Has anyone done the 5 inch backing plate mod for their Rupes 21?

What do you think of it? I`m tempted to try this for more power, but I know the balance will be slightly off. Discuss

I`ve used the 5" backing plate on my 21, without issue.

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Originally Posted by jrock645

I`ve used the 5" backing plate on my 21, without issue.

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How is it? Does it give it more power? Is it thrown off balance any?

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Originally Posted by Addicted2Bling

How is it? Does it give it more power? Is it thrown off balance any?

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I didn`t notice any balance issue. I did it just because I wanted to use pads I had that weren`t big enough for the 21`s BP, but wanted to maximize the area covered. Worked well enough for me.

I`ve been using the Rupes 5" backing plate on my 21 with the Kevin Brown Washer mod for years.

What advantage do you get by using the 21 with the 5 inch BP, besides not having to buy a 15? Any problems with pad deterioration?

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Originally Posted by Merlin

I`ve been using the Rupes 5" backing plate on my 21 with the Kevin Brown Washer mod for years.

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Is it thrown off balance any? Is there more power? And also, what the heck is a kevin brown washer mod???

I`ve used a 5" BP on my 21 without any ill effects. I never really noticed the polisher getting more wobbly because of it. It just felt the same. I`m sure the 21 BP will be more balanced than the 15 BP but it didn`t stop me from using the 15 BP.

I say go for it and buy one. Worse comes to worse, you`re out the price of the 15 BP if you don`t like it. That`s less than buying a Rupes 15 polisher. But IMO, you will not have any problems.

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Originally Posted by Addicted2Bling

Is it thrown off balance any? Is there more power? And also, what the heck is a kevin brown washer mod???

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I have not found any balance changes. 21 throw w/5" pads!!!
I feel the handling and control of 5" pads is better then 6" pads.
I have found the "power" is better with the Kevin Brown Washer Mod.
With this combo you have the best of both worlds. The longer 21 throw with 5" pads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPCMUTDtlSU

Or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGaZxxi9KXo

Wow I like that, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the replies everyone, a very reputable source was trying to tell me that the 5 inch plate would offset the balance. Very glad to hear there are successful users in here that use this mod. Keep up the good work!

I cant say what the difference etweem 5" and 6" would be causee i bought the 5" bp when i bought my lhr 21 cause i didnt have any 6" pads and didnt wanna buy any at the time either. I`ve had no problem and have come to love and enjoy it