6" or 8"?
The difference is $45 vs $90. I don't know how much of a difference it makes.
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6" or 8"?
The difference is $45 vs $90. I don't know how much of a difference it makes.
i use 8 for lower RPM
you seem to be asking about wheel sizes?
4",6",8" all have their uses. If you are asking about buffing machine though then there are options, I use 1/4 HP Baldor @ 1800 rpm and it works great for me.
Well........I am looking at two different buffers, but the one that is making the short list is this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-buffer-94393.html
It's $45. I know some people hate HF stuff, but I need something cheap to get me started and then I can move up to something more costly later.
This is also a thought, but at twice the price is probably not. Serious contender:
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-buffer-40668.html
Or, we have an old washing machine that the transmission has gone out of that I could steal the electric motor from. That would probably work. Might be money ahead to buy the premade one though, by the time I bought everything else to make one though.
Between the listed choices, the 6" is good. For the relative light duty work we do, I don't see that 8" being a substantial advantage. Ideally you'd want something that that spins around 1750rpm or so. With care, you can use the HF you listed.
Sounds this may be a starter/first? The $50 balance would be nice to apply at caswellplating.com on supplies instead.
The Washer motor can always me made into a buffer later. I may be thinking of my project list, but I would prefer to get going on something sooner rather than later, so would want the HF unit now.
Can never go wrong have multiple units later. In similar regards, if you outgrow the HF, you can always get the more appropriate 1800rpm unit later. For the $45 can't go too wrong
Like DirtyChrome said, for he money it's hard to go wrong. If you stick with the smaller buffs like 4-6" it should be fine. The speed of 3600rpm's is the only issue. Watch the heat and remember...the buffer is the most dangerous tool in the shop!
I have both the HF 6 inch Buffer using 4 inch wheels and the old washing machine motor turning at 1725 and a second 1725 buffer...
I use the HF's for steel work with Greaseless compounds and Polishing compounds the 1725's are used with softer buffs for final metal polish and for buffing scales...
Here are some pics of most of my set up, it has changed very little in over a year just some changes in what compounds I use and where...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...lustrated.html
I have that many only so I do not have to keep changing wheels out, I HATE CHANGING WHEELS :) and at $30 each (Yes you can just ask and get a discount) I figured I could get away with it....
Durability, I don't know what to say "Knocking on Wood" here but I haven't skipped a beat with them and it has been 18+ months...
My thinking was that I could buy a new one for about the same as shipping would be to have an expensive one fixed :shrug:
One thing I would highly suggest is a backstop behind the buffer, I did build a low "wall" behind mine as they throw compound everywhere...
IIRC in that thread I linked is another link to a Surface Speed thread that is the important aspect of buffing there is a calculation that you use to figure the surface speed of what you want to do...
BTW I believe the HF's turn at 3450 when you look at the motor, not positive without going out to the shop to look LOL
I have used the Harbor Freight buffer and it has about as much power as my grandma and her wheelchair... just saying...Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
The smaller the wheel, the slower Feet per Minute speed, so a 3400 rpm with a 4 inch wheel is close to the actual speed of 1730 rpm with a 6 inch wheel. FPM is what is really important, so if you go with Harbor Freight, use 4 inch wheels. Harbor has some fairly good wheels. You want spiral sewn, and as "tight" a cotton as possible. Felt is even better, but expensive.
For the record, A friend gunsmith and I bought ours about five years ago. They are still kicking! It is worth while to buy these little gems for changing buffs easily. One on each side of the buffer. They fasten over the motor shaft and tighten when the buff is spinning...Yes they are made in right and left side threads.
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...0Tools/3sm.jpg http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...0Tools/4sm.jpg
Harbor Freight shafts are half inch!
One source the prices are average:
Arbors and Extensions
Thanks Geezer. I might actually end up using an old washing machine motor and buying an arbor adapter from that website for $12. Now that is in my price range! However, a $45 buffer with the 20% coupon is only $35 and has two sides......dang. Now what? Buy one and make one??? haha. Then I'd be on my way to looking like Glen! :rofl2:
The arbors make a lot of sense. Makes for a quick change.
But, if the arbor is loose it may require a thin shim around the shaft. And, be sure that the screws holding the arbor are "TIGHT". I place a thin bit of popcan folded into the screw holes before inserting and tightening the arbor screws. The screws should be showing almost no threads. That sorta protects the threads on the shaft.
If you hear a buzz....shut off the switch and duck. The buzz may mean that the arbor is coming loose.
And, an apron and face mask is a given!! if you have never buffed before, You cannot believe the stripe which immediately forms from the floor to the ceiling and includes you! the first time you load a buff with compound!!!:gaah:
Do a "buffer wiki" search here on SRP for interesting ways of using one.
Here's what I've been using, It's variable speed, and I do have need for a grinder, so it's multi purpose. It's a 6 inch, with quick diconnects for the wheels, works well. I believe they make an 8 inch model as well.
I've since removed all the guards....
Also consider your needs, and what you plan on doing.
When you start using greaseless you'll wish you had a fleet of buffers and a herd of wheels... hang some newspaper or something behind, below, and above the buffer while you are loading compound, it makes a tremendous mess.Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
That's the one I have. I'm in the process of ordering tapered arbors. $11 each from the above source. Now I just need ten more wheels, and 4 more grades of greaseless---------. By the way, does anyone know of a source for inexpensive 1/2 hard felt to make our own wheels? Felt is really the way to go, but the wheels are around $25 each. I'm looking for a cheaper DIY solution.Quote:
Originally Posted by zib
While you are at HF..pick up the packs of 6 hard felt 2"diameter wheels. For much of the razor work, especially cleaning against the inside of the spine they are really good. That is where a long shaft and adapter are worth the effort. The surface speed will be lower and less apt to destroy the temper if you are not very careful. Still... watch the temperature of the blade!!!
Use a piece of steel or the back of an exacto knife blade to roughen the cutting surface a bit, while spinning on the buffer, before applying compound. That will center the buff/mop and make a surface the compound can attach and meld with. Using snadpaper may leave some bits of abrasive.
I have found four inch stitched buff in four packs cheaply ofn the 'bay. They are "hard" cutting buffs. Use a soft buff to polish.
Thanks, Geezer. I checked HF online, and they didn't show 2 inch felt wheels, but my experience is that is often true. This gives me an excuse to drive over there and check it out. Hope to meet you if Mike Blue does another razor event!