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Rupes Bigfoot

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Old 04-25-2013, 04:32 PM
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Black Betty
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Rupes Bigfoot

Has anyone here used one of these machines yet? I think I'm going to pull the trigger. From what I've read they are capable of excellent correction and finishing power and are much easier and faster to use than any random orbital out there. So I want to see if anyone has any experience at all with them either positive or negative. When I bought a Flex it made me forget about the PC. I'm hoping maybe this will make me forget about the flex.
Old 04-26-2013, 03:59 AM
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quakerroatmeal
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Is this a brand new product? I've never heard of it..funny name as well. Since you're comfortable with the pc/flex already and want faster/better cutting power why not go for a rotary?
Old 04-26-2013, 10:03 AM
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Black Betty
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It's been out in the US for a while now, at least a year. I have read an extensive review by a respected professional who's opinion is that it is effective if not more so than a rotary and still much easier to use effectively. It's expensive, but I went ahead and ordered one yesterday. Whenever I get a chance to use it for come correction I will post my thought about it.
Old 04-26-2013, 08:55 PM
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I've been reading a lot about this product from KB. I'm going to order the 15mm version in the next few weeks. Holding off on my spring correction till I get it in my hands. I'll post my thoughts on it afterwards.
Old 04-26-2013, 08:59 PM
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Black Betty
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It was KB's comprehensive review that I read that convinced me to make the investment.
Old 04-26-2013, 09:04 PM
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Schulminator
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His review is one of the most extensive & informative posts I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Please post your review ASAP, can't wait for your thoughts. Which model and backing plate did you purchase. Does it have the spacer I've been reading a lot about?
Old 04-26-2013, 09:54 PM
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Black Betty
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I went back and forth before deciding on the LHR 15ES with 5" backing plate and 6" pads. The 5 and the 6 plates will both fit either machine. I believe KB said that he made the spacer himself. It should be very easy to make one.
Old 04-27-2013, 02:28 AM
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FourT2
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Can you provide a link to the review? Curious about this product, even though I am just getting comfortable with my PC
Old 04-27-2013, 01:12 PM
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Black Betty
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Originally Posted by FourT2
Can you provide a link to the review? Curious about this product, even though I am just getting comfortable with my PC
http://www.autopia.org/forum/machine...-benefits.html
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Old 04-29-2013, 02:29 PM
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Schulminator
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Ordered my Rupes this morning along with the Sonax Perfect Finsh....hope to have a review in the next few weeks.
Old 04-29-2013, 04:33 PM
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rlo
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I heard about this before but I dismissed it thinking it was just a bigger or more powerful PC.
Now that I have checked it out more thoroughly I REALLY want one.

I dont do detailing professionally so pulling the trigger will require some "splaining to do" to the wifey.
Old 04-29-2013, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rlo
I heard about this before but I dismissed it thinking it was just a bigger or more powerful PC.
Now that I have checked it out more thoroughly I REALLY want one.

I dont do detailing professionally so pulling the trigger will require some "splaining to do" to the wifey.
I have gotten a few bucks thrown my way to detail cars. In fact, since I have gone back to a regular job over a year ago I've had to turn down a number of requests. I even started charging more hoping that people would stop asking, but they don't. There seems to be a real voild of top notch professional detailers in Houston if you can believe that. Pleanty of car washers/waxers, few real detailers with real skills and experience.

I rationalized my purchase to the missus by telling her that if I really like the Rupes, I will probably sell my Flex (not gonna happen most likely) and she can keep whatever money I get for it. Try that approach.
Old 04-30-2013, 10:48 AM
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Chris11LE
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Im still rockin my 6 yr old PC 74-something.

Seriously debating "upgrading" at least to a Griots Garage model, Flex or even Rupes.

Hard to justify the cost, though, since I dont do this professionally and the PC is still going strong (granted I could probably correct more stuff, faster with a newer machine)
Old 04-30-2013, 11:50 AM
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rlo
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Hmm good strategy BB, now I am looking at the angles.

Re: demand for your service you probably do it right. When I pay for something I like walking away thinking this person did it better than I would have.
Old 04-30-2013, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by rlo
Hmm good strategy BB, now I am looking at the angles.

Re: demand for your service you probably do it right. When I pay for something I like walking away thinking this person did it better than I would have.
I take a long time and put a lot of effort into it. I'm not quick or conveniently located, but I'm good and thorough and detail every car like it was my own pride and joy. Once you've done a fantastic job on one person's car that they are very happy with, their friends and relatives (who can afford it) come calling.

Mine is scheduled to arrive on Thursday and I will probably get a little time to work with it on the weekend. I'm going to see what it will do on my beater to bring 17 year old paint back to life. If it can make old Arctic White Pearl (QN0) pop, imagine what well preserved newer Black Obsidian look like.


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