Weekend warrior needs help

[CBlasek]

I have a RUPES 21 as my main machine. I am looking for a smaller machine to do door posts etc. Im considering the rupes Mini or the FLEX pe8. What do you guys think?
I am a newbie to the site and detailing but have been using M105 / 205 with great results. This will be used on my own cars: Black Sapphire Metallic M4, Lavarock Orange M3, and a White F250

[Marc08EX]

Not sure if you already know this but the Rupes mini is a long throw (12mm for a 3" machine) DA polisher while the PE8 is a rotary polisher. So it really depends on what type of polisher you want.

I personally like using DA polishers as opposed to rotary polishers because of the safety factor. This is even more important that you`re a weekend warrior starting out. I wouldn`t just jump into the rotary and polish your cars as it can burn your paint. If I`d get a rotary, I`d like to practice first on junkyard hoods before moving on to cars. Even more so with the cars you currently own. So based on this, I`d recommend the Rupes mini. It will compliment your 21ES well.

Hope this helps. Now please post pics of your M4 and M3!!!! Dang that`s a dream garage...

[CBlasek]

I kinda agree with your thinking but I also want the ability to go down to a 1" pad if need be.

Will get those pics up soon. I am mid correction with the M4. Im loving the M105 / 205 combo.

[RaysWay]

If you want something you can use with 100% confidence out of the box...go with the RUPES Mini. If you don`t mind having to learn a new tool...with the benefit of getting into the tightest areas then go with the FLEX PE8. Be careful with the PE8, even though it`s small; it`s still a rotary and sometimes those really tight areas have the thinnest paint. You should also watch when you`re around the edge of the panel. I`d +1 what Marc said and practice on a junk panel first. Just keep the rpm`s low and you`ll be ok with a little practice.

Also if you like 105/205, just wait until you start trying other polish combos

[XxBoostinxX]

I have both the Rupes Mini and Flex PE8. I love both, but I think they both have their place. I like the PE8 for the 1" and 2" pads more than the 3". I have a job I am doing now where it is a lot of small sections and the 1" pads are REALLY helping. The 3" pads are a little harder to control on the PE8. Which is where my Rupes Mini comes in handy. If I had to choose one, it would probably be the Rupes Mini. It is my favorite machine.

[Stokdgs]

The painted black C Pillars (Shadowline Trim) on Bimmers are beautiful when corrected..
Done hundreds of them..
Please dont use M105 on them, you should not need it..
As has already been said, there is not much paint on there so be careful..

You need to either tape the black rubber on all sides of the pillar or really be careful you dont nick it..

I use 3" pads on a rotary with an extension on the end so I can keep the machine away from the work and see it better.

Am glad to see that there are now 2" and 1" backing plates - now just have to see if they have my favorite pads down to that size..
Good Luck !
Dan F

[JSFM35X]

I love my rules mini. No experience with a rotary so I can`t comment on the pe8 although I do admit I am afraid of rotary machines due to the daMage they can cause in inexperienced hands. Be careful

[ShawnF350]

My rotary hasn`t touched much.
I`ve managed to remove some bad scuffs off of a plastic bumper.
It get used with my pad washer on every detail though.
I prefer the mini for now as well.

[CBlasek]

Thanks for all the help! I decided to go with the Mini and if need be I can order the 2 inch backing plate / pads from elsewhere. I may still want to find a rotary and try it out on some practice panels.

[ShawnF350]

Thanks for all the help! I decided to go with the Mini and if need be I can order the 2 inch backing plate / pads from elsewhere. I may still want to find a rotary and try it out on some practice panels.

You won`t be disappointed with the mini. It will compliment the 21 well.
Wait until you throw some yellowed headlights at it.