Rupes 21 with 5.5" Pads + Other Questions

[pcw25]

Hi everyone,

Considering buying a Rupes sometime in the future. I just have a few questions that need to be cleared up.

Is it okay to use 5.5" pads with the Rupes 21? Why is this not recommended? Will it cause damage to the machine? Will the pads be torn apart, etc.

Do I need to stay with the Rupes pad system? I heard that they work and that they don't work so that is another concern.

If you do use the Rupes, what is your favorite 2-step correction?

Lastly, is there a noticeable difference between the 15 and 21?

Thank you for your feedback in advance!

[DetailedTaco]

Hi everyone,

Considering buying a Rupes sometime in the future. I just have a few questions that need to be cleared up.

Is it okay to use 5.5" pads with the Rupes 21? Why is this not recommended? Will it cause damage to the machine? Will the pads be torn apart, etc.

Many people use the 5.5" pads here on the Rupes 21. It just a matter of preference. The 5.5" pads make it easier for the machine to spin because they are smaller/lighter then the 6.5'sIt will not damage the machine in any way.

Do I need to stay with the Rupes pad system? I heard that they work and that they don't work so that is another concern.

It is not necessary to stay with the Rupes pad system. I use Lake Country Flat Pads with my Rupes 21 and have no issues.

If you do use the Rupes, what is your favorite 2-step correction?

I am a fan of Menzerna FG400 and SF4000. Many people also swear by Meguiars M105 and M205.

Lastly, is there a noticeable difference between the 15 and 21?

The only difference is the size of the throw. The 15 has a 15mm throw and the 21 has a 21mm throw.

Thank you for your feedback in advance!

[parttimer]

Some people say they get vibration from the 5.5" plate on their 21, I have not encountered it with Lake Country or Rupes pads.

[pcw25]

Many people use the 5.5" pads here on the Rupes 21. It just a matter of preference. The 5.5" pads make it easier for the machine to spin because they are smaller/lighter then the 6.5'sIt will not damage the machine in any way.



It is not necessary to stay with the Rupes pad system. I use Lake Country Flat Pads with my Rupes 21 and have no issues.



I am a fan of Menzerna FG400 and SF4000. Many people also swear by Meguiars M105 and M205.



The only difference is the size of the throw. The 15 has a 15mm throw and the 21 has a 21mm throw.

Thanks for your response! It is appreciated!

What exactly does the throw of the machine mean? Does it equate to more polishing power, etc.?

[pcw25]

Some people say they get vibration from the 5.5" plate on their 21, I have not encountered it with Lake Country or Rupes pads.

Isn't the Rupes supposed to be very smooth?

[DetailedTaco]

Thanks for your response! It is appreciated!

What exactly does the throw of the machine mean? Does it equate to more polishing power, etc.?

No problem. Here is an explanation of the "Throw" of the Rupes explained on Autogeeks website. It pertains to how far the pad moves.

he Rupes LHR 21ES Big Foot Random Orbital Polisher gets its name from its massive, industry leading 21 millimeter throw. The throw of the machine indicates the size of the orbit the pad makes. Consider this: a conventional random orbital polisher has a throw between 4 and 8 millimeters. The advantage of a larger throw is that more surface area is being covered as you polish. This means you’ll be able to remove swirls, scratches, water spots and other paint defects in considerably less time.

[PRicci09]

Isn't the Rupes supposed to be very smooth?

What machine are you using now?

I upgraded from a PC to a Rupes, the difference in terms of vibrations was massive. The PC made my hands numb after a few panels. I found the Rupes to be far more enjoyable to use.

If you are going to use a 21 with 5" backing plate I recommend using the Rupes 6" pads. The Rupes pads are 5" on the back and taper to a 6" face. To me, it just feels a bit better with the large throw.

[TundraPower]

Hi everyone,

Considering buying a Rupes sometime in the future. I just have a few questions that need to be cleared up.

Is it okay to use 5.5" pads with the Rupes 21? Why is this not recommended? Will it cause damage to the machine? Will the pads be torn apart, etc.

Do I need to stay with the Rupes pad system? I heard that they work and that they don't work so that is another concern.

If you do use the Rupes, what is your favorite 2-step correction?

Lastly, is there a noticeable difference between the 15 and 21?

Thank you for your feedback in advance!

1. Yes you can use the 5" pads and backing plate on the 21. I do not care for it though, it vibrates too much.

2. Use non-Rupes pads on Rupes machines at your own risk. The velcro backing on non-Rupes pads is not strong enough for these polishers. I've had 4 non-Rupes pads fly off during polishing.

3. My personal favorite 2 step is Scholl Concept's SE3 Gold on Rupes green pad followed by Sonax Perfect Finish on Rupes white pad.

4. Yes, there is considerable difference between the 21 and the 15. 28% greater throw, harder to control in tight spots and on curved surfaces, corrects much faster.

[parttimer]

Yes, rupes is super smooth, what I was saying is some people who changed out the backing plate have said there is vibration with a smaller plate on the larger throw unit.

[HD.Detailing]

the rupes is a different animal.. don't need to put the pressure on it like the previous DAs.. I think the "trouble' some people are having is not using correct technique. IMHO