Rupes Product Training: E3 - LK900E Mille Gear Driven Polisher

[@deluxevehicledetailingandp904]

I just bought a Mille to bridge the gap between DA and rotary. The more tools you have, the more options you have. This tool is not necessary, but I believe it's a great addition to anyone's arsenal of tools for high level detailing. Can't wait to put it through it's paces. Thanks for this video, I picked up some great info here !

[@ObsessedGarage]

Well said.

[@fpswick8458]

These videos are so helpful. Reminds me why I love using the OG store to support these ventures you bring us along for.

[@alexshepherd]

I’ve had the Mille for a month now and I find it brilliant. Really easy to handle compared to the LHR15ES I had before; no stalling! Much more powerful (better cutting) - I’ve tried the larger pads but I prefer the smaller. Good economic life of pads and compound. Perhaps a little noisier (than the LHR15/21) as heard in this video, and works against you a little more with the coarse compound, but it doesn’t take me as long to get results (compared to the LHR21Mk2 I tried as well), so it works well for me. With the fine pad and compound, it’s particularly smooth (can be used one-handed) so on any ‘decent’ paint, it’s easy. I’m not using as many different compounds - just the two are sufficient. I especially like the soft-trigger start. I use a Nano in rotary mode to fit into places where the Mille can’t, but as discussed here, the Mille will work on its edge, so it will do almost all of a car, and that’s why the tiny Nano is sufficient for those few small places (pillars, side skirts) where a 5” pad won’t suit. No need for the LHR75/Mini for me any more!

[@chrismartin4607]

Alex Shepherd Hi mate. You still rate the mille above the 15 mk2? How much better and consistent is the correction?

[@alexshepherd]

Chris Martin (the Coldplay frontman, the cricketer, or my friend from high school?) yes I do :) the two Rupes compounds that go with it are very effective and economical when bought in 1kg containers, pads last well. Basically it’s a ‘system’ that’s simpler than Rupes’ earlier offerings and the machine is powerful, works well. You have up to 900W at your disposal and the variable-speed trigger helps to control it. This is a single machine that replaces both a rotary and a DA, so it’s well worth the investment if you’re working on ‘average’ cars. If it’s only your own personal cars and they’re already nearly-perfect then you probably don’t need this machine. Just my thoughts :)

[@chrismartin4607]

Alex Shepherd haha, neither of the above buddy 😂. Thanks for the info! Keep seeing contrasting opinions haha. How does the mille finish on soft paint?

[@ForensicDetailing]

so much usefull info in this. the mille is an excellent tool it really is, theres an improvement as well with its cooling system over other fixed rotations. would have loved it to have shed 2-3 more kilos but can appreciate why that just might not be possible. the blue flat pads are perhaps the most agressive foam pads ive ever used. pick the wrong compound and you will get owned by the machine literally. I didnt have the mille compound (should have bought some) but managed to get it smooth enough by working wet with s3 gold, and getting the pad warmed up and softer. On wool its smooth as a whistle. Would perhaps have liked to see a green flat pad equivalent.. finishing down on the yellows is a lot more civilized. rupes clearly put a lot of thought into everything. personal preference comes into it but I just preferred using the tool on the normal rupes greens. when your working on more curvey areas those flat pads cant always ground out to the panel. the downsides of using thick pads were not obvious to me, but I only had a couple of hours with the tool overall though its a pretty big thumbs up. the man sized speed dial is a nice improvement and 9 meter heavy duty cable is superb. great stuff.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I can't wait for the MKIII DAs to have larger speed dials and variable triggers.

[@BB_Detailing_00]

Hi Jon. Thanks for that additional info.

[@c6z061]

Hi Jon, it seems the compound choice(and pad) will make a big difference as far as how smooth the Mille will be? The shorter stroke makes it much less forgiving compared to the 3401, it seems. Choices of compounds/polishes may be a lot less with the Mille. However, find the right combo and it will be a lot smoother than the 3401?

[@jonbonifacio5406]

@@ObsessedGarage is that true? Rupes will release a new line of system mark 3?

[@jdisdetermined]

jon bonifacio yes of course, they had a few Mark III tools at SEMA this year..

[@rx7dude2006]

I wish you would do a video specifically for gelcoat, it's such a different surface and as a detailer for over 20 years I can tell you the variety of gelcoat finishes are vastly different even on the same model yacht.

