We Say
The RUPES BigFoot Backing Plate is a key component in an innovative system of free-spinning dual action polishers 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. All of the components associated with each machine in the BigFoot system are carefully matched in terms of their size and weight, so as to ensure that the balance of the machine is optimised and vibration levels are minimised. This includes not only the internal components, but also the backing plates and polishing pads. Therefore, in order to get the best possible performance out of each BigFoot machine (and preserve its warranty) it is important to only use it in conjunction with officially designated RUPES accessory products (for a list of backing plate designations, see the fitting notes in the How To Use section below). In reality many people are ignoring the above advice, and are fitting their BigFoot machine(s) with aftermarket or different-sized backing plates (because they wish to use different-sized pads). While these modifications may appear to work, they often impact negatively on performance and vibration levels, and breach the warranty terms specified by RUPES. Don't say we didn't warn you!
Key Features
DiameterFrom 74 mm(Across The Face)
Net WeightFrom 28 g(Without Packaging)
Thread SizeVarious(See Specification)
Description
The RUPES BigFoot Backing Plate forms a critical part of the BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System and is currently available in three sizes, with each size being designed for a specific subset of BigFoot machines (see the fitting notes in the How To Use section below). All three sizes are made out of nylon and flexible polyurethane, which together are particularly resistant to mechanical stress. Furthermore, they are all engineered to meet a specific weight target, which ensures that they work in perfect harmony with the counterbalance in the machines they are intended to be fitted to. This approach, which is also used for the full range of BigFoot polishing pads, ensures that the balance of each machine is optimised and that vibration levels are minimised. The carefully positioned ventilation holes in each size variant create an airflow pathway that dissipates frictional heat and helps to maintain safe working temperatures, even on relatively sensitive substrates such as aluminium and carbon fibre. The hook and loop fastening material used for all three size variants is specifically designed to be able to withstand the extreme lateral forces generated by long-throw dual action polishers, and provide solid anchoring and exceptional pad stability while each machine is in use. The amount of vertical grip, however, is normal, thus ensuring that BigFoot polishing pads remain easy to affix and remove.
Specification
| Construction | Nylon and flexible polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 28 g (75 mm)||123 g (125 mm)||131 g (150 mm) |
| Thread Size | M6 (bolt through) (75 mm)||M8 (bolt through) (125 mm)||M8 (bolt through) (150 mm) |
How To Use
RUPES fitting notes: (i) the 75 mm version should be used exclusively with the RUPES LHR 75E Mini BigFoot Polisher, and is designed to accept all 100 mm BigFoot foam polishing pads, all 100 mm BigFoot microfiber polishing pads and all 90 mm BigFoot wool polishing pads; (ii) the 125 mm version should be used exclusively with the RUPES LHR 15ES BigFoot Polisher and the RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher, and is designed to accept all 150 mm BigFoot foam polishing pads, all 150 mm BigFoot microfiber polishing pads and all 145 mm BigFoot wool polishing pads, and; (iii) the 150 mm version should be used exclusively with the RUPES LHR 21III BigFoot Polisher, and is designed to accept all 180 mm BigFoot foam polishing pads, all 170 mm BigFoot microfiber polishing pads and all 170 mm BigFoot wool polishing pads. General usage notes: (i) always switch off your machine at the mains before fitting or removing a backing plate; (ii) always ensure that you tighten the backing plate sufficiently, but without over tightening it – a half turn of the hex key after it first pinches tight is usually sufficient for safe and effective use, and; (iii) always use an appropriate sized backing plate for the pad you are using – the pad should always protrude past the edge of the backing plate, never the other way around.