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Junior Member
Which Rupes to Purchase
I recently sold my Flex 3401 to buy a Rupes. Just have heard they run smoother. I am a newbie and never have used a machine polisher. I am always nervous to jump into using one so I want something that is safe and forgiving. I am debating between three models and need some help. The models are:
Rupes Bigfoot LHR15 Mark II
Rupes Bigfoot LHR21 Mark II
Rupes Bigfoot LK 900E Mille
If you can help with the deciding of this, that would be great.
Thanks in advance,
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Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
If you decide on the long throw models over gear driven pick the 15mm one. It will be more versatile fitting into more panel areas. Unless you are working on something big with large panels.
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Junior Member
Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
This is just a hobby detailing my own items. Might do friends and family once in a while but mainly my own stuff. I do have an enclosed trailer I will be doing and then my vehicles. I also will be doing my pontoon.
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Junior Member
Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.
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Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
If you’ve never used a polisher before. You might want to look at the Duetto to start out with. It’s a versatile machine that a lot of people overlook. Plus it’s a great machine to start with and learn as you go.
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Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Originally Posted by
hammargren
Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.
The Flex 3401 is NOT a dangerous as most people think. I'd go with the 21mm and use a 5" backing plate. Even if you bought the 15mm, you'll still need a 3" polisher at some point. The 21mm will correct faster than the Mille(once you've got technique in place). I have the 3401, 12mm, 15mm, 21mm and 12mm MINI. I prefer the 21mm over all of them.
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Junior Member
Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.
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Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Originally Posted by
hammargren
Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.
The 21mm will also stall less, strictly due to physics and more momentum. Don't get me wrong, the 15mm is a nice machine, too.
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Junior Member
Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?
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Re: Which Rupes to Purchase
Originally Posted by
hammargren
Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?
That's a tough one. Personal preference. You cannot deny the forced rotation of a gear driven polisher. Less of a learning curve with the Mille. Put the pad to the paint and polish. You don't have to worry about technique for pad stall, just keeping the pad flat. Any gear driven polisher is gonna push and pull you and require more energy. The 15/21 will be more enjoyable to use(in my opinion), but take a bit more time to perfect your technique. If you went with the Mille, I would suggest sticking with the Rupes system. Don't use MF pads with any gear driven polisher. With the 15/21, you can use different brand pads aand polishes.
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