So I was kicking around the idea of buffers but the problem is where to put it in the apartment. I wasn't happy with the end results with the Dremel and the Ryobi compounds. Streaks and and unevenness. And the small size of the pad kept it to close to the blade. It would slip off and ding the blade. If only the pads were big enough to keep it away from the blade. Dremel has felt pads but they're 1"x 1/16" and almost $3 a pop. What to do?

Make my own.

Found some left over felt (3/8") from my paddle strop station.
Name: IMG_1135.jpg Views: 1532 Size: 18.5 KB
Using a 7/8" socket I marked out a circle that would be approx 1"OD.
Name: IMG_1137.jpg Views: 1462 Size: 15.6 KB
Center would be about a 1/2" and marked that but it didn't need to need precise.
Name: IMG_1138.jpg Views: 1528 Size: 39.5 KB
Trimmed to approx size but again, it didn't need to be precise. Poked a hole thru the center and worked the screw from a Dremel screw mandrel into the bit. The threaded mandrel didn't seen too work well.
Name: IMG_1142.jpg Views: 2198 Size: 11.4 KB
Using the point of a sharp knife, turn the dremel on at a low speed and pushing the point downward, follow the outline of the circle. You'll pare away the excess felt like it was on a lathe. Wear eye proection!
Name: IMG_1143.jpg Views: 2826 Size: 17.9 KB
Depending on your needs, you can have either a flat sided wheel or round. I was polishing smaller blades so I made this one rounded.
Name: IMG_1144.jpg Views: 1512 Size: 10.9 KB
Works pretty well. If it bites, it's large enough that it misses the blade and it's the right size for hollow ground blades. It does generate heat so be careful. Keep a light touch.

The best part?

F-5 White Felt - 12" Wide

12"x12"x3x8"

$15.21