[@BelLavoroAutoSpa]

Probably would need a company called Obsessed Dock? Obsessed Jetty? Haha I hear you though on the gel coat. I know Mike Phillips is very experienced on it, not sure if he has done some videos with 3D on it.

[@c6z061]

The NEW DA compounds and pads can be used with both the Mille and MK polishers!

[@CheshireCars]

Super indepth detailing advice we love Rupes here at Cheshire cars

[@Audittr2108]

Thanks for this. I’ve finally got my mind around the Mille. I also couldn’t work out where I’d use it over my LHR15mk2 and for me I wouldn’t. The 15 with the 75e does it all brilliantly. For the once a year polish I do, these were perhaps over the top so getting a Mille for the edges would be too extravagant for me. Definitely get the claw tool, very handy!

[@karelatwax-it4016]

Great video Matt.I love to listen to Jason Rose. I personally stick to Rupes DA. I also love those Rupes modular trolleys but damn they are expensive!

[@reciella]

Your a legend Matt, these videos are invaluable. Placed my first order with you, cant wait to receive it. Keep up the great work.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Awesome! Thanks brother.

[@davidsmurf8559]

Excellent video Matt. I love your new video, best details content. Great job

[@jdisdetermined]

Oh man I want one! What kind or air nozzle is that? Has an odd sound..

[@Gunnvulcan]

Tornador air gun. Wonderful for blowing out pads.

[@jdisdetermined]

@@Gunnvulcan hmm, only $50 on Amazon, I think I have to buy one.. Thanks! 👌

[@everettekupsche4038]

I'm seriously thinking of buying one

[@VictorHernandez-nt3tw]

Do you think they'll ever invent a polisher where it measures how much downward pressure you are exerting so you know if when you get to weird angles using a consistent pressure?

[@ObsessedGarage]

I like that idea. That would be cool.

[@jdisdetermined]

Paint Correction Officer Love that! I've always thought even a simple LED like many drills have to indicate perfectly level would be very useful on a free spinning DA..

[@kutlee2009]

can you explain how die back id caused by rotary? i have seen that rotary polished finish dont last long.

[@DarrelMartinez]

Whats the physical size of the LK900E and LH19E vs LHR15 MKII if you happen to know? Looking for storage and would like to buy it prior to purchasing these tools.

[@pepepepepe33]

What exactly is edge work. Is it just working on an edge?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yes

[@pepepepepe33]

@@ObsessedGarage correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't it say rotary is best for edge work? Wouldn't that be easier to have burn through than a small DA?

[@DavidC1]

found the Gear Driven episode...thanks so much, very informative

[@lukel90]

I could watch this all day

[@justinchang9736]

I can't wait for the edge work video!

[@highway9ca693]

If you put more pressure on one side or another you can control the direction of the machine a little bit more.

[@greggriffin3242]

What is the name of that wool pad

[@ericschott5100]

where do I get one of those air pulse guns for cleaning dust/pads??? So awesome!

[@jdisdetermined]

Griot's: www.griotsgarage.com/product/air+pulse+blow+gun.do Tornador: www.autogeek.net/tornador-blow-out-tool.html

[@edtsymerman2019]

Matt, great video! Can I use Sonax Perfect Finish with yellow pad?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yep, that's what I use all the time.

[@rosekberlin]

on my lhr15 mark2 there was only two speed settings... 1 and 6. All other SpeedSettings i dont use. how is it on the Mille ? If i polish a hard paint like bmw or mercedes ? start with speed 5-6 and medium armspeed, medium pressure ? If cut isnt enough, lower armspeed or more pressure ? Im so exited. Get my mille next week

[@weSteh]

Can these rupes carts be purchased??

[@kristips4694]

Mark3 or MilleLK900?Whitch is better?

[@-Galavanta-]

Does anyone know what type of airgun is used at 12:30 ? cheers.

[@ObsessedGarage]

It a Tornador.

[@Audittr2108]

Those Rupes drawer units are so cool. Are they going to sell them?

[@ObsessedGarage]

I don't think so.

[@karelatwax-it4016]

In Europe we can buy them but man they are expensive!

[@Audittr2108]

Rupes expensive? That does surprise me!😁

[@BB_Detailing_00]

Obsessed Garage Matt, will you ever get a cart? I'm very curious as to which you would go with.

