Rupes BigFoot Microfiber Backing Plate

[dlc95]

...Rupes plainly states that:
P/N: 980.034N/5 (pictured as being "Blue")
is the Microfiber holder backing pad.


Bob

Thanks, Bob!

[Michael15]

When we engineered the BigFoot System, one of the major issues we ran into was tool vibration. Not just the lack of comfort, but they way that the imbalance will have an effect on tool life in the long run.

Mike Phillips has a great picture of the 21 running at full blast, lifted off the paint in the palm of his hand. The machine is crystal clear and nearly vibration free. You cannot build an orbital polisher to be balanced, but you can engineer a system to be balanced.

When you place the correct pads on the any of the RUPES tools, you will notice they almost become vibration free, whether its the pneumatic LH75 or the LHR 21ES.

The microfiber pads are a little heavier than the foam pads, and thinner in height. If you run the tool in free air you will feel a slight vibration (we did everything possible to balance the tool).

IF you are running the tool with the microfiber pads part time (like 1 car every once in a while) or spot correcting panels, then any effect on tool life won't be too bad. (Again the microfiber pads are pretty close to balanced).

However, if you are using microfiber pads as your primary buffing choice and running the tool frequently, switching the MF backing plate is a great idea.

Keep in mind that we have quite a few machines that have been running for 4 years with the incorrect backing plate size and off brand pads and they are doing fine. The internal components are very stout. It is our responsibility as an engineering firm, innovator, and tool manufacturer to provide the best possible system possible.

Is it ok to use the Meguiars MF pads with the Rupe's MF backing plate?

Where do you purchase the backing plate? I do not see it in the AG store?

[Zubair]

As Todd has mentioned its safe to use the std backing plate with MF pads. As for your query regarding the Rupes with Meguiars MF cutting pads, many detailers this side of the world swear by that combo and state it cuts on par as a Flex on wool but finishes better. I have yet to try that combo for myself.

[Detailing by M]

You can use any pad on any machine

[Todd@RUPES]

You can use any pad on any machine

Technically, yes... kinda...

You CAN use a microfiber pad on a gear-driven polisher (forced rotation) but movement of the pad (a reverse U) will likely create a grippy surface and much of the surface of the area of the MF pad will not be efficiently used.

You CAN use a wool pad on a random orbital polisher, but unless the nap is very short, much of the orbital action will be lost inside the wool, resulting in dramatically less cutting power.

You CAN use stiff foam pad on a rotary, but you dramatically increase the risk of scouring or damaging the paint.

On a tool like the RUPES BigFoot Large-Throw Random Orbital Polishers, you CAN use just about any pad but you may leave a lot of performance on the table, increase user fatigue, and accelerate wear, not to mention reduce results.

Ideally you want a stiff foam or short nap microfiber that will transfer the orbital motion to the paint for increased cut and reduced heat build up in the pad. You want an aggressive engagement in the hook and loop to prevent pad migration, decrease heat build up, and increase performance. And finally, you should want pads that are married to the counter balance to increase user comfort, reduce vibration, and extend tool life.

So yes you CAN use any pad, but the better question is SHOULD you?

[chefwong]

Can anyone shed some insight. Is there a MF BP for the 75 ?

[Dylan@RUPES]

Can anyone shed some insight. Is there a MF BP for the 75 ?

No. The weight differential and its impact on vibration at that size is minimal (undetectable) thus no need for a different plate.

Echoing what Todd said, there is very little use for the dedicated MF backing plates unless you intend to run MF almost full time (which I can't imagine many situations where thats realistic). For those that swap back and forth regularly depending on situational applications it just makes more sense to stick with one plate.