Originally Posted by
JoshEarl
Dremels run between 5,000 and 30,000 RPMs, I think. The buffer runs at 1750.
The difference isn't as dramatic as that, though. One revolution of a 10" buffing wheel moves about 31" of material over the surface you're buffing. One revolution of a Dremel felt wheel moves 3" of material over the surface, if you're using the 1" wheels.
There's math to be done in there somewhere, but I'm not the guy for it. :) I think a buffing wheel would run about half as fast in terms of surface feet per minute as a Dremel wheel going full tilt at 30,000 RPM.
One big difference is the bigger buffing wheel means the heat doesn't build up in the wheel as much, which keeps the piece cooler.
Josh