[@HutchDesigns]

Are the mille pads mandatory or can you use any foam/wool pads?

[@Siwulam]

Gosh I wish I could afford to go and learn from them and hone my skills as an amatuer.

[@nadermoallemi3152]

with respect to both master detailers Jason Rose and Mat, as i have tried different speeds with Rupes 21 mark II and Flex 3401 i think the perfect speed would be one inch per second.

[@cobra454tim]

Totally Geeking Out right now thank you Matt 👍🙏🤘

[@jtm1979]

I had mille and sold it. I have the whole bigfoot line and it gets better and faster results. Like Jason said, edges amd concaves are not problem after you learn to master long throw polisher.

[@alexshepherd]

jtm1979 thanks, I think I recognise your name (joe1979 or something) from elsewhere... I guess I was hoping the Mille (with its greater power and the different movement) would provide faster correction than a regular DA, such as on this rough example, but the results in the video didn’t seem too miraculous. I suspect that using the wool pads on the LHR21 would give correction at a similar rate - is that what you found? I’m also not keen on the idea of “heavy oil” in the compound (yes, those exact words were mentioned in the video) as that could potentially give misleading results, which would need a wipe down every time to assess. And even just taking longer to prime the pads looks like it could be a hassle when repeated many times.

[@alexshepherd]

And here I am back again; I tried it and found it excellent for my needs. I get better results than shown in this video! I can appreciate that if you’re not looking for powerful results then the Mille might not be necessary, but as a great all-rounder replacing the need for both a rotary and a DA, I find the Mille perfect :)

[@jtm1979]

Well actually i am after powerfull results and did several tests and Mille doesnt cut as fast as 15-21 MK2 and that is a fact. Sure its powerfull machine ane way better than Flex 3401. I didnt keep it because i allready have nano, mini, duetto 15mk2, 21mk2 and Festool Shinex rotary lol.

[@NickM1013]

Hooked on this series! Matt, does Rupes make any products which protect the paint (wax, sealant, etc), and if not, why?

[@ObsessedGarage]

They have a product line, but I don't know much about it.

[@BB_Detailing_00]

They do have a liquid sealant, something like p808. I just remember 8 being in there. Haven't tried it, though

[@danlc95]

808 Protective Sealant. Super glossy and slick. Seemed to hold up through a Michigan winter.

[@AntonSlizzardhands]

Maybe I'm out of the loop, but wasn't he striking a deal with the curly mustache "doctor" for the same type of product?

[@gufiaito69able]

I hope E4 and E5 are up today!!!

[@mrader72]

what are peoples non rupes pads they use on the mille and any other componds?

[@jdisdetermined]

The Lake Country Forced Hybrids work great on forced rotation machines. The Buff & Shine uro-fiber as well, reallllly love their 50/50 for one steps. Low profile pads in general pair well with forced rotation. They all will work, but the heavy torque available with forced rotation can cause thicker pads to twist and act up a little, especially if they're on the softer side. As for compounds and polishes you can pretty much use what you like. But the Mille is a great choice for aio and one steps. It can finish well and you can put a little pressure down when you need it and go after the deeper defects even while using a less aggressive polish. A great tool to have and a much more civilized version of the 3401, with easier finishing. I usually cut with a rotary and finish with just a standard 8mm DA, but if I'm only doing one step, I will choose the Mille almost everytime. Likewise, if I could only use one polisher for an entire vehicle, I would choose the Mille. 👍👌✌

[@iamrobbyah]

Keith Olsen best comment on this video! Thanks for the insight! I’ve gone through a couple of DA’s and I’m left sorely disappointed with the results, but I also don’t feel confident to step up to a rotary yet. Your comment above gives me the confidence to pull the trigger.

[@J1Z06]

Matt, did You end up getting a Mille?

[@ObsessedGarage]

No, I don't like forced rotation.

[@tony.775]

It is a good video. Rupes are very low profile in advertising their products and as a brand leader the information does not get out there. This will have adverse impact on those die hards and what they are used to. Rupes do so much R&D and the end product is what it is because of that, many will not understand this and videos like this may not be enough. I will stay with the recommended products until at such point I feel like trying something new.

[@danlc95]

I really like the user experience and results from their pads and compounds. I've tried others, but theirs is my favorite.

