Thread: Which Size Buffer

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

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

Originally Posted by medicevans

Well........I am looking at two different buffers, but the one that is making the short list is this one:

6" Buffer

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:
8" Benchtop Buffer

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.

I have used the Harbor Freight buffer and it has about as much power as my grandma and her wheelchair... just saying...

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.


Harbor Freight shafts are half inch!
One source the prices are average:
Arbors and Extensions