Orbital Polishers / Compounds

Chad.S

Chad.S

Oldtimer
I've been browsing around for a orbital polisher, I am going to pick up a Rupes LHR21 Mark II, but I could use some info on compounds and pads that will work well with this buffer. I Haven't spent a lot of time with one of these to know what pads to use with what polishes. Any help appreciated.

I have a Meguires chart here so if nothing else I can follow that but thought I would ask first.
 
I hands down suggest getting the Chemical Guys sample pack (4oz each) with the pad spray and the Hexlogic Logic orange and black you will be real pleased I promise. I came from Maguire's until Shine asked me to try it and when I did he was right I'm sold. I am looking to get the Flex orbital buffer on my next order here real soon, I like the mechanical orbit of the Flex. RUPES would be my next choice but for me I want to try the Flex they both get high marks for being the go to buffer. They also have 20% coupons from time to time also, I'm buying the next time they have one.
 
DATEC said:
I hands down suggest getting the Chemical Guys sample pack (4oz each) with the pad spray and the Hexlogic Logic orange and black you will be real pleased I promise. I came from Maguire's until Shine asked me to try it and when I did he was right I'm sold. I am looking to get the Flex orbital buffer on my next order here real soon, I like the mechanical orbit of the Flex. RUPES would be my next choice but for me I want to try the Flex they both get high marks for being the go to buffer. They also have 20% coupons from time to time also, I'm buying the next time they have one.
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What about pads? Does chemical guys have them? And what pads do I need? I will probably need more than 4oz bottles but I assume that would get me through the first car? Which is black. I'm leaning towards the rupes as it seems more industrial, but I am also getting the one with the larger motor.

Does the flex have a 21mm throw like the Rupes?
 
After looking over the Chemical guys site I think I am just going to call them and talk to them, they offer pretty much everything, so as long as things are in stock it may be easier just to order through them.
 
Any preferences on sanders for this? I have a IR 4151 that has locked up so I need to replace it. May order the same one but thought I would ask first. I also have a Hutchins here but I don't really like the air control knob. It's a little to touchy.
 
I ordered the Rupes 21 Mark 2. their polish kit, and a set of pads,, I'll let you know what I think.
 
Chad how do you like your Rupes? just looking for some feed back from someone who has one before I buy one.
 
On my Rupes 15 Mark II and Mini 3” I exclusively cut with Meguiars microfiber cutting pads and finish with Rupes yellow foam.
For compounds I like Menzerna 300, fg400, Sonax cutmax and Jescar correction compound.
Polish I like Sonax perfect finish or Sonax Ex 04-06. The perfect finish polish is expensive but worth every penny, has long work time and finishes down really nice on Hard and soft clears.
Rupes polishers are excellent machines very smooth and well built. They definitely require a technique with lighter pressures and let the machine and pad do the work. If your polishing cars with lots of lines and curves get the 15 mark II vs the 21 or put a 5” backing plate on the 21. Speed 4 on the 21 and 4.5 on the 15 are the sweet spots. No need to run speed 6 it generates a lot more heat which will kill yours pads and backing plates Super fast.
 
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always watch for specials when ordering from CG . they always throw in some freebe's . pad's / pad lubricant or cleaner . once you try the pad cleaner and pad lubricant you cant live without it . i have discovered that windex works almost as good as the pad cleaner .
 
Malco has a line made for orbitals called EPIC. When I'm buffing out scratches for used cars, that's all I use. With a hybrid wool pad, it will take out 1500 and finer depending on clear hardness. Finishes off really well.
 
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