Buffing machine question!

Hi folks!

I have the opportunity to get my hands on a grinding machine for quite low money. The machine looks OK, little bit old, but functioning without any glitch. I was thinking of getting cotton wheels to attach them to it and have a buffing machine (which in Spain are quite difficult/expensive to get) and save me from buffing with my Dremel.

The grinder uses 150mm diameter wheels and spins at 2800rpm. I am unsure if that grinder would suit as a buffing machine, as I suspect 2800rpm is quite high.

My question is: Should I get it because even though 2800rpm is high, I still can use it as a buffer? Or should I discard it because 2800rpm is way too high?

Thanks a lot!!

Speed sounds ok to me.

E.g. Polijstwinkel - Polijstmahine Type 8

It's in Dutch but you'll surely notice the 2.850 rpm
Do also get some sissal though ...

2800rpm is a little high..but..so long as you stick to 150mm or less wheels, you'll be alright.

Its on the high end of the acceptable feet per minute I feel comfortable working with.

Oh yeah, I once planned on getting a bench grinder like that for little money.
The problem is that the 15mm wheels are just too big for the full hollows and I couldn't find smaller wheels.
They're OK for half hollows or wedges, though.

Some buffer math for you to read

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...der-speed.html

Personally I use 3650 rpm but 4 inch or 100mm wheels
The smaller wheels make it very easy to get into the hollows like Leon pointed out...

Heat Build up is always the enemy here just keep away from the heat and your good...

I go from 1800 to 3600 RPM on my buffer, which has way more torque than your grinder, with a 4" wheel for the greaseless and 6" for my rouges . So the 2800 RPM is definitely good to use with the right sized wheels. Wear your safety goggles and dust mask at all times. Watch those fingers and heating up of the blade.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maximilian

I go from 1800 to 3600 RPM on my buffer, which has way more torque than your grinder, with a 4" wheel for the greaseless and 6" for my rouges . So the 2800 RPM is definitely good to use with the right sized wheels. Wear your safety goggles and dust mask at all times. Watch those fingers and heating up of the blade.

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Don't forget the apron :)
Buffer wheels are evil. They are an instrument of the devil, waiting for the careless to make one small mistake :D

Thanks for all replies guys,

I finally got a 120mm diameter grinder at same speed 2800rpm for less than 20$. It's second hand, but works OK.

I got as well 1 sisal and 1 cotton buff wheels and tomorrow I will test on the buffer and see results.

Now I only miss the greaseless, which does not exist in Spain and the closest place I can order (UK) they charge only for shipping 10x the price of the greaseless.... kind of frustrating sometimes to see that not all equipment is available all over the world despite globalization!

My 2 cents worth is.... +1 on Bruno's comment.
Use common sense and be careful because the buffer machine is the most dangerous piece of equipment you will use. It just loves to grab and throw....HARD! Good luck.

My greatest concern with grinders used as buffers is that the wheels are so close to the motor. That requires a very crowded working area and in my opinion drastically increases the danger of the work. I really liked the idea of a cheaper buffer option, but I wasn't willing to trade safety for those savings. Please be careful!
Try many different positions with the razor against the wheel before you ever turn it on.

Here is a site that has adapters to use buffs of many sizes on a machine. They also move the buff further from the motor. I have them on one of HF 6"buffers. It is nice to be able to change buffs quickly. from ~¼" to9/16th" on the ones I have.
Hut Products-Buffing Accessories
This is just one, quickly found, store that sells them.
Where ever you find them call that company to assure that the hole for the shaft will fit your motor.
Have fun!
respectfully
~Richard

What should be the minimum power the grinder should have in order to get a proper buff?

The one I've been looking is a 150Watt (I think that's less than 0.25HP) power grinder. Would that be enough?

Just to echo what the other's said, Take all safety precautions before you use it. I've been doing Maintenance type work for 30+ years, welding, buffing, grinding, fabrication, the whole nine yards. I had one accident when I was a teenager, grinding a small piece of work without googles, yup, stupid...I got a metal fragment in my eye which the Doc prompty removed, I was lucky, lesson learned...I use a grinder/buffer on my razors with 6" wheels, it's variable speed, and works quite well with pastes, etc..

True, buffers have longer shafts putting the wheels further away from the motor, and no guards. I've taken the all safety guards off one side of my grinder, makes it a bit easier to work..Just be careful, Wear your safety glasses.