Thread: Buffer recommendations?

I was going to go with a 6" from Harbor Freight but the RPMs are a bit too high. Can anybody recommend a low speed buffer?

Have you considered using 4" wheels on it?

Originally Posted by Utopian

Have you considered using 4" wheels on it?

Would the 4" wheels be safer to use with it at such a high rpm?

Check out one of the 1750 RPM models. Remember that the buffer is likely the most dangerous machine in your shop and the fast ones more so. A couple of months back , a knife maker in Alaska had one snatch a blue out of his had and it stuck it right in his heart. He was dead before he hit the floor, as they say.

Anyplace you would recommend looking for one of those models?

And yes the thought of a blade flying at me at high speeds has crossed my mind. I'll be wearing my welding apron lol.

I have a Baldor which is not the cheap way to go by any stretch of the imagination.Think $450-500 on a good day. Even Grizzlys start in the mid $300 range!!!! The 6 inch models that Harbor Freight has for $40 are all 3500 rpm. I have heard of some people converting a standard bench grinder. The variable speed ones go down to below 2000 runm from what i have been told. the only problem is covering them and the fact that they probably don't have the horsepower of a comparable dedicated buffer.
And yes the thought of a blade flying at me at high speeds has crossed my mind. I'll be wearing my welding apron lol.[/QUOTE]

If you work with 4 or 3 inch wheels, you can basically buy cheap and not worry. small wheels -> low speed of the buffing surface.
A 3" wheel on a 3000 rpm axle goes just as fast as a 6" wheel on a 1500 rpm axle.

I bought the cheapest I could find at 80 euros or something like that.
The fact that they are underpowered is actually a good feature because if they snag, nothing bad will happen.

There is a two speed available at big box stores, for around $80. Delta, I think. Comes with a light on a flex shaft.

The Foredom is small, infinitely variable and ideal for small parts (like razors). Not $39.
Foredom Buffer - Donna Kato PolyClay - Claying Tools and Accessories

Originally Posted by Bruno

The fact that they are underpowered is actually a good feature because if they snag, nothing bad will happen.

Just to explain this further: a cheap and low powered buffer can still grip your hand or workpiece. But instead of ripping out your thumb (someone in Traveller's workshop) or slicing off a flap of finger (was this Alex or Joe?) or throwing a knife right at the sausage and beans (I forgot his name but he was a member here) or apparently stabbing you through the heart, they will go 'clunk' and while they can still scratch you bad, they will not maim, dismember or kill you.