Rupes Washer Mod...yes/no

[Bunky]

I recall someone said if you can master the Rupes without the washer you will get better results without the washer.

[Mike lambert]

Billet aluminum plate with washer built in,check esoteric car care

[Tpr1634]

Billet aluminum plate with washer built in,check esoteric car care

Thanks

[Tpr1634]

I recall someone said if you can master the Rupes without the washer you will get better results without the washer.

Interesting, I was under the impression that the KB washer mod was the ticket.

[Bunky]

Interesting, I was under the impression that the KB washer mod was the ticket.

It does reduce drag so it does spin faster. The claim was if you cannot master it without the washer (keeping the pad moving by holding the polisher level) then you will not get the most without the polisher. I did see a difference too.

[pmnewton]

This same thing happened to mine and I was not satisfied with the washer "solution." After ordering a new backing plate I took my Dremel and used a sanding roll to shave down the rubber cup that`s on the machine. If you take about 1/8" off of the rubber cup, you don`t need the washer anymore and the backing plate will spin freely. It is a much more elegant solution and will prevent this damage to your backing plate.

- Patrick

[parttimer]

NO! Go Kamakaze plate if you think the washer works well!

I saw someone testing it, $100 is a chunk for a plate, I`ll be interested to see the results!

[ShawnF350]

Patrick, I`m going with one of two solutions I`ve come up with.
I may modify the plate or go the sanding solution.

I think the washer mod is a bust.
Marc has pointed out there`s only metal on the sides about the depth of a washer. So once you do the washer mod your on 100% plastic then it starts destroying the plate recess.
The backing plate is like the spanner wrench. So if the plate fully rounds out you`ll have to carefully drill apart to get to the arbor so you can hold it and loosen the bolt.

SHAME ON YOU KB!

I see why Rupes doesn`t void the warranty. Your not hurting the machine..
Sales just go up for the backing plates.

[pmnewton]

The washer mod is a poor solution because it reduces the grip length of the driveshaft which will result in damage to your backing plate. Sanding down the rubber cup maintains the full grip length of the driveshaft and still allows the plate to spin freely. It just takes a few minutes with a Dremel. Use a lower speed and take your time or else you melt the plastic and it gets messy. I think I used a 120 grit sanding roll.

- Patrick

[Mbkite]

Use a thinner washer

[Tpr1634]

I saw someone testing it, $100 is a chunk for a plate, I`ll be interested to see the results!

I`m sure the plate is a work of art, at $100 it`s not cheap that`s one for later on.

[XxBoostinxX]

You do know you can take off the shroud that resists the BP instead of adding a washer right? It is just rubber and pulls right off.

[ShawnF350]

I had a washer thinned down just enough to clear the shroud. Plate was damaged as pictured above.

[David Fermani]

Not needed IMHO. I have machines with and without the washer and to me there`s ZERO difference. As you use your machine the shroud begins to wear down anyways and spins freely without the washer mod.

I believe Rupes tested this washer mod theory and didn`t find it to make any improvement. Todd just actually commented on this in another thread.

[rlmccarty2000]

I don`t use the washer mod and I get perfect results with my 21. If I didn`t get great results with a tool that was designed without a washer and has been successfully used by many, I would check my technique and not question the design of the tool. My Rupes works very well as it was designed. As far as I know Rupes does not endorse the washer mod. Maybe at SEMA Rupes will address the washer mod. Rupes should not honor warrantees where tools have been modified. IMHO.