Thread: size of the bufing wheels

I actually like the sewn wheels and loose cotton for most of my work. I use 4, 6 and 8 inch wheels depending on the media or compound. My personal preference however are wheels that are close to 1 inch wide and I will use 2 thinner to get there when I need to.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Thank you Glen . it helps a lot.
i get confused with above statement.
higher speeds( we assume speed is same and just wheel changes)+bigger wheels= less heat?
this is what i was thinking.
let me explain why i think so.
arbor speed is 3600 x 6. will make buffer turning more faster then 8 wheel?
am i wrong?
8 wheel has more surface and touching speed to the razor should be less then 6 wheel because 6 will radius smaller and will touch more then 8 wheel/
Am i clear on this?

An easier way to look at this is that for any given RPM, just consider a single revolution of the wheel. A six in wheel travels 6 inches. An eight inch wheel travels 8 inches in the same amount of time, so the larger wheel went farther so it's going faster.

The bigger the wheel, the faster it is going.

I hopes this helps you see it better.

Originally Posted by Utopian

An easier way to look at this is that for any given RPM, just consider a single revolution of the wheel. A six in wheel travels 6 inches. An eight inch wheel travels 8 inches in the same amount of time, so the larger wheel went farther so it's going faster.

The bigger the wheel, the faster it is going.

I hopes this helps you see it better.

Correction...a 6" wheel travels 6" x 3.146 (Pi) = 18" +
a 8" wheel travels 8" x 3.146 ( Pi ) = 24" +
assuming both are rotating the same speed.

A 3600 RPM buffer travels at 60 revolutions per second irregardless of the buffing wheel size.

So...... the distance covered per second....

18" x 60 = 1080 " per second
24 " x 60 = 1440" per second

More distance = greater heat

Originally Posted by randydance062449

Correction...a 6" wheel travels 6" x 3.146 (Pi) = 18" +
a 8" wheel travels 8" x 3.146 ( Pi ) = 24" +
assuming both are rotating the same speed.

A 3600 RPM buffer travels at 60 revolutions per second irregardless of the buffing wheel size.

So...... the distance covered per second....

18" x 60 = 1080 " per second
24 " x 60 = 1440" per second

More distance = greater heat

Of course you're right.
I'm a moron.
Honestly, I did know that simple concept of the difference between diameter and circumference. I shouldn't post when I'm tired. I was simply thinking in terms of the 8 inch wheel being bigger than the 6 inch wheel and was just comparing the two and shouldn't have assigned numbers, since they were clearly beyond my ability.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I shouldn't post when I'm tired.

I understand,....... been there, done that!

I use 1/2" all the way. Less strain on the motor, less friction (assuming the same pressure is used), costs less and takes up less room in storage. The only disadvantage is you end up applying compound twice as often.

Room becomes an issue when you have about 20 wheels. I use an old filing cabinet for storage. The wheels, mandrels, rake and compounds occupy a whole drawer.

i have buffing belts for my grinder so i can use whatever wheel i ground on to match up with the felt belt and buff out
also i have a multi speed grinder

I just bought a 3/4 hp Baldor that runs at the lower speed (1800rpm). I'm going to try the whole process of greaseless compounds, up to polishing, all on this low-speed buffer. My question is in regards to wheel size and type. I do realize that much depends on the size and type of blade I'm working on, but perhaps someone with experience could add some generic advice.

I'm not sure if loose cotton wheels at 6" will be substantial for the lower grit compounds. I've always hesitated to try an 8" wheel since I am weary of its ability to get into the hollowed curve of smaller blades. Can I use 6" or 8" sewn cotton wheels and still reach the entire surface of the blade? Is it better to use sewn for lower grits and loose for higher grits; or can I use loose all the way through? I guess I just don't know how well loose wheels conform to the curve. Lynn's post was close to answering my questions:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I actually like the sewn wheels and loose cotton for most of my work. I use 4, 6 and 8 inch wheels depending on the media or compound.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.