Thread: harbor freight bench buffer?

Any good? Looking for a buffer for polishing new tool steel...

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-buffer-94393.html

Dread i would try and get one with a variable speed, but that is essentially what you want. I have found that with the 80 grit compounds (that i really do not like to use ) and a few of the lower grit compounds you really want a lower speed so you can control how much is coming off of the steel. I am sure it will work, but low and slow will produce less heat and give you more control of the blade. That is a great price. I think I spend 80 bucks on mine, but its a craftsman. Great site for getting your compound and even your wheels is Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc. Good luck

Yup, they work and well, many of us have them.

Look around, I have bought buffers for a couple of dollars and recently bought a Baldor for 40, Cleaned it up, greased the bearings and it runs great. It sits next to a Harbor Freight and Taiwan no name.

They all do the same thing, though your technique may vary.

Thanks for the replys...

I have a buffer that runs 3600 rpm's & it really builds heat quick. Find one that runs 1/2 that speed if at all possible...

For buffing, one of the best investments you will make is a cut down plastic water bottle filled with clean water. Use it regularly. Also don’t bolt your buffer down. If you are moving your buffer, you are using too much pressure.

The slower buffers do generate less heat, or better said will generate heat slower, but if you quench regularly and use light pressure, it is not an issue. (Assuming you are using 4 inch wheels for the 3600 rpm buffers.)

Buy extra wheels, at least 2 for each grit or type of polish you will use, so while one is drying, the other is in use. Mark your wheels with a marker, as to what grit is on the wheel. A gang of 4 inch wheels fit nicely in a 12 inch plastic shoe box.

A cut down cereal box makes a nice splatter guard for applying compound.

I buy from Caswells, they have all that you will need, except the water bottle and the cereal box.

I still like flexible speed choices......
W1681 Buffing Assembly

Pay attention to the second pic.

Randy, do you use their polishing compounds?

If so how is the yellow fine polish and where does it fit in the polishing progression?

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Randy, do you use their polishing compounds?

If so how is the yellow fine polish and where does it fit in the polishing progression?

I use 2 compounds, a coarse black and a dry white. I think I purchased them from Caswell.