A Buffer Info Thread

[Slartibartfast]

I almost bought the HF buffer a while back, but was worried about the high rpm.

BTW, sign up for the HF newsletter. They send out 15% and 20% off coupons all the time.

I wear mechanics gloves when i use the buffer.

Here is my redneck buffer.

[Muirtach]

I would have grabbed one of teh HF ones earlier today myself,but my 3000 cubic inch messenger bag was already filled with groceries so I passed. I might jsut go back tomorrow if for no other reason than to test how many hours one can run(knoing it is not a statistically viable method) before breaking down.

[Lynn]

I currently am using 4 buffers. 3 are Baldors and 1 is a Caswell. 2 are 3/4 HP, 1 is a 1/3 and 1 is a 1/2. I am using 4 inch to 8 inch wheels. RPM varies from 1100 to 1800 to 3600. I am using a ton of different compounds and still using different sandpapers or my belt sander to help the process along sometimes. The finishes are amazing. I just wish I had more time to play here after the daily honings are done.......lol.

I have used the Craftsman variable speed that they recommend for 6 inch wheels and one from Harbor Frieght for 8 inch wheels. I like the smoothness of the Baldor motors better (personal preference again).

The one thing I really like as noted by Glen is to have the wheels set up before hand so that I don't have to keep changing them like I did when I only had one buffer........ when do the addictions stop????

Saftey is obviously a concern or should be, but the learning curve from buffing and restoration is just as never ending as the rest of our sport.

Have fun,

Lynn

[holli4pirating]

Well, I took a trip over to Caswell today with JoeD. I ended up getting the 1800 RPM 1/4 HP Baldor, based on the quality associated with Baldors and also a discussion with JoeD about wheel surface speeds and the pros and cons of various speeds.

I went with 6 inch spiral sewn wheels and a couple 8 inch loose cotton wheels too. Grabbed 240, 400, and 600 greaseless (spiral sewn), black, white, and blue rouges (spiral sewn and loose). I'd meant to get another bar, but I think it got left off the order by accident. But, I know JoeD does his work with less than what I got, so I'm not concerned - instead it'll force me to get better with what I do have.

I also got a Caswell stand and a wheel rake. The Baldor does fit on the Caswell stand (tried it at Caswell), and JoeD came up with a clever way to build a stand/skid/thingie to bolt the stand to because I can't bolt it down to the concrete floor in my basement (no tools and I bet the landlord wouldn't like that).

I'm shooting (photographing) a hockey tournament Sat - Mon that is going to keep me totally occupied (7am - 11pm ish) this weekend, but it will also pay for all the stuff I bought. Once that's done, I'll work on getting a leather apron, face shield, building the skid/stand, and setting up dust collection. I'm thinking I'm going to hang some type of dropcloth and mount cardboard boxes onto the walls in the spray zone. I'll either rig the shopvac to the boxes and turn it on while buffing or just vacuum out everything after each use. And yes, I have a respirator too. I'm starting with one of the white 3M ones, but if first use shows any dust when I blow my nose, I'll upgrade that.

I've also got a stash of "junk" blades to work on. I'm going to be starting with wedges and quarter hollows until I get the hang of things, and then I'll start considering hollower blades. I may also pick up some 4 inch wheels when I get to working on full hollows, depending on how the 6 inch wheels do.

Hopefully I'll have some pics by next weekend...

[glytch5]

I've been using a harbor freight buffer (central machinery) at 3450 for quite some time, its still running like a top. After seeing guns comment, maybe I should buy a couple more haha. I was thinking of going casewell for something slower and nicer.