RUPES should make some videos on correcting curved panels...

[SR99]

I wonder how many sales RUPES have lost because of the many online comments about having issues with curved panels, and people decide they don't want to deal with that and they buy another machine.

They should make a video starting with a new user of a RUPES 21 or 15 polishing a concave curved panel, with the backing plate marked so you can see the rotations stop.

Then have the RUPES person step in and show the different technique on that panel so the rotations don't stop, and then let the new user adjust their technique to show they can make it work.

It would be maybe a 5-10 minute video, and I guess it doesn't need to be done by RUPES. Seems there's an obvious need for it.

[runrun411]

Hopefully Mike will weigh in on this thread. I'm sure he would have a good technique on using the 15 or 21 on curved panels.

[swanicyouth]

Dunno. I have a 15 and really don't see this much as an issue. Maybe a 21 with a 5" BP has this issue, but the machine was never designed to be used this way. Yes the machine can stop spinning for an instant, but so can a lot of DAs.

If your having an issue, maybe get a Mini and use a smaller pad. The 6" pad face may be too big for the area???

[Tato]

Nice topic.

In my opinion OP, you're only looking at 'one side of the coin'. I've decided for the Flex (to buy first) mainly because it's 1 machine that paired with larger or smaller pads (changeable backing plate to use even 4" pads) will handle (mostly) any entire car by itself.

I've not had any issues regarding machine bog down or lost of rotation with my actual G220v2 DA, even reading many cases relating lack of power and pad rotation on this machine. I've started using 6.5" pads, and even with them, pad rotation under pressure was never an issue.

I mean, the technique to maintain pad rotation basically lies in positioning the polisher to get the pad flattest you can on the surface, and for many curves you have to position it properly, some times contortion yourself, crank up on speed, but you can do it!

Another advantage I've seen on Rupes system is that pressure is not a very determinant factor, like on smaller throw DAs. With that in mind, maintain proper pad rotation may be less of an issue. Product quantity for proper surface lubrication maybe always in account when having pad behaving less than optimum way.

What I mean, if I only get a Rupes 21 (instead of the Flex), how would I correct side mirrors, even with a 5" backing plate but a 21mm throw? Ah, they have the mini Rupes for that, and (hey!) it's an awesome machine!

I've talked about it in some other topic, if someone has the whole Rupes line of machines (21, 15, 12, mini, etc) it's fair that guy won't need other brand / size machines / backing plates.

I believe we're reading many reviews from 'New to DA' users that acquired the 'new kid on the block' and are relating the same lack of rotation I've read on G220v2 some time ago, but now about the Rupes.

One good thing about INTERNET is that we can read EVERYTHING but trust only what our EDUCATION allows. I admit, reading Rupes can stop on curved panels never went into account for me.

It's like: 'So you're saying Paul Dalton is struggling on curved panels with his Rupes?' lol, Come on!

Another thing I've talked earlier was regarding User's Fault. I've related my fault using some polish that were dusting and a pain to wipe off. Was the polish a lame? Absolutely not, the flaws were entirely my fault.

It's easy for one to come at a forum and flame any product or brand. The same way it's difficult for one to educate himself (a lot), and get enough time of 'HANDS-ON' experience before blaming a product or brand instead of himself.

I've decided for the Flex mainly because I can only handle 1 at a time, and I wanted 1 machine to 'do it all'.

My G220v2 worked very nice until I had to start 'abusing' it. Now I have to submit it to HEAVY and FAST work (against the clock), and this was not what the machine was intended for.

If I were to stay at weekend warrior category, maybe I wouldn't even exchange my Meg's DA.

Now that I have more work to do, I've decided on the Flex FIRST, but that means the Rupes will come when I find the NEED for it.

By the way, if someone at Rupes will be reading this, please, contact me and I will spin your pads on any panel, record on video and place here.

I just won't promise I'll correct side mirrors with 21mm throw and 7" pads!

Thanks for reading,

Kind Regards.

[KillaCam]

Why does Rupes need to make a video? A lot of DAs have the same problem.

[parttimer]

Man, I have never seen this issue with my GG or harbor freight cheap-o untis. I have seen it on my Rupes 21 with the stock plate and 5.5" plate, both with the washer mod. I did a detail day with Mike on a Thursday night and both discussed how the Rupes does not perform well on curved panels. So I dunno how you guys get your rupes units to work on curved panels when Mike, myself and many other have issues.

[SR99]

I was just making an observation about all the threads where this comes up, on many different forums not just here, and where people have hesitated to buy the RUPES large throw machines because of it.

If you as a manufacturer see people not buying your product due to a fixable technique issue, it seems you'd want to address that. Making a video as I describe would cost next to nothing, so the ROI would be huge.

The large throw magnifies the issue compared to other, small throw DAs, so it's not the same extent of problem as other DAs. Softer foam, non-RUPES pads may magnify the issue too, compared to the stiffer less compressible RUPES foam pads but that's hard to zero in on.

I'm sure Mike has a huge backlog of things to do and I wasn't suggesting Mike should put this at the top of the queue and do a video.

[Dr_Pain]

I'm subbing because I would like to see other people's technique in the matter.

I do have a Rupes 21 and love it. I've developed a couple of minor adjustments to my technique to deal with the issue of curved surfaces. It does tend to be a constant fight to adjust the technique but I would not trade in my Rupes just for that. I do like the forced rotation but it does have its drawback as well

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Forced rotation come in BIG TIME for me as far as anything that protrudes or isn't flat. It's great that I have both the 3401 and Rupes!

As far as pressure, you don't have to use a lot with the 3401 as well. Only with the 8mm traditional DA's is when you have to use significant pressure.

[FUNX650]

Hopefully Mike will weigh in on this thread. I'm sure he would have a good technique on using the 15 or 21 on curved panels.

I'm sure Mike has a huge backlog of things to do and I wasn't suggesting Mike should put this at the top of the queue and do a video.

Here's one example of an article/video where Mr. Phillips buffs curved panels with a couple of RUPES polishers.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-victoria.html


Bob