I think I will buy a 15 or 17 floor machine for now & try the realease it with a pad?? any of u en-cap pros think this is alright for a first timer?? any help will be appreciated!! also what pads from rick??

Best to ask Rick G.

Sorry Tommy, I didn't answer the first part of your question. IMHO a 17" would be better and they are readily available most anywhere.

Do your self a favor and get a 20 inch machine and get one that is 300 speed or a dule speed 175 /320.

at the very least if you get a 17 inch machine get the higher speed or dule speed one. 175 is just way to slow.

David

i wouldn't suggest a dual speed floor machine as the rectifiers go out when being used for bonnet clening. it's atleast a $200 fix on most machines.

A 300 RPM would work well or a 175/180 RPM will do fine, just slower.


I personally like Clarke equipment for FM's.

DAnny

Will you be using the floor machine for anything else, like stripping VCT? If so, a floor machine would be a good way to start. Or will you be using the machine strictly for encapping? If so, maybe you could rent a machine a couple of times to make sure what you really need.

Kevin

After 11 years with the same two speed buffer I have not had any problems with it at all.
i have used cotton pads, synthetic bonnets, red white, ice, blue, and beige pads on carpet with it.
If that is a problem I would then get a 300 speed with capacitors and put a retaining ring on it if I was doing floor work as that is what I do now any how.

maybe I do not have a problem because I never use the 175 speed?

A 17" floor machine with a solution tank, a pad driver, and FiberPlus pads can do a good job. It's what I used before I got a Cimex. It's definitely not as efficient as a Cimex, but it can still get the job done.





Rick Gelinas
encapman

I've been using a 175rpm scrubber with 17" max pads with an electric sprayer. I averaged 1000' per hour with results around a 7 0n a 1-10 scale. The lack of agressive agitation can be compensated for by increasing to a 6-8oz per gal DS mix.

This is good for jobs under 5,000 sq feet. When you start getting the bigger ones ther is no beating the Cimex. 2,000-3,000 ft per hour at a 10! Just used mine for the first time and the result far surpass the results I got with the 17' scrubber.

Cimex $2800 first job with Cimex $2424.

Gotta love this business!!!!

Tom Workman
Floor Cleaning Experts
727-399-8803

Good on ya Tom, I love to see post like that.

make sure the 17" machine you get is a 1.5 hp motor...don't comprise with a 1hp motor...spend the extra for the stronger motor.....and yes 17" will do you just fine and save money.


"Lies cost.....The TRUTH pays....."