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Rupes BigFoot LEGACY 6" Random Orbital Polisher
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A graceful dancer, with a powerful KICK.
Rupes LHR21ES LEGACY 6" BIGFOOT POLISHER.
The Rupes® LHR21ES BigFoot 6" Electric Random Orbital Polisher has left an indelible mark on the paint polishing scene. For me, it was love at
While walking the aisles of the 2011 SEMA Show with my good friend Derek Bemiss, we meandered through a sea of car-related tools & goods. Upon eye-balling a booth filled with sanding & polishing machines, Derek commented, "Nice looking stuff", and I agreed. However, neither of us recognized the brand Rupes®, so we forged ahead. I glanced over my shoulder as we strode past, and the number 21 caught my eye. To the average guy, 21 was just a number. But to me, it represented something potentially huge.
I stopped, turned, and locked eyes with one of the fellows manning the booth. "Does that 21 mean twenty-one millimeter, as in 21 millimeter orbit diameter?" His response was a very brief but excited, "Yes!" That man turned out to be Marco D'Inca, designer of the now legendary Rupes BigFoot machine. After some conversation and investigation, Derek and I invited everyone we could think of to visit the Rupes booth, to share in our excitement. Several months passed, but in the summer of 2012, I was the first to offer the Rupes line of products in the USA.
The LHR21ES BigFoot creates a 21mm diameter orbit.
Random orbital machines that use 5" to 6" discs and pads typically create small orbits, sometimes as small as only several millimeters in diameter. The Rupes LHR21ES creates a 21mm diameter orbit, which really gets pads, discs, and compounds moving. Note: This machine is also available in a 5-inch, 15mm version: LHR15ES
To better understand why a large stroke machine can deliver better and faster polishing results, imagine hand sanding a panel of wood with a typical sanding block & paper using very short 1mm back and forth strokes. Although sanding would be concentrated and exact, most of the sanding debris would remain positioned between the sandpaper and wood panel. Rapid clogging of the sandpaper would likely occur, effectively limiting cutting power and finishing potential.
However, if the length of each sanding stroke was increased (within a similar time frame), the sandpaper would move along at a more rapid pace. The increased speed of motion would assist in loosening any stuck-on debris from the sandpaper, all the while helping to eliminate sanding debris residing between the paper and wood surface. The exact same principles of extending the stroke apply when using the LHR21ES, except its motion is rotational (not linear), and we use buffing liquids (not sandpaper) to accomplish our work.
High speed + lots of motion = very fast polishing.
A majority of the buffing liquids available today utilize abrasive particles that are engineered to assist in polishing the surfaces we're working on. To work efficiently, these particles must occasionally shift and tumble in order to keep them free of debris, minimize clumping of the abrasives, and slow contamination of the buffing pad. The LHR21ES's large-diameter stroke (21mm) and high-speed capability (4,200 RPM) combine to deliver unrivaled performance in this regard, utterly stomping the performance mustered by other competitor's machines.
The LHR21ES BigFoot leaves surfaces beautifully polished & remarkably scour-free.
As I prepared to use a prototype LHR21ES at length for the first time, I was expecting everything from the machine. After all, I had spent untold hours writing an in-depth article entitled Machine Stroke - How It Affects Sanding and Polishing Performance (read the article here). Through the writing of the article, it became very clear that large stroke machines had a lot to offer in terms of cutting speed and finishing performance. The LHR21ES BigFoot did not disappoint; its combination of adequate machine speed, ample backing plate rotaion, and smooth sweeping motions combined to deliver remarkable results.
Having a spare backing plate on hand is smart. The Rupes 981.321N 6" Backing Plate is a direct replacement for the original. Note: purchase includes a free non-etched Washer Mod.
Add a variety of Rupes Buffing Pads. (save 30%)
You'll be ready to tackle just about any polishing task if you've got a set of Rupes® Buffing Pads on hand. Rupes Foam Pads have been specifically designed for use with large stroke, random orbital polishers (5 versions are available). Rupes Wool Pads deliver for a smooth & controlled feel (2 versions are available). Rupes Microfiber Pads deliver maximum cutting speed (2 versions are available).
Add Rupes Buffing Liquids. (save 30%)
A trio of buffing liquids to choose from. All-new formulas.
Add a Flamethrower LED Light Kit. (save 30%)
This handy light mounts directly onto your polishing machine.
Add a pair of Polished Stainless Steel Bolts.
Replace the delicate factory supplied plastic bolts, with polished stainless steel bolts! Nicer looking, plus they allow for super-tightening of the head cap assembly.
Add a Duflle Bag or Carrying Case. (save 30%)
Never run out of room when transporting your polishing tools & accessories! Rupes Embroidered Duffle Bags & Carrying Cases are quality built. Two to choose from: Semi-Rigid Duffle Bag | BIG BAG Tool Case
Looking for a HOT ROD version of this machine?
Looking for a 3" companion to this machine?
Rupes LHR75E BigFoot 3" Random Orbital Polisher.
Note: A free, uninstalled Washer Mod is included with purchase.
This machine carries a one-year parts and labor warranty.
Rupes USA offers the industry's fairest, fastest, & finest repair service! Check it out here.
