We Say

When RUPES first revealed the groundbreaking HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid at the 2015 SEMA Show, we immediately saw the value in the concept. On countless occasions during machine polishing sessions over the years we've found ourselves thinking, ...if only I could get the pad in that gap safely and ...I wish there was a dual action tool that accepted ultra-small pads and ...I hate this cable; surely it's possible to make a polisher without a cable?. Distilling these thoughts down, what we've really always wanted is a nimble little polisher capable of safely accessing every single nook and cranny on every single vehicle ever made, thus enabling us to extend our quest for perfect paint correction further than ever before. Amazingly, with the HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid, it feels like RUPES have read our minds, and, to ice the proverbial cake, they've even added in a host of additional features that we didn't know we needed, yet which will change the way we detail forever.

So, what is the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid? Well, in a nutshell it's a lightweight multi-action tool with a hybrid power supply and three distinct modes of operation. Starting with the former, it's powered by a state of the art Li-ION battery, which can be swapped in seconds for a plug and play mains power cable if desired. Two batteries are supplied with each tool, and fast recharging (for a minimum of 500 cycles) ensures that you'll always have a fresh one ready when the other one runs out. Abundant torque from the high performance energy-saving motor ensures identical performance regardless of which power supply is being used; battery mode allows for complete freedom of movement and use virtually anywhere, while corded mode provides uninterrupted power for extended periods of use. RUPES refer to this dual power supply concept as their iBrid design philosophy, and it's this which is set to lead the future evolution of the company in terms of innovation, flexibility, versatility and sustainability.

Moving on to the three distinct modes of operation; by swapping the functional unit (the term used by RUPES for the spindle attachment) the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid allows you to switch between rotary, 3 mm random orbital and 12 mm random orbital modes of operation in just seconds. In rotary mode you can perform fast paint correction with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate, or else mount a range of bristle brush attachments for cleaning applications. In 3 mm random orbital mode you can perform de-nibbing and spot-sanding duties with 35 mm sanding discs attached to a 30 mm sanding interface plate, or else ultra-high gloss polishing with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate and 70 mm pads attached to a 50 mm backing plate. In 12 mm random orbital mode you can perform ultra-high gloss polishing with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate and 70 mm pads attached to a 50 mm backing plate. The versatility is, quite frankly, mind blowing!

Given the above design philosophy, it should come as no surprise that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid also incorporates a number of other innovative features to optimise the user experience. These include a lightweight low-profile body specifically designed for one-handed operation, an ergonomic start/stop lever with rubber inserts to aid grip, an easily accessible speed control dial with automatic soft start functionality, high visibility battery status LEDs, a recessed spindle lock button and a protective shroud to prevent unwanted contact with adjacent surfaces during operation. Furthermore, by ensuring that the functional units and associated accessories all meet specific weight targets, RUPES have produced a well balanced machine that is incredibly smooth and vibration-free. This means that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid can be safely controlled in the tightest of spots and used for lengthy periods without causing hands and fingers to become fatigued or affected by paraesthesia (commonly known as pins and needles).

Key Features

Orbital ThrowVaries(See Specification)

Speed Range2000 - 5000 rpm(rpm = revolutions per minute)

Warranty1 Year(Return To Base)

Description

The RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid is an innovative multi-action polishing tool that has been designed and engineered from the ground up to provide detailers with unrivalled levels of usability and flexibility while simultaneously maximising their comfort and safety. In line with this, RUPES recommend that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid is used exclusively with officially designated accessories and parts from the Nano iBrid range. This approach, which is also used for the BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System, ensures that the machine is optimally balanced during use and that vibration levels are minimised. Currently, only one pre-packed kit featuring the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid is available, and the contents of this are described in full below. Please note that 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 Nano iBrid range; non-observance of this requirement automatically terminates the warranty.

RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid - LUX Kit

This kit comprises...

Accessories Case with container(9.Z987/BF)
AC-DC adaptor(9HP120LT)
2x Rechargeable power pack(9HB120LT)
Charger(9HC120LT)
Extension shaft for Nano polisher(291.390/C)
4x Velcro wool polishing pad COARSE Ø30/40mm (1”1/4)(9.BW40M/4)
6x Velcro foam polishing pad FINE Ø30/40mm (1”1/4)(9.DA40M/6)
4x Velcro wool polishing pad COARSE Ø50/70mm (2”)(9.BW70M/4)
4x Velcro foam polishing pad FINE Ø50/70mm (2”)(9.DA70M/4)
D-A COARSE polishing compound 250ml(9.DACOARSE)
D-A FINE polishing compound 250ml(9.DAFINE)
Rotary Functional Unit(562.390)
3mm orbit Functional Unit(581.390/C)
12mm orbit Functional Unit(58.390/C)
Polishing backing pad Ø30mm (1”1/4)(995.001)
Polishing backing pad Ø50mm (2”)(996.001)
Sanding backing pad Ø30mm (1”1/4)(997.001)
Horsehair Medium Cup Brush(9.BF3000)
Nylon Hard Cup Brush(9.BF3030)
10x Adhesive Abrasive Discs for denibbing Ø35mm P2000(9.45520)
10x Adhesive Abrasive Discs for denibbing Ø35mm P3000(9.45530)
Blue Microfiber Cloth(9.BF9050)
Yellow Microfiber Cloth(9.BF9060)
RUPES Systainer T-LOC(9.CASEIII)

Specification

More Information
AC-Powered	Yes (in cable mode)
Battery Type	1 x 2000 mAh (Li-ion)
Battery-Powered	Yes (in battery mode)
CE Approved	Yes
Cable Length	3.7 m
Drive Type	Rotary and random orbital (free-spinning)
Interchangeable Backing Plate	Yes (30 mm, 50 mm)
Net Weight	725 g
Orbital Throw	3 mm or 12 mm (in random orbital modes)
Plug Type	UK 3-pin (G)
Power Rating	54 W (in battery mode) or 60 W (in cable mode)
Running Time	30 minutes (in battery mode)
Soft Start	Yes
Sound Pressure Level	72 dB(A)
Speed Lock	No
Speed Range	2000 - 5000 RPM
Supplied Backing Plate	30 mm and 50 mm
Thread Size	M6 (female)
Type	BLX Kit
Variable Speed Control	Yes
Vibration Level (3 Axis)	Unspecified
Voltage	10.8 V (battery mode) and 100 - 250 V (cable mode)
Warranty	1 year return to base

How To Use

The RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid 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. Also worth noting is that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid is a multi-action power tool with three distinct modes of operation; rotary, 3 mm random orbital and 12 mm random orbital (random orbital equates to the term dual action, which is more widely used when describing random orbital machines). You should note that rotary polishing is a specialist process that requires a significant amount of hands on training to properly master and should not be attempted until sufficient experience has been gained through practice on scrap panels. Moreover, because it usually involves a significantly higher degree of paint removal, it should only ever be undertaken in conjunction with a paint thickness gauge. For these reasons, we suggest that if you want to learn how to use the rotary polishing mode of this tool properly you should seek professional training, as there's a limit to what can be learnt online and, in our opinion, rotary polishing falls beyond it. In contrast, dual action polishing is a much easier process to learn, and safe enough for novices to teach themselves.

Recommended method for correcting soft paint using the Nano iBrid:

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 Nano iBrid:

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 Nano iBrid:

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.

We Say

Key Features

Description

Specification

How To Use

Reviews

We Say

Key Features

Description

Specification

How To Use

New Products

Filters

RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid