Thread: converting a grinding machine to polish machine?

Hey SRP,

finally i decided to buy a polish machine. something like this ;

but in my area in the big store i can not find any of these but only the grinding machines with stones. as i have limited budget (about 60 70$) i can not command on the internet because it costs more than 100$ with delivery etc.

so i was wondering if there is any way to convert a grinding machine ( thins kind )
to a polish machine as in the first picture?

i don't know these machines at all so i don't know if i need to just replace the polish discs and take off the stones or i need something else to do for this job?

thanks for every comment

Yes it is more elaborate than just replacing the stones with cloth discs. The main problem with the grinders is that the stones are too close to the motor so you need an arbor extension for the shaft. These will move the discs farther outward to allow adequate clearance for working with razors.

Also, make sure that the grinder is no more than 1700 or 1800 rpms. Do NOT get a 3600 rpm machine.

Tapered spindles will help. Get them for the exact size of you machine shaft!
[URL="http://www.caswellplating.com/buffing-polishing/buffing-adapters/tapered-buffing-spindles.buffing-polishing/buffing-adapters/tapered-buffing-spindles[/URL]
Similar spindles are available other places like the 'bay and amazonalso at varying cost.

I have had no problem with 3600 RPM machines because i use 4" diameter or less buffing wheels.
That said, I do strongly suggest that you read a lot on the subject before you start out. A buffer cn inflict serious injury on parts and also upon the operator!

~Richard

I have just finished converting a grinder. You only need a small one with a 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower. Then you need extensions and the tapered spindle really do make it easy. The rpm will dictate the wheel size so do your research. There are plenty of threads so do the research first then buy.

Well I'll do this I found a machine with 180W or 200W, for 20 bucks ( for more I don't want to pay to much, I think to have an other one when I move to another apart) . Just need these spindles to find. I'll make a tour to stores ask for them.

The spindle diameters are standards? For the longer I understood how it works but no idea about diameter.

Spindle diameters are not standard. I suggest that you will want to confirm that you can acquire matching sizes before you buy anything.

There are some imperial and also metric and you need to make sure you get for the right side as the left and right hand sides screw differently(side specific ). Spindles alone might not be long enough for clearance. I have good spindles but needed 6 inch extensions as well. I brought a small grinder like you mention and it works well and is quiet. You will also need to make a hood or shroud as its going to be messy and dusty from loading and raking the wheels. I have it set up in a big cardboard box which is good as I can close some of the flaps when loading to catch the splatter and when done fold all the flaps and all mess is enclosed. Can also just sweep it out for clean up.

Honestly read up there is more to it than you would first image and compounds and wheels etc in a full range will probably be more than you are thinking. I have spent at least 300 to set up with everything. You will also need safety equipment like a good respirator, leather apron and face shield or goggles. There is also safe places to buff and those likely to see you with a razor impaling you. Also different buffing methods. The wheels you can use will be dependent on the rpm and wheel size to figure out the surface feet per minute.

Good luck and any questions jusy ask

I bought a cheap grinder here in the UK for £28. I then had to buy arbours, different types of polishing mops and the polishing compounds to suit the mops. I got 6" and 3" mops. You need smaller 3" mops to get into the hollows on most razors. Not sure exactly how much I've spent altogether, but it was much cheaper than buying a specific polishing machine and works just as well. Just be careful the blade, or whatever you're polishing, doesn't get too hot. Also, polish edge down in case the mop grabs the blade. I know some people actually breadknife the edge before polishing. Using a machine like this saves hours on hand rubbing and polishing. Definitely worth the money. eddy79 is right about mess. It can get a bit dusty.

Your buffer can kill you.

It can do that by a thrown blade or by the dust. A buffer probably is the most dangerous thing in most peoples' shops.

Spindles are not standard size, nor are threads standard and some are, left hand thread. Look at the nuts if they are different color some times that is an indicator of left hand thread.

The smaller the wheel the slower the speed. Castwellplating.com has a good tutorial and wheel speed chart. They also sell spindle extensions.