Thread: Buffer direction

More important than the buffer direction is where you work on the wheel.

WHEN at some point it grabs and gets torn out of your hands you don't want it coming in your direction!

Exactly my point, at some time it will. That was why I was thinking of different ways to improve safety !

Safety

Of course all the norms but for razors, another consideration is to start with the Heavier Grinds on the buffer, they are less prone to shatter

I am not sure about the reverse direction but mostly because you would have less control while buffing.. Being able to ride the razor on the wheel and hold it in place using the length of your finger against the reverse side allows for easy pressure adjustment and allows you to monitor heat well..
I am just not seeing that with the wheel in reverse, but then again I learned with the wheel coming in my direction just like everyone else.

I just don't know I am too old and too far into this to change now

Ever lost a razor off the wheel ? Which direction did it go ? I have a couple times and it seems to go out ( of course ) but down. My point is Up would be a lot more dangerous to have a razor flying in any direction, and at you that way would hurt a lot more if say you stopped it with your face. Just a thought about buffing. Never had more than a kick out on a grinder.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Ever lost a razor off the wheel ? Which direction did it go ? I have a couple times and it seems to go out ( of course ) but down. My point is Up would be a lot more dangerous to have a razor flying in any direction, and at you that way would hurt a lot more if say you stopped it with your face. Just a thought about buffing. Never had more than a kick out on a grinder.

When you run a grinder/polisher the other way, the blade should be on the top of the wheel or on the back top side of the wheel. When the blade flies out of your hand it flies away from you. It can, however, fly off the back of the wheel, slam into a wall behind the grinder/polisher, and then bounce back at you. Fun times!

I should add, I started wearing a full face shield, instead of just safety glasses, when a chisel I was grinding on let loose, bounced off the back wall, and zipped passed my head.