Tool - Compound - Pad
I recently spent a morning with the Global Director of Training for Rupes USA, Master Detailer Jason Rose. When you are being taught with the knowledge that Jason has, you realise how much there is to learn, and with that learning how much better and easier it is to do a job and get spectacular results.
Rupes have built a system to tackle any polishing task. The system has three components, Tool, Compound and Pad. First up, lets choose the right tool.
The Tools
There are 3 primary polishing systems, Rotary, Random Orbital and Gear Driven. I will give a basic overview of these in this blog to help you decide which polishing system is best for you.
Rotary Polishers
This is the most commonly used method of polishing, this method uses a disc that spins on a central axis, the rotation means the centre of the disc has minimal movement while the outside edge operates at high speed. If you are comfortable using a high-speed rotary polisher, the BigFoot LH19E Rotary Polisher offers the perfect lightweight, highly ergonomic package.
Advantages of Bigfoot Rotary Polishers
Its high speed and efficiency often allow cutting and polishing to be reduced down to 2 steps. Rotary machines are readily available and are almost always the cheapest option when purchasing a polisher.
Disadvantages of Bigfoot Rotary Polishers
Being proficient with a rotary polisher takes time and practice, with damage common, especially when in inexperienced hands. Due to the high speed rotations of the pad it is easy to get burn marks, rotary swirls, and striking through the paint.
Random Orbital Polishers
With random orbital polishers the pad follows a primary offset central orbit. The size of this orbit will depend on the machine, e.g. 12mm, 15mm etc., while also freely spinning on its own axis. When pressure is applied to the pad of a random orbital polisher it will alter its direction and or rotation in a random pattern, depending on the amount of pressure applied. With options available for every application, fine detail and hard to reach areas are easily tackled with the iBrid Nano and edges with the LHR75 Mini. For bigger surfaces, you can choose from the LHR12E with a 12mm orbit, or the popular Rupes LHR15. The Bigfoot LHR21 is king for really big applications, with a 21mm orbit.
Advantages of Bigfoot Random Orbital Polishers
Random orbital polishers are the easiest to use and the most forgiving. They greatly reduce risk of damaging fresh paint, easily eliminate swirl marks, and potentially reduce polishing times.
Disadvantages of Bigfoot Random Orbital Polishers
Cutting and finishing is not as quick as a rotary, and consumables like pads and compounds are specific to random orbital machines that can be harder to access.
Gear Driven Polishers
A gear driven polisher bridges the gap between random orbital and rotary polishers. Like a rotary polisher it spins around a mid axis. The inclusion of a gear, creates the offset orbit. The number of orbits is constant and forced making it more aggressive compared to random orbital.
If you would like a system that is a balance of the benefits of a BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher, and a BigFoot Rotary Polisher, the LK900E Mille Gear-Driven Orbital Polisher is the right choice for you.
Advantages of Bigfoot Gear Driven Polishers
These are ideal for powerful defect correction and consistent performance, providing the benefits of both a rotary and a random orbital.
Disadvantages of Bigfoot Gear Driven Polishers
The gear driven system does not offer as good a finish as a random orbital and are typically heavier and noisier machines.
Click on the links to see our range of Bigfoot Polishers and Bigfoot Polisher Kits
Happy Polishing!
If you have any questions please get in touch Ask Matt