Rupes 21 with 5.5" Pads + Other Questions

[pcw25]

Thanks everyone! appreciate the feedback! I think it's a tossup in regard to pads honestly. Some people have had other pads work, some not so much. I'll just see for myself. it's the only way to know. Thanks for the answers!

[The Critic]

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.

Rupes 21 + 5" backing plate is not as smooth as a Rupes 15, but the 21 has it's advantages.

[dsg03gt]

Rupes 21 + 5" backing plate is not as smooth as a Rupes 15, but the 21 has it's advantages.

What are the advantages of the 21 over the 15? Is it just the larger throw?

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[The Critic]

What are the advantages of the 21 over the 15? Is it just the larger throw?

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Larger throw allows for better correction under certain conditions.

The main advantage is that the 21 is able to use 7" pads as well, so you have the ability to utilize both setups (5.5" and 7").

[Rsurfer]

Larger throw allows for better correction under certain conditions.

The main advantage is that the 21 is able to use 7" pads as well, so you have the ability to utilize both setups (5.5" and 7").

Perhaps faster, but not necessarily better than the 15.

[Detailing by M]

Rupes doesn't recommend using the 5" on the 21 due to it throwing it out of balance.
You can but you'll end up destroying your 21 in the long run
These are precision tools that are highly developed.
Getting a the right tool for the job is very important.
if you want to use a 5" then get the 15 to do the job right.

[The Critic]

Rupes doesn't recommend using the 5" on the 21 due to it throwing it out of balance.
You can but you'll end up destroying your 21 in the long run
These are precision tools that are highly developed.
Getting a the right tool for the job is very important.
if you want to use a 5" then get the 15 to do the job right.

While a 5" BP was not the intended use for this machine, I think it is a bit far-fetched to suggest that this combination will cause machine failure. I think the AG garage used this combination on their machines for quite some time with no ill effects.

[Woob]

I run a 5" on a 21 and haven't had any issues, just monitor the wear & tear. Know of many individuals who run their 21/5's with a lot more hours without any issues.

[Detailing by M]

While a 5" BP was not the intended use for this machine, I think it is a bit far-fetched to suggest that this combination will cause machine failure. I think the AG garage used this combination on their machines for quite some time with no ill effects.

You can do what ever you want.
But I would listen to the people who make the tool and take their advise.

And yes these machines fail.
Just like every other machine in the world they all will fail at some point in there life.

[SonOfOC]

While a 5" BP was not the intended use for this machine, I think it is a bit far-fetched to suggest that this combination will cause machine failure. I think the AG garage used this combination on their machines for quite some time with no ill effects.

Don't worry about it. It will work just fine. Nothing is going to fail cause you used a 5" BP on a Rupes 21. The 5" and 6" BP is almost identical in weight (+/- few grams).

Kevin Brown sells the Rupes 21 with either the 5" or 6" BP. Warranty intact I might add—so what's the out of balance problem again?