Thread: Need a Buffing Machine Recommendation Please

I tried applying greaseless compound to my 8” 3600 RPM buffer. At such speed the compound would not stay on the wheel, or adhere in the first place. I’m now in the market for a lower speed machine. However, I’ve been surprised at how expensive the lower speed machines are. I’m not really interested in spending $200+ on a replacement buffing machine. I like the price of something like this, but I suspect that the quality may be low (and may not be big enough). In any event, I’m looking for a recommendation for a reasonably priced buffer. Thanks a million!

Brian,

Purchase an extension cord, and on the female end, wire it to a receptacle. Wire the receptacle to a 600W dimmer for a ceiling fan. Your buffer will lose some torque on the lower end, but you'll have a variable speed buffer for about $15.

There is a workshop thread a couple pages back about it, with pics. The person who did it is TrilliumLT, and he says it works pretty slick.

Maybe this is a quick and dirty solution for you.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, Maxi. An interesting idea. I might give this a try, but I worry about torque reduction. My buffer already is on the light side.

I built one out of an old motor I picked up for $10 at the flea market and a $5 arbor adapter from lowes.....

Probably not the best setup if you do a lot of restores though.

I bought a variable speed Porter Cable 6" grinder from Lowes for $70 bucks. Works like a charm. the problem is finding the 6"firm buffing wheels. I hve had to make 2 trips to get to 6 of them. They nly stock 3 at a time at Lowes.

Thanks. Are you using greaseless compounds with your Porter? I'm curious to know if 2000 RPMs is slow enough for such compounds. There's an old post from Lynn somewhere on SRP where he states he uses a 1100 RPM machine.

I use a harbor freight 6 in buffer 3600. Rpm. It's about 50 bucks
I then use 4 inch buffing wheels from home depot for about 3 bucks a wheel, works like a charm. Glen uses/used the same system , its in the srp workshop sticky "walking a wade and butcher through the buffers "
Hope it helps

Acme Tool sells a Delta 8 inch variable speed grinder/buffer for around $85. Lowes has a 6 inch Delta for about the same price. I have the 6 inch, and it works very well. Greaseless compound is harder to find - I got mine from Janz Knifemakers' Supply. Good luck with your project.

Your problem is a matter of surface speed. I would suggest picking up some 4" buffing wheels first, that will significantly reduce the speed. I would do the math, but that would involve opening the bag next to me and it is a Friday.

I have done a couple of restores here and there and I finally bought 6 Harbor Freight buffers that run at 3450 I use 4 inch wheels (The math is already done in the Workshop sticky) I spent $29.99 for each $39.99 buffer, HF will give you 25% off if you simply ask, that was $180 for all 6 I have a 1725 RPM motor too for buffing scales, got it Free... but they are common from Washing machines... I now don't have to change wheels at all, I start at one end of the bench and work my way to the other....

You don't need POWER or Torque we are talking razors here, not machine parts it takes a gentle touch... Not that a $400 Baldor wouldn't be cool but don't let that stop you have jumping in...

I don't care if I burn up a $30 buffer it costs less to replace it then shipping would for a repair on a good machine, I haven't replaced one yet Did I mention I have done a few restores here and there????

Don't let anything stop you from starting to restore,,, I also would NOT recommend using a buffer until you have done quite a few restores by hand to learn the ins and outs of working the blades...