressure, etc. Nothing really seems to help.

Tried 6" microfiber pads, 6" LC pads, 5.5" hydrotech pads. All between speeds 4 and 5.5 or so.

What am I doing wrong? Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

**rodneypierce** · 07-06-2016, 06:57 PM

Oh, I come from a flex 3401 and a PC. So have had plenty of experience using those.

**swanicyouth** · 07-06-2016, 07:03 PM

Get Rupes pads.

Use Rupes polishes.

**Marc08EX** · 07-06-2016, 07:34 PM

How concave is the surface? How much pressure are you putting down?

**KS_Detailing** · 07-06-2016, 07:40 PM

washer mod it, get some 5" mf cutting & practice. It shouldnt be stalling, maybe you are using it in areas where a 3" pad or smaller would be better. The mark II has some power, I run it on 3.5.-4, havent even tried to go higher yet and I use the tool on a daily basis.

**rodneypierce** · 07-06-2016, 07:41 PM

I have been anywhere from very light pressure to heavy pressure. Didnt seem to make much difference to be honest. Anything over just the slightest amount of pressure on the head seemed to stall it out pretty easy.

**Marc08EX** · 07-06-2016, 07:47 PM

Which part of the car did you experience stalling?

Nice car btw!

**rodneypierce** · 07-06-2016, 07:49 PM

The hood (which is to be expected, and the door panels where they contour (right above the molding)

And thank you! It is my baby :-)

**SRConcepts** · 07-06-2016, 07:57 PM

Nice E550!

FWIW, on my SL65's hood (also has the 4-light arrangement), I have found that the contours really don't like anything bigger than a 3" pad, especially on a DA. It's a very complex area to polish, I usually use my rotary and a careful touch for these areas. I have no problems using my Mark II 15 on the rest of the car, though.

**dlc95** · 07-06-2016, 08:56 PM

Did Mike's instructional book come with it? If not, consider purchasing it. Totally changed my approach with the system.

Also, search for Rupes articles by Todd Helme. Since he's been working for Rupes, his content has been infinitely helpful.

Give your self some time getting acquainted with the machine. When I first started using mine, it stalled out way more than my PC. After some time I was able to finesse the machine and get it to perform beautifully on all areas of the vehicles I work on. It truly is a dance between man and machine with the Rupes. The word that comes to mind is "refinement". Everything about the system is refined - the tool, the compounds, the pads, etc so I had to refine my approach

Also keep in mind that of it stalls, the orbit is still doing work.

As mentioned earlier, consider adding at least the blue and yellow polishes, and pads.I don't washer mod my tools either. I use them the way they were shipped from the factory.