[@richdebene]

Can you use this for Carnauba wax?

[@kasparov937]

Sure....with the right pad

[@Methodical2]

The guy with the beard looks familiar. Didn't he work with Adams?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yes, Dylan Von Kleist.

[@Methodical2]

@@ObsessedGarage Thanks. I thought so.

[@aarong8633]

So what do you think Matt ? Would you really suggest that the pro detailers buys the Millie for there shop? I hated the flex 3401 was completely uncomfortable and jump... it just wasn’t a smooth machine... so It made me hate forced rotation... is the Mille gonna change that for me?

[@ObsessedGarage]

I think it's one of those things you get if you already have everything and you like the gear like I do. Otherwise, I'd stick with the DA.

[@matthewgibb2640]

The makita bo6050j is a clockwise rotating forced and random polisher but of course it's half sander half polisher so not the strongest but I love them. I own two and use for express service. The Mille definitely has the most balance and venting on the plate is very good idea. As for the argument of what corrects quicker,a random or a forced. Often it will be the random but when it comes to heavy defects and faded paint, forced comes into its own. It can transform paint better like a rotary. The makita po6000c is the strongest forced rotation machine but spins to the left and the backing plate is far too hard. One thing I don't understand is why rupes polishers are black and white. Rupes brand colors are red and white so black tools to me seems to be somewhat of a branding error. You don't see other brands machines different to their brand colors often.

[@bigdogbulldog9912]

Great how to Matt👌still prefer orbital

[@RaldasDetails]

I love this video nice nice 👍🏼 thanks.

[@volpswagen_marco]

This was a great video!

[@volpswagen_marco]

What does long and short cycle mean ?

[@ObsessedGarage]

Number of passes. Less passes would mean you are not working the polish as long.

[@danlc95]

How long you work the compound or polish. Short cycling a diminishing abrasive product would probably not leave an optimal finish. Unfortunately, overcycling a diminishing abrasive might also produce a less than stellar finish. Something like Meguiar's M100, or M205 can be short cycled with beautiful results, and often produce better results "short cycled", especially M205. The standard Rupes gels tend to favor a shorter cycle. No more than six passes, per information from Jason Rose. I usually do two or three total passes with Zephir, Quarz, Keramik, and Diamond. Usually two passes with a microfiber disc (wether the coarse blue, or the medium yellow).

[@c6z061]

They claim the Mille is more user friendly than the 3401. It still looks like the Mille wants to walk on you. It may be less than the 3401 as far as that goes, but the 21mm all day long!!

[@alexshepherd]

mark Saf fair call - it does ‘walk’ especially if the pad is a bit dry, but then again, I personally found the 21mm-throw harder to control (much more oscillation than the 5mm orbit of the Mille), heavier vibration on the wrists, etc. I think it’s worth actually trying the machines out side-by-side, as I suspect it comes down to personal choice! :)

[@c6z061]

Agreed.

[@c6z061]

Jason Rose is a great teacher!!

[@mikeyp2447]

Man that Rupes hype! Love the video.. but you guys can keep em' 😏

[@MrSoull]

What?

[@Dimitriweemhof]

The number you're looking for is 3,628,800 10x9x8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1...

[@ObsessedGarage]

Bingo!

[@Pierriewargen]

I don't think it would be the same amount of combinations as with digits. 1-2-3 is totally different from 3-2-1 as a number, ie two combinations. But changing pressure - machine speed - arm movement is exactly the same as changing arm movement - machine speed - pressure. There would still be a lot of combinations though.

[@Dimitriweemhof]

Pierriewargen if it was digits it would be 10x10x10x10x10x10x10 10x10x10. The method I said before will apply with for example 10 lightbulbs, so they are either on or off. So you use one method or you don't use it.

[@Pierriewargen]

D. Weemhof No, if you coun't the variables as binary (on/off) you will get 1023 combinations.

[@Pierriewargen]

Or 1024, it depends on if you count "all off" as one combination. It is 2^10.

[@kutlee2009]

man thats loud.

[@loopsandthreads5028]

This pad for that system... that pad for this polisher... backing plate... washer... all overpriced gimmicks. Rupes in a nutshell 🥜

[@ObsessedGarage]

They are offering a solution. More solutions means more options to me.