I'm currently shopping for a buffer kit, and it seems to me (maybe only because I'm looking into it) that lots of members are getting into or want to get into buffing too. I thought it would be nice to have a single informational thread where members can post about their own gear, where they got it, how they use it, what results they get (pics would be cool) and all that - including safety considerations such as how to use equipment safely, safety gear, good stuff to have in a first aid kit, ventilation related safety and so on.
I'll give it a start, I guess.
I'm still in the shopping phase, but I've had a chance to work on a few different buffers and with a few different compounds at JoeD's place and during my visit to Lynn's. I'm looking at getting a Baldor 114 (you can hunt for Baldor's at retailers on the net or may get lucky on craigslist/ebay), which is a 1/4 horsepower motor that is listed at 1800 RPM. I'm not sure if it will be better to buy it locally for more or order it for less but pay shipping and wait. When I decide, I'll post the info. I have used this buffer a bit at Lynn's, and it seems like a good one. I'm not totally sure how it will work with 8 inch wheels because I only used 6 inch wheels on it at Lynn's so we'll see. The other buffer I was considering was the Caswell 3/4 HP 1100 RPM machine (Caswell is within driving distance, and they also have wheels and compounds, so they will likely be my main source for supplies - they have a website too: Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc.), and I may end up getting that, depending on the price thing. I know it's worth it to pay more for better quality to avoid issues down the road, but maybe if I start with the Caswell I'll end up with two buffers... Also, I've used this same Caswell at JoeD's and Lynn's, and it does also seem like a good machine.
For wheels, I've used sisal and spiral sewn cotton for greaseless - my understanding and based on what I've seen as results is that the sisal is more aggressive, but I'm not totally comfortable with the feedback I get through it, given my very limited experience. I found the spiral sewn cotton to be much smoother and, though it cuts slower, that should help me regulate my work speed and reduce the amount of heat generated, which should both be good for me as a new buffer. I've only used 6 inch wheels with greaseless, which keeps down the heat and cut rate. I may look into smaller ones for more hollow blades in the future, but I've already decided I'm not going to get aggressive on full hollows because they heat up quicker and there is less steel there (more risk of going right through a razor) until I'm more experienced.
After the greaseless stage, I'm actually not totally sure which compounds I used - partly because I only remember colors and partly because my memory is not great. I'll be looking more into a good way to transition from the 600 greaseless to the following stages. I've done this on 8 inch wheels on both the Caswell 1100 referenced above and (I'm pretty sure) a 3/4 HP Baldor at 1800 RPM (I could be mistaken, but I'm quite sure it's a 3/4 HP - not as sure on RPM). From what I can tell, it's these stages after the greaseless where there are lots more options for compounds and rouges, and I'd rather leave this to someone else or save it for when I learn more than try to BS something.
For safety gear, I'm going to look into getting a face shield and leather apron, and I have a 3M 8210 mask. I need to check to see if this mask is sufficient for a buffer. I don't yet know which apron or shield I'll get or where I'll get them, so I'll post details about that later (still researching - help please?). I also still need to look into ventilation. I'm going to be working in the basement of my new apartment (when I move), and my first thought was to close the door to upstairs, open a window or two, and put a air filtration machine between me and the door upstairs. I have to see if that, along with a mask, is adequate, especially since I'll be living right upstairs. I'm undecided on gloves, and need to do research there. I really do value my hands, but I know that the reduced dexterity gloves may cause may be a downfall and some say they cause more problems than they solve.
For first aid, I'm going to look into blood clotting agent, and I'll definitely have gauze and something to bandage/apply pressure (ace bandage or the like). Other than that, I don't really know (help please?). The best advice I got so far was from JoeD and CarrieM, which is never to use the machines while at home alone or without someone near by. If something serious happens, I may not be able to get very far on my own.
When I have a chance, I'll take some photos; I have a blade that Lynn worked on while at JoeD's and one that I worked on on the same setup (the following day, with Lynn's help) to show the difference between what Lynn did and what my first attempt looked like. I also have a blade that I worked on at Lynn's (again, with Lynn's help), to show the limited progress I've made and I suppose you can compare it to the work Lynn does in general on the same setup, again, to show what a novice can expect compared to what Lynn can do.
I guess that's all I can really post for now. Please do chime in if you have the time and the inclination.
