If you could only have one machine polisher, what would it be?

[goin2drt]

Guys,

I am in need of upgrading my polisher. I have an old model Griot`s that is ten or so years old. If you could have only one polisher and you consider the best value for the spend, what would it be and what size?

Thanks for the help.

[ShawnF350]

Rupes 15. Then just put a 3" backing plate on the old GG.

[Ronkh]

flex 3401 + backing plate(s)

[Ccrew]

I`ll add to that question? I have a Rupes 15 and a Flex Rotary. Is there any aspect of the Flex 3401 that makes it a compelling buy if I own the Rupes? Hypothetically the reverse - if I owned the 3401 is there a compelling reason to also own a Rupes?


Asked by a true tool whore (me) , but regardless I think it`s a fair question?

[Jaddie]

Dear Ccrew

Forum member Bunky owns both (or did) and knows their ins and outs.

Kevin Brown is a polisher guru.

Michael Linane (mjlinane) has lot of experience with both.

I have no idea. Both are great, but I believe Mike Phillips might use a 3401 more often than the others.

The only polisher I`ve ever used is a Griot`s 2nd-generation DA. I`m going to use it tomorrow to polish our van. It`s loud and doesn`t hold itself up on vertical panels. It doesn`t work quickly enough to suit me, but I guess that has more to do with its clumsy and inexperienced operator.

[Accumulator]

If *I* could only have one polisher I`d probably get a Rupes, though I`ve never used one.

But then I don`t do serious correction any more either (well, I don`t expect to....). As it is, I could live with just my GG or my Flex 3401, though I wouldn`t want to limit myself that way.

What the "one best" will be will be awfully subjective...different subjects will have different needs IMO.

Imo it`s almost like asking "what if you could only have one wrench/hammer/etc." Or "...only have one vehicle" ;)

[Angus]

flex 3401 + backing plate(s)

+1. I love the forced rotation of my Flex.

[LeadingEdgeDetail]

I couldn`t only have one polisher, because we need something small to get into tight spaces... that one polisher for me has been the PC7424 with 6" and 3" backing plates.

Now that I`ve used the Rupes 21, I can`t go back to just the PC. I would choose the Rupes 15 if I could only have one, but I currently have the Rupes 75E on order as my 3" polisher to compliment the 21. The PC will be delegated to finish polish or wax duty.

[wendell jarvis]

Makita 9227c

[pmnewton]

I have owned and used a FLEX 3401 for years until I bought a RUPES LHR75 and LHR21. I couldn`t imagine doing a proper detail without the 4 inch RUPES in my bag. In fact, if I had to only have one buffer for the rest of my life, it would be the RUPES LHR75 with the 4 inch pads. Granted, I would have to work more slowly but it`s just so nice to have a small buffer that can actually correct vs. something like the GG 3 incher which really just makes noise and doesn`t accomplish much.

FWIW,
Patrick

[ShawnF350]

In fact, if I had to only have one buffer for the rest of my life, it would be the RUPES LHR15 with the 4 inch pads

So your running an LHR15 with the Rupes 4" pads?

[Fotomatt1]

I have a Rupes 21, a Rupes LHR-75e, and an old PC7424 that I was using with a 3" BP until I got the 75e. My 7424 is now just for backup or LSP application. One I used a Rupes machine, the PC felt like a jackhammer, so I HAD to pull the trigger on the 75e! I`d still like a Flex 3401 and PE-8....but that`s just because I like toys, but clearly don`t need them.

[Stokdgs]

+1 with Wendell Jarvis ---

Makita 9227C --

Once you learn how to use it, it can really do anything; can go from 8" backing plates to 3" backing plates, soft-start, nice 600rpm lowest speed, variable speed control, well balanced,
if used daily, will give your upper body a great work out and you will have big, strong arms and shoulders; absolutely kills anything that is on your paintwork that does not belong there, can leave you a perfect, swirl-free, perfectly clear, flat finish..

Airplane and Boat Detailers use this tool and can routinely kill rotaries because of the very hard paintwork or gelcoat they use them on..
If there was anything ever better than this tool, they would use it, but they dont because there is nothing better..

Dan F

[pmnewton]

In fact, if I had to only have one buffer for the rest of my life, it would be the RUPES LHR15 with the 4 inch pads

So your running an LHR15 with the Rupes 4" pads?

My apologies. I mis spoke. I have the LHR75 with the 4 inch pads. Original post edited.

- Patrick

[KBsToy]

flex 3401 + backing plate(s)

Where can I get Good backing plates . The review I saw for a package was not very good said they where plastic.