We Say
Every now and then a new type of polisher is released that changes the way that paint correction is performed, and the RUPES LHR 15ES BigFoot Polisher was definitely one of them. Released back in 2010, and featuring a huge 15 mm oscillatory throw and an accompanying range of pads and polishes designed to complement this, the LHR 15ES demonstrated that dual action polishers could be much more capable than previously thought, and a viable alternative to traditional rotary polishers for professional use. Although the RUPES LHR 15ES BigFoot Polisher was (and still is) a highly capable machine, RUPES continued to develop it over time based on feedback from the professional detailing community, and released an improved version, the LHR 15II BigFoot Polisher (commonly referred to as the Mark 2), in 2015. This new model featured a more powerful motor that delivered 30% more torque and eliminated bogging down on curved surfaces. Furthermore, the durability of the anti-spinning cap was improved, and a number of strategically placed rubber-inserts were added to aid grip and support the machine in a stable position when not in use. These improvements were well received, and resulted in the original LHR 15ES being repositioned as an ideal polisher for enthusiasts, and the LHR 15II taking over the mantle as the optimal choice for professional detailers. Although the LHR 15II went on to become widely acknowledged as a best in class tool, RUPES continued to refine it behind the scenes, and have now (in late 2018) released its successor; say hello to the LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher!
The RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher (which will no doubt soon become commonly referred to as the Mark 3) improves upon its predecessor in a number of subtle ways, all linked to the quality of the user experience. For starters, the ergonomics have been improved, with a non-slip rubberised head for better control and rubberised inserts in the rear handle for better feel, and an additional non-marking tool rest for better stability when the machine is not in use. In addition, the speed controls have been improved, via the inclusion of a new speed selection dial and a new progressive trigger. The new electronic speed selection dial allows for deliberate and precise adjustment of the top speed of the polisher, without requiring the user to move his or her hands; only a subtle roll of the thumb is required instead. The new progressive trigger acts like a throttle to control speeds within the maximum range set by the speed dial, and thus allows the user to make speed adjustments on the fly for better control and precision. With these improvements in mind, who is the RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher ideal for? The answer is anyone wishing to buy a best in class free-spinning random orbital polisher capable of delivering outstanding results on all paint types. This includes enthusiasts looking to upgrade to a polisher that will enable them to tackle more challenging paint correction duties, and professionals wishing to perform intensive correction (and finishing) work without using a traditional rotary polisher. RUPES have raised the proverbial bar yet again!
Key Features
Orbital Throw15 mm(Free-Spinning)
Speed Range3000 - 5200 opm(opm = orbits per minute)
Warranty1 Year(Return To Base)
Description
The RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher is part of an innovative system of dual action machines and accessories (collectively termed the RUPES BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System) that has been designed and engineered from the ground up to produce optimal results in minimal time while simultaneously maximising user comfort and safety. In line with this, RUPES recommend that the RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher is used exclusively with officially designated accessories and parts from the BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System. Currently, the RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher can be bought separately (with a 125 mm BigFoot backing plate) or as part of three different pre-packed kits, the contents of which are described in full below. In all cases the machine comes with a one year return to base warranty, but in the event of a fault developing this warranty will only be honoured by RUPES if the machine has been used exclusively with officially designated accessories and parts from the BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System; non-observance of this requirement automatically terminates the warranty.
RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher - BAS Kit
RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher - LUX Kit
RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher - BAS Kit
1 x Rupes LHR15III Random orbital polisher (Ø125mm - Ø5”-15mm orbit)
1 x D-A COARSE polishing compound 250ml
1 x D-A FINE polishing compound 250ml
1 x Wool polishing pad COARSE Ø130 mm
1 x D-A FINE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x Microfiber cloth Blue
1 x Microfiber cloth Yellow
1 x Cable Clamp
1 x D-A COARSE polishing compound 250ml
1 x D-A FINE polishing compound 250ml
1 x Wool polishing pad COARSE Ø130 mm
1 x D-A FINE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x Microfiber cloth Blue
1 x Microfiber cloth Yellow
1 x Cable Clamp
RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher - LUX Kit
1 x Rupes LHR15III Random orbital polisher (Ø125mm - Ø5”-15mm orbit)
1 x D-A COARSE polishing compound 250ml
1 x D-A FINE polishing compound 250ml
1 x UNO PROTECT One-Step Polish & Sealant 250ml
1 x Wool polishing pad COARSE Ø130 mm
1 x Wool polishing pad FINE Ø130 mm
1 x D-A COARSE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x D-A FINE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x Microfiber cloth Blue
1 x Microfiber cloth Yellow
1 x Microfiber cloth White
1 x Claw pad
1 x Cable Clamp
1 x BIGFOOT apron
1 x BIGFOOT tools bag
1 x D-A COARSE polishing compound 250ml
1 x D-A FINE polishing compound 250ml
1 x UNO PROTECT One-Step Polish & Sealant 250ml
1 x Wool polishing pad COARSE Ø130 mm
1 x Wool polishing pad FINE Ø130 mm
1 x D-A COARSE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x D-A FINE foam polishing pad Ø130-150mm - Ø5”-6”
1 x Microfiber cloth Blue
1 x Microfiber cloth Yellow
1 x Microfiber cloth White
1 x Claw pad
1 x Cable Clamp
1 x BIGFOOT apron
1 x BIGFOOT tools bag
Specification
| AC-Powered | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | n/a |
| Battery-Powered | No |
| CE Approved | Yes |
| Cable Length | 8.7 m |
| Drive Type | Random orbital (free-spinning) |
| Interchangeable Backing Plate | No |
| Net Weight | 2.6 kg |
| Orbital Throw | 15 mm |
| Plug Type | UK 3-pin (G) |
| Power Rating | 500 W |
| Running Time | n/a |
| Soft Start | Yes |
| Sound Pressure Level | 84 dB(A) |
| Speed Lock | Yes |
| Speed Range | 3000 - 5200 OPM |
| Supplied Backing Plate | 125 mm |
| Thread Size | M8 (fixing bolt supplied) |
| Variable Speed Control | Yes |
| Vibration Level (3 Axis) | 3.78 m/s² |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Warranty | 1 year return to base |
How To Use
The RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher is a power tool and thus subject to a number of health and safety risks that should be fully understood from the outset; please read the supplied instructions carefully. Please also visit the links to the backing plate, polishing pad and polishing compound pages provided in the Description section above, and read their How To Use sections carefully. Doing so will help to ensure you obtain the best results from your new machine.
Recommended method for correcting soft paint using the BigFoot system:
To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A FINE foam polishing pad. Working at a low to moderate machine speed, with moderate arm speed and light pressure, should enable you to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts. If your paint is in bad condition and you subsequently find that more correction is needed, switch to Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES Wool polishing pad FINE - this combination offers more cutting power, but should be used sparingly, as the rate of paint removal increases significantly. When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up again with Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A FINE foam polishing pad, in order to maximise surface gloss.
Recommended method for correcting intermediate paint using the BigFoot system:
To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A Coarse foam polishing pad. Working at a moderate machine speed, with moderate arm speed and light pressure, should enable you to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts. If your paint is in bad condition and you subsequently find that more correction is needed, switch to Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a Rupes Wool polishing pad COARSE - this combination offers more cutting power, but should be used sparingly, as the rate of paint removal increases significantly. When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up with Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A FINE foam polishing pad, in order to maximise surface gloss.
Recommended method for correcting hard paint using the BigFoot system:
To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with Rupes D-A COARSE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A Coarse foam polishing pad. Working at a moderate to high machine speed, with low arm speed and light to moderate pressure, should enable you to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts. If your paint is in bad condition and you subsequently find that more correction is needed, switch to Rupes D-A COARSE polishing compound on a Rupes Wool polishing pad COARSE - this combination offers much more cutting power, but should be used sparingly, as the rate of paint removal increases significantly. When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up with Rupes D-A FINE polishing compound on a RUPES D-A FINE foam polishing pad, in order to maximise surface gloss.
General usage notes:
(i) always wear earplugs and safety spectacles when using a machine polisher; (ii) always tie back long hair and tuck away anything else that could accidentally get caught up (e.g. necklaces or headphone cables); (iii) always switch off your machine at the mains before fitting or swapping the backing plate; (iv) always route the cable up and over your opposite shoulder so as to avoid it coming into contact with the car; (v) always ensure that the pad is in contact with the bodywork when you switch the machine on and off - if you don't do this it's likely to fly off at high speed; (vi) always familiarise yourself fully with the instructions provided for the pads and polishes you are using, and adjust your technique accordingly (e.g. tool speed, arm speed and pressure); (vii) always let the machine do the bulk of the work - there is rarely any need to exert heavy pressure when machine polishing (if the current pad and polish you are using aren't delivering sufficient cut, step up to a more aggressive combination rather than trying to force the issue); (viii) always take a break if you notice that the machine is becoming hot during use - hot machines tend to transmit heat down into the backing plate and pad, which can result in the pad failing prematurely; (ix) always lay the machine on its back when it's not in use, to prevent the pad coming into contact with the ground, and; (x) avoid stepping on the power cable at all times.