Edge Pad Connector Redux by Rupes

S

Setec Astronomy

Well-known member
Well, I don't know if the patent ran out on the old Edge ball-bearing lock system that they sold to 3M many years ago, or whether Rupes just skirted it, but they have released a new system:

SMARTFIX Connector M14 & 5/8" - Rupes tools

The RUPES SMARTFIX system is a quick, tool-free solution for mounting double-sided rotary pads. Instead of using threads, the pad simply presses onto the de...
www.rupes.com www.rupes.com

For those of you who don't remember it, the Edge system used double-sided pads with a hex ball-detent which automatically centered the pad. They made adapters for rotary, DA, and very briefly for the Flex 3401. Aaron Krause, the inventor, sold the company to 3M (who only wanted it for rotary), then went on for a few years with, if I'm remembering this right IAP (Innovative Accessory Products), that made some foam wheel polishing cones I think, before going on to real fame and fortune on Shark Tank as the father of the Scrub Daddy, which you see in every supermarket now.
 
I assume that the double -sided pads are made by Rupes with their foam construction and designed to fit this SMART FIX connector drive shaft. I also assume there is a thin plate between the two foam pads to act as the "backing plate" for rigidity.
Since I have no experience with Rupe foam pads, I need to ask those Autopians who have what their opinions are about the Rupes foam pads compared to other pads from Lake Country or Griots Garage or Buff-and-Shine.
 
Last edited:
Accumulator--was that a hint to Rupes to make a PC-threaded adapter??

Lonnie, yes, the Edge pads had a plastic plate in the middle that the foam was bonded to, I think it was about 3/32" thick, maybe an eighth, I'd have to dig them out. I presume the Rupes is similar. People seem to like the Rupes pads, remember Jason Rose went from Meguiar's to Rupes, and I think the legendary Kevin Brown also consults with them. If I'm remembering right, Kevin was the first to import Rupes before they bought Cyclo to get a foothold here.
 
I think most PCs use the female (IE, tapped hole) 5/8 - 13NC thread (13 threads per inch, National Course) so this SMARTFIX connector will be need to be made with a MALE thread (IE, screw shaft) to fit into a Porter-Cable Dual-Action Orbital polisher, PC-DA as we call it.
I assume this is a right-hand thread, meaning the helix or spiral goes clockwise to tighten
(Lefty loosy, righty tighty?)
How do you tell the difference between a RH or LH thread? An old engineer's trick was to hold up your Right Hand next to the threaded shaft. If the threads spiral (helix)pointed in the direction of your thumb, it was RH. If the threads pointed in the direction of the thumb on the left -hand, it was LH. To verify this method, look at a turnbuckle with threaded hooks or eyelet loops; one end is RH and the other LH. Hold up your RH hand to verify which is which. Some manufacturers denote this on the turnbuckle with an embossed or cast notation RH- LH designation on the appropriate end.
 
Last edited:
Setec- Heh heh, I dunno...I never got enamored of the Edge system and its doubled-up pads somehow put me off (personal preference, no real functional downsides that I noticed).

The plastic plate is thick in the middle where the hole for the hex adaptor is, tapering thinner towards the edge of the pads. The foam is firmly bonded, and the plate is far enough back from the edge as to not cause issues unless [operator error].

The Edge pads were a bit different from the Cyclo ones, and if Rupes is still selling the original Green Cyclo general-purpose pads (that used to be the only ones for Cyclos, did everything just fine) they've never been in-stock when I was shopping. Man, I loved those green pads.....
 
Lonnie...I couldn't remember that PC thread, I used to. Who knows if Rupes plans on one for that, probably not. And you know all that engineering stuff, righty-tighty lefty loosey...how to tell RH threads from LH...

Accumulator--I don't think I ever used my Edge pads, I just kind of liked the idea of snapping on and off, no centering.
 
It's a great concept, but will it sell?
Hard to believe a company like Rupes would make such an investment in this concept without some R&D beta testing by detailers in the real world, especially those in body shops or used car dealer preps, where less time to get the job done is more money in the business 's profits.
Would be interested in hearing beta testers experience and opinions about this dual pad.
For myself as a hobbyist detailer who may pick up a polishing machine once or twice a month, not sure if it would be worth the investment of a bunch of new pads AND it seems like this concept is really geared for the rotary machine users.
Great...now I need to buy a Rupes rotary buffer as well...one (expense) thing leads to another... although it MIGHT be a good justification to my frugal household CFO (wife) as an "investment" to my detailing budget...just sayin'....(Right, Captain Obvious, sounds more like financial fodder for a "lively debate" on the economic principle of (unlimited) wants and (real) needs with limited means and the "proper discernment" between the two.)
 
Last edited:
If I didn't explain it fully enough, 3M has been producing the product for rotary since they bought it from Edge, I think mostly in wool pads. It does seem odd, but I'm guessing Rupes is going to try to compete with 3M in the bodyshop market.
 
Setec- Heh heh, well...I liked the *idea* too...just not how it actually worked out. Though I never did try the Edge adaptor for my Flex3401 as I couldn't shake the thought of what would happen should there be a catastrophic failure.

The Cyclo/PC adaptors were still sitting in the back of the drawer of my Correction cart. Can't ever remember the last time I had them in use.
 
Funny, I thought I never got my 3401 Edge adapter, because as I remember they were just about to release it when they sold to 3M, but a couple of months ago I was looking in the box for my 3401 to see if I had the other size backing plate for it, and there in the box was that Edge adaptor. I guess the next question should be if the Rupes pads will fit on the Edge adapter. Of course I don't even know if these old Edge ones even take the pads 3M is making for their version of it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top