Which Rupes to Purchase

[The Guz]

[WRAPT C5Z06]

If you do not plan on using a 5" backing plate on the 21, definitely go with the 15. The video posted above negates the 5" backing plate option, although, MANYYYYYYYY people use a 5" backing plate on the 21.

[hammargren]

Funny you guys referenced that video. I was watching that as you sent this. I plan to stick with the Rupes products until I am very comfortable with the machine and at that point maybe try different pads/products. The 15 just seems the way to go but still debating lol.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

The 15 just seems the way to go.

Go for it!

[Mike Phillips]

If it were me...

I would choose gear-driven orbital over free spinning orbital any day. But that's just because I like to work as fast as humanly possible. If time was not a consideration then I would still go with a gear-driven orbital because I would be able to power through curved panels and thin panels without having to monitor and adjust how I hold to tool to maintain pad rotation.

If I were to go with a free spinning tool, then I would opt for the tired and true 8mm free spinning orbitals.


When it comes to free spinning long stroke orbital polishers, the pad has leverage over the counterweight and inertia. With small stroke free spinning orbitals, the counterweight and inertia do a better job of maintaining pad rotation when buffing curved areas.


That's my observation.

[hammargren]

So what your saying Mike, you would choose the Mille over the Mark II, just your personal opinion? With the Mille being new, how do you feel it is standing up next to the Flex 3401?

[Mike@ShineStruck]

For get the whole argument of 15 being more versatile than the 21..
Like I always say, where the 21mm won't fit, neither will the 15 .

Get yourself a mini for those places.
I originally had a 12mm mini..bit still doesn't fit in all places...8mm 3in works allot better

21 mm will correct faster and cover more area.

With that said, get yourself the 15mm Mark2 and then order a 21mm essentric direct from Rupes
I'd also order a 6in Backingplate to retain balance.

You'll end up with a 21mm with more OPM than the factory 21mm unit

[Mike@ShineStruck]

If you prefer jist one machine can't beat a Makita PO5000C or Rupes Mille.
Best pads for either are
Foam Mille pads or LC thinpros

For MF or wool any that has a foam inner layer such as the LC lambs wool or the B&S uro finisher wool.. b&s uro fiber

[hammargren]

I think if I go the Mark II route I would get the LHR15 Mark II but debating between that and the Mille.

[Mike@ShineStruck]

If you only want one machine right now get a forced D/A
You can always get a longthrow or a mini at a later date