Thread: Variable Speed Buffer Build/Speed Kills/Part One

Originally Posted by engine46

Very nice setup. I have a metal cutting lathe that I wanted to set up into a buffer/grinder but I would have to make sure I keep it clean all the time for when I need to use it as a lathe again. I think I would much rather build one of those setups, that way I could avoid getting grinding compounds all over the lathe. About how much $ do you have in it minus the motor?
Steve

Hey Steve,

I figured that this question would come up. Unfortunately I didn't think about it until much later please remember that I've been working on this since April 6th on and off as time funds and PWH's help would allow so I didn't keep 'accurate records' (Glen Please Forgive Me) hehehe

Here's the best I can figure:

Cost of building the Variable Speed Buffer/Approximately

Cast Iron Base N/C
3/4hp 1725 rpm 110v motor N/C
Cleaning up the base $10
Pillow Block Bearings 4 @ $6.90 each plus shipping-$27.60
Precision Shaft $35/free delivery-$35
Machine Shop fee for cutting keyways $40 ***
Precision Ground Clamps 4 @$3.75 each plus freight -$15
Step Pulleys 2 @ $25 each-$50
3" driver pulley on motor N/C
5" driven pulley on speed reducer $12
Belts $10
2X6 for Speed Reducer N/C-courtesy of a local contractor
2 layers of 3/4" plywood N/C- courtesy of Ski
Laminate $40
Various glues, screw and other items needed to assemble the base N/C- Ski
Electrical Cord all N/C- some I had some from Ski
Nuts Bolts Washers Lock Washers to assemble no idea as I exchanged so many trying to get the ones that would not only 'work' but not extend excessively as I wanted the build to not only function but look nice.

Now to the *** I had taken the precision shaft to a machine shop that I've used many times in the past and with great satisfaction. I had the area to cut the keyways clearly marked. The Owner Operator looked at the shaft and wrote out the work order while telling me that it wouldn't be ready until Friday as they were very busy (I was there on a Monday) and that was fine as I wasn't in any hurry.

An hour later he called said the shaft was ready so I went up, paid $68 and took the pieces home.

The next day when I went to trial fit ---I found that he had hurried the job and cut the key ways in the wrong place! I contacted another machine shop and they cut the one shaft for the speed reducer in the proper place for less than $20. I'd managed to use the miss cut final drive but the length of the key way was the same on both shafts. That is why I said that the shaft machine work was $40 as that is what it would of been if I hadn't been ripped off.

Before you ask/I'm one of those who doesn't go back and Bitch, I just don't go Back!

So ignoring the rip off and not counting my time or fuel to go to Ski's place which is 20 miles away from me here's the Approximate Total:

Total: $239.60

Yes I could have purchased a buffer for a hell of a lot less, but it wouldn't be Mine! And to be truthful my buffer will more than likely out live me as the vital parts can be easily replaced at a minimum fee

I hope this helps

Update On The Homemade Variable Speed Buffer

While I haven't found any straight razors to play with, I did have a heirloom serving fork that was my uncles/he was a chef in California. Due to neglect/my fault/it was in need of some help.

Here's the before picture:



Here's after using the highest non greaseless compound:



Here's after a run with the 80 grit greaseless and then the 240 grit greaseless:



Since it is just a kitchen utensil I didn't try to get a higher gloss.

I need to thank my cantankerous friend from the Great State of Texas as he is digging through his stash as he thinks that he has at least one or two that could use a lot of work for me so I can see how my buffer works on actual straight razors.

Updates will follow! Stay Tuned

Well, Wullie should still have 8 of the 10 pounds of old Sheffield paint-stirrers I sent him a few years back out in the garage, somewhere. Prolly under some rusty Harley fork tubes and magnetos!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well, Wullie should still have 8 of the 10 pounds of old Sheffield paint-stirrers I sent him a few years back out in the garage, somewhere. Prolly under some rusty Harley fork tubes and magnetos!

I'm wondering why you would 'presume' that the person digging through his stash to find razors to help me with my build would be Wullie. Are you presuming that because I used the term 'cantankerous' that the person digging through his stash would be 'Wullie'"

Precisely!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Precisely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuHr00nxeew

Yea he would have said Ape for me, but you should have a couple to play with on your birthday! Happy birthday my friend. Roy i wish you many more. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Yea he would have said Ape for me, but you should have a couple to play with on your birthday! Happy birthday my friend. Roy i wish you many more. Tc

Thank you my friend, I'm looking forward to meeting the postman BEFORE he or she can walk up to the Boars Nest to receive your wonderful gift It will be a very long day until it arrives and it is on schedule

While you may be the ape, I'm the Mastodon!

My only question is, HOW RUSTY DO YOU WANT THEM?

Originally Posted by Wullie

My only question is, HOW RUSTY DO YOU WANT THEM?

Well I'll probably kick myself in the arse for this but how about as Rusty and Crusty as You are