Thread: Needing a new buffer

I am looking to buy a new buffer on a budget. I have been looking for a cheap but decent quality in variable or 1750 rpm. The harbor freight 6in is looking pretty good but from what I can tell they're single speed 3600 rpm. I am not afraid of the higher speed but I'm not sure exactly what compounds I should use with the higher speed. I'm not new to buffing by any means but I'm just curious about if I go cheaper with the higher speed will I just end up spending more buying new compounds. I have never used greaseless with anything higher than around 2k. Can I use the same compounds with the higher rpm and smaller 4in wheels for heat reduction or is there something else I should order?

I use the HF 3" grinders because 1)they are cheap 2)I can set up about 4 or 5 of them with 3" cotton wheels 3)they are variable speed 4)they are small and can but stowed away giving me a combination work surface/buffing station.

I haven't seen the 3'' grinders. I will check them out. What speed do they run at?

After looking up the 3in grinder from what I have read in the specs and reviews on it you can't buy the buffing wheels alone also its apparently not variable speed anymore. That is if I am looking at the same grinder you are using. I'm going to the store in the next few days and I will look at what they have in stock. It would be nice to have something that cheap I could use regular greaseless compounds with. If not I will either be stuck with the 6in or possibly looking elsewhere for a 1750 rpm. I'm still not sure.

This is the one I use Bench Grinder with Flex Shaft
I get them with a coupon and they usually run about $28. You can buy the buffing wheels from just about any source but if they come with the 1/2" arbor hole you need to use a spacer.

There is a formula to use for SFPM which is the really important number hit that link for it and much more info on buffing

How To Buff And Polish - Caswell Inc

You can run 4 inch wheels in the HF 6 Inch buffers and essentially slow it down..


Old Washing Machine motors are either 1750 or 1100 RPM and if I had known I could go to our dump up here and yank them I would have, they run forever and a day and are usually pretty heavy duty for HP rating too...


As mentioned already if you head to HF then look for the Discount coupons they issue online first, usually you save 25%

For a few dollars more, buy the 6 inch buffer. As said with the coupon or on sale even a better deal.

The 6 in. buffer is a true buffer, where the 3 in. is a grinder. The buffer has longer shafts, making buffing 3 in razors easier. I know guys have used the 3in, but I think the 6 in is a much better buy for 5 buck more.

I have a 6 in HF and a Baldor. They both do the same thing. I run 4in wheel on both, actually all 3, I have a no name Tawnies buffer I bought at a flea market for a couple of bucks.

Smaller wheels, frequent dipping in water and a light touch will prevent heat problems. You can use all the same compounds on each, just you technique will change a bit.

Buy good quality wheel, maybe more important than the buffer, I buy from Caswells, at least 2 for each grit or compound.

I've got a couple of Baldors, one @ 1750, and the other 3,000 something. Got them for purposes other than razors many years ago. Still running strong. You can save a buck or two with the Chinese HF or help an American worker keep their job. I know most people don't think about that, the cow being so far out of the barn, no sense closing the door. Just my thoughts on the matter.

Buy a baldor,never have to buy another.

Very happy Baldor owner here, too.