Bench Buffer Question

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08-17-2010, 02:02 AM
JATake

Bench Buffer Question

Hey guys, I need help with a buffer question.

I'm going to be working on my first restoration and I already have a bench grinder, but the RPM is about 3400 RPM. I have been reading the forums and it seems that a lower RPM is recommended for cleaning razors. I'll be using Sisal wheels, but I was wondering if it's really imperative to use the lower RPM?

Thanks for your input!
08-17-2010, 02:31 AM
nun2sharp

If you are going to use it at that high of an RPM, please be DAMN CAREFUL! Use light strokes, do not push the blade into the wheel. A simple solution to your dilemma is to install a dimmer switch to adjust the RPMs, once installed turn the dimmer switch to the halfway point and you will be where you need to be.
08-17-2010, 02:47 AM
Vulcan500rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

If you are going to use it at that high of an RPM, please be DAMN CAREFUL! Use light strokes, do not push the blade into the wheel. A simple solution to your dilemma is to install a dimmer switch to adjust the RPMs, once installed turn the dimmer switch to the halfway point and you will be where you need to be.

I'm not too sure that would work; I seem to remember reading something about grinder motors typically being of a type that can't use speed modifiers like those used for routers (dimmer switches would be the same type)...

EDIT: Quick google reports that grinders are "induction" motors, not "universal" motors...But I'm no expert in this particular field--I'm just reporting on what I've read.
08-17-2010, 02:51 AM
Longrange

I do not think you can use a dimmer on a grinder as most have a capacitor start and will not work at lower volt / amp settings.
08-17-2010, 02:58 AM
zib

I have one with a Rheostat, (like a dimmer switch) made by delta. The RPM's go down to 1725....
08-17-2010, 03:04 AM
nun2sharp

Quote:

Originally Posted by zib

I have one with a Rheostat, (like a dimmer switch) made by delta. The RPM's go down to 1725....

Rheostat, thanks Rich, that was the word I was looking for.
08-17-2010, 03:17 AM
Philadelph

It all depends more on the size of the wheel COMBINED with the RPM of the machine. Those two together are what you need to figure out. Search through all the buffer threads and you will find more explanation.
08-17-2010, 01:19 PM
Vulcan500rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by zib

I have one with a Rheostat, (like a dimmer switch) made by delta. The RPM's go down to 1725....

Hmm...This makes me wonder if I shouldn't just try one on my bench grinder...I've just been living with the speed....
08-17-2010, 02:23 PM
JATake

Thanks for all your help guys. Just making sure, this what I'm looking for ?

Amazon.com: MLCS 9400 Standard Duty Router Speed Control: Home Improvement

Sorry, I'm a newbie when it comes to electronics.
08-17-2010, 02:39 PM
zib

1 Attachment(s)

No Mate, that's not it.. Go to radio shack, ask them for a Rheostat, should be a couple of bucks at most... Tell them what your doing....

Here's a pic of my buffer/grinder. I use it as a grinder too, so it works out for me. I've since taken off the wheel guard on the side I use a buffer...It works well. You can see the built in Rheostat next to the on/off switch...Like Kelly said, it's just like a dimmer switch.

You can get inexpensive buffers at Harbor Freight too.....Just FYI.....

Rich
08-17-2010, 02:54 PM
gssixgun

I am not saying those switches will not work, because you never really know till you try...

But it has always been my understanding that there are two differnt types of electric motors one reacts with the lower current by slowing down the other turns off... Somebody that knows these things better can explain it better...

Here is some reading

Electric Motor Basics
08-17-2010, 02:57 PM
Maximilian

Philadelph pretty much nailed it.

Now keep in mind that grinders don't share the same torque as a buffer, Many of the lower end buffers also cheat on their HP's. It's mostly peak HP and never sustained. You can do the job with your 3450 rpm grinder. Many do. Just be careful and maybe start with a 6" or 4" wheel.

Now you say cleaning. Do you mean polishing, buffing or more heavy restoring as in trying to remove pitting and heavy blemishes?

You would not use sisal for a surface cleaning job but spiral or loose cotton. Sisal is more for the heavier work.

With all that in mind, think safety first. Get a good set of goggles, an apron if desired, watch the fingers and wear a dust mask.
08-17-2010, 05:51 PM
JATake

The blade has some rust and blemishes.

Thanks for the info guys!
08-17-2010, 07:43 PM
heirkb

Newb to newb, be careful. Don't freak yourself out and panic, but make sure to keep a firm grip on that blade like all the guides tell you. If only I could find a link to where Glen talks about how to hold the blade...I'd look for that before starting if I were you.

My buffer is around 1800 and it seems pretty fast to me, so you definitely wanna go with the smaller wheels like Max suggested. And if your blade bumps into the machine, because it has low clearance with the small wheels, flip the wheel to the other side of the machine and work on that part of the blade on the other side. Every time you can't quite get some part of the blade on one side, you should be able to get it with the wheel on the other side of the machine.
08-17-2010, 07:50 PM
heirkb

Damnit...I was posting you links to a ton of threads and accidentally closed the tab.

Anyways, here's the one with Glen holding the razor: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-question.html

And some more you should probably look at/watch before you get started:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...rt-finish.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...lustrated.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...compounds.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...questions.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tion-tips.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...fo-thread.html
08-18-2010, 03:43 AM
JATake

Thanks heirkb, I appreciate you taking time to post those links. Most helpful!