Cutting power of the rupes?

**autoenvy** · 06-08-2014, 12:14 AM

I own both the Rupes 21 and the Flex. The only reason I have both right now is the trigger mechanism on my flex is shot and I couldn't afford to wait 3 weeks for replacement parts. (this did give me an excuse to buy another tool). I've used the Rupes on two vehicles now. A Dodge Challenger and a Land Rover LR2.

The Rupes worked like a dream; it cut and finished surprisingly well using both Optimum and Megs MF pads. (It did tear the face off one of my Optimum pads but I'll chalk that one to user error). All in all I'm very impressed with the Rupes and will more than likely use it for a majority of panel work. I'm also impressed at the speed in which it corrects plastic bumpers.

I do wish I had the flex for a few of the areas on those vehicles though. If you can only get one... I guess it depends on what you're using it for. But I personally feel the Flex is more well rounded. That being said I will more often than not, reach for the Rupes and a MF pad to do the bulk if the work..

Confused?

Sent from my HTC One X using AG Online

**aburgeson** · 06-08-2014, 08:23 AM

Well I know this will sound bad of me but I tried the flex 3401 and couldnt get the hang of it. The pads walked on me so much. It felt like a workout trying to do the hood and roof of my car. On the hood I even felt I put minor hologram trails in the car. I got them out using the porter cable but feel i dont have the skill yet for the flex. With the porter cable I am able to keep the pad spinning even on curved panels so I feel I learned its technique pretty well hopefully this can transition over to the rupes. The flex did correct faster but felt it was too much for this rookie to handle haha

**Kamakaz1961** · 06-08-2014, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by VISITOR

i disagree. i love and still use my DA's (GG6, G110) and wouldn't be without them. everyone should own at least one traditional style DA, it's versatile and can be used in many different situations. yes, you're entitled to your opinion as am i...

You are absolutely correct!! I did not mean to sound like I wasn't using any of my other DA's I still use my PC 7424 XP and my GG 3". I use them for lighter correction work or just for applying wax or sealant. I do try to make sure I can still use the traditional style DA.

Making sure you are adaptable with all types of DA I think is a must. I do agree that the Rupes is a superior traditional style DA in fact the best, however, when it comes to the Flex 3401 VRG nothing can beat that as it is forced rotational rotary.

If I have offended anyone I do apologize. VISITOR, thank you for setting me straight!!!

**fly07sti** · 06-08-2014, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by spiralout462

Which rotary do you use more often? Makita or DeWalt?

The Dewalt. It's a little smoother and better balanced. Ive had my Makita for a long time.

**hernandez.art13** · 06-09-2014, 01:00 AM

As far cutting power of the Rupes 21, if you are doing spot sanding. It does a great job in removing 1500 grit. I know cos I've tried it. I always like to go up to 3000, but was just testing it out on some dirts that I sanded off on a customers repainted car.

If I was going to be doing sanding the whole front end of a vehicle because it was repainted and to match the OEM paint orange peel. I would use a Rotary since it cuts a lot faster, but spot sanding the Rupes holds up great.

I have not really tested out the Meguiar's MF xtra cut.

but the combo I like and use is Rupes 21, LC Hybrid Wool pad and FG400, cuts fast, hologram free and FG400 finishes out great from my experience.

Mike Phillips · 06-09-2014, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by VISITOR

everyone should own at least one traditional style DA, it's versatile and can be used in many different situations.

I still use the PC do do entire corrections, machine wet sand cars and machine wax cars.

Would recommend everyone to own a PC.

Originally Posted by fly07sti

I personally like to have as many tools as I can to do whatever job arises.

More tools enables a person to choose the right tool for the job and also enables you to put a tool in someone else's hand to help you out.

**Zelfiris** · 06-09-2014, 08:01 AM

I own the 15ES (no washer mod) and I do find the machine not to spin concave surfaces. I have learned to tilt it on a slight angle so it continues to rotate but I find it easier to leave those areas to my Rupes Mini.

As per previous recommendations, get the whole system or at least the Rupes pads to use with the machine. It is the smoothest polishing experience ever. I use light to medium pressure and haven't found any needs to put down heavy pressure

**parttimer** · 06-09-2014, 08:30 AM

I have both the Flex and Rupes, the Flex while a powerhouse beats me up. The vibration, the machine leaves me tired. The rupes, that thing I can run one handed and it a breeze on flat panels. I still have not mastered the Rupes on rounded, convex or concave panels which frustrates me. Is the Rupes a time saver, you bet and you will see better finishing in the shorter time.

**aburgeson** · 06-09-2014, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the replies. I find the flex too much for me. Its hard enough on flat portions of the car, on the vertical panels it was killing me. I know its my technique but right now I dont have the time to play around with it. I need something faster that wont kill me in the process lol

**Ronyx** · 06-09-2014, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Kamakaz1961

... I still have my PC 7424 XP but use it very little. ...

I'm with you on this one. My PC is 20 years old and since I got my flex 3401 4 years ago I've not used the PC . Occasionally I will use the PC with MF bonnets for removing polish and that isn't very often.