So I decided enough with the hand sanding and dremel cleaning.
Tore apart some old Halloween gadgets I built when the kids were little and pulled out a 1/4 hp Dc motor and some of my old circuitry. Dug an old spindle grinder I had in the shed out, cleaned up the 1/2" shaft and oil ways a bit. Picked up a new 2" pulley and belt,, voila!
Attachment 179648
Put a sisal and cotton buff on it, and with my reversing speed control in that box I have an effective, albeit ugly, variable speed reversing buffing rig.
Maybe I can start to put some real shine on some of my projects now.
Cheers gents.