Thread: Needing a new buffer

Originally Posted by spazola

There is also the build your own approach. I would look for most any American made TEFC totaly enclosed fan cooled motor. Baldor motors are the best, but there are a lot of well made tefc motors that are up to the task. I would scour Craigs List and check with motor rewinding shops to find an appropriate motor. Open frame motors, do not fare well in a dirty shop.

I would recommend a belt guard, and placing the switch in a better location, it you decide to do something similar.

Here is my set up, for a little food for thought. It offers a good deal of speed and wheel size variability. Just tossing out ideas.

Charlie

Nice setup Charlie. What do you use the left side spindle for ? Seems a little less free space.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Nice setup Charlie. What do you use the left side spindle for ? Seems a little less free space.

I started with the shaft centered pillow blocks. I figured out it worked better with long shaft and extra clearance so I shifted the shaft to right. I use the long side 90% of the time. I use the short side on rare occasions. I told myself I would get a longer one but I never have.

Hindsight, only need one long side, put switch in better spot, make belt guard.

Charlie

Here's one Randy pulled off:
[URL="http://straightrazorpalace.com/workshop/88502-tapered-thraded-mandrel-buffer-sander-finished.html"]
~Richard

I thought about getting the tapered spindles for ease of changing wheels, but with 3 buffers I can line up a progression on the bench, (you don’t need to bolt them down) so changing wheels is not a big issue. I usually buff a bunch of razors at a time.

I also learned you do not need to torque the nuts holding the wheels down, hand tight is plenty good. I do use some larger washers about 1.5 in. OD, (the Baldor came with some nice larger ones) and a small piece of PVC pipe to space the wheels out further away from the motor, so there is just enough space to thread the nut on. Compressing the washers and the wheel by hand is enough to keep them on tight. I can almost change wheels as fast as Charlie… almost.

If your wheels are slipping, you are using too much pressure. The tapered spindles do space the wheels out further, but then you need more space on the bench, it’s a trade off. The distance from the motor has never really been an issue for me with this set up.