Budget 6-8" Buffer

I purchased a HF bench grinder and converted it to sharpen blades utilizing the paper wheels. It tracks better than my Baldor, just a luck of the draw I suppose. When it is turned off it spins for like 3-4 minutes after the buffer is shut off. IIRC the price was around $40.00. The baldor is a model 111 1/3hp with 3600 RPM. Buffing is the most dangerous shop tool in the bldg. Be careful and pay attention to the wheel is in relation to the blade. It will snatch it out of your hands in a micro second. I keep a death grip on the blade, wear a leather apron and have noooooo distractions when you flip the switch.
 
Last edited:
I have an older B&D bench grinder, 6" I believe, that still spins like that. You turn it off and it spins for a couple minutes at least! I think its a higher RPM grinder though.
 
I do like a blade that I can see myself in and shave by. I was going to build my own buffer and ask for help on this forum and everyone has a different opinion. I bought a harbour freight 6 inch buffer (not grinder) for 39.00 to get buffer experience and find out for myself what works well. It is 1/3 hp and does a 10x better job than I ever expected. I think 6 inch and 3450 is no problem and like most of the posters told me let the compound do the cutting not the hp. My 2c
 
I am always wearing my leather, Johny. Even when I cut on the band-saw....just got in the habit I guess. I have heard all the horror stories, so I will always do my best to focus on what I am doing with the buffer.....I am only 32 years old....I expect to be here for at least another 30:D

Thanks for the reply guys! All your opinions have pretty much narrowed it down for me. I think the most important thing is quality, price and most of all....just pay attention to what your doing.

Johnny Warner said:
I purchased a HF bench grinder and converted it to sharpen blades utilizing the paper wheels. It tracks better than my Baldor, just a luck of the draw I suppose. When it is turned off it spins for like 3-4 minutes after the buffer is shut off. IIRC the price was around $40.00. The baldor is a model 111 1/3hp with 3600 RPM. Buffing is the most dangerous shop tool in the bldg. Be careful and pay attention to the wheel is in relation to the blade. It will snatch it out of your hands in a micro second. I keep a death grip on the blade, wear a leather apron and have noooooo distractions when you flip the switch.
Click to expand...
 
Chris you can get you an arbor and put it on your drill press. You would be buffing vertically instead of horizontal but it will still be going away from you . your RPM would be about 800. Does the job and save you money. Mike Miller
 
Mike,

Whats up buddy!

I think you might have given me hope + more money to spend on Tracy's site.....LOL I might look into getting an arbor and slap a wheel on there. Seems like everything I need at Lowes here in PC is always out. I sure miss Home Depot back home in Phoenix:D

Taking the wife to Enriques this Sat for our anniversary....Chile Relleno here I come:thumbup:

Hope all is well bud,

Chris

argel55 said:
Chris you can get you an arbor and put it on your drill press. You would be buffing vertically instead of horizontal but it will still be going away from you . your RPM would be about 800. Does the job and save you money. Mike Miller
Click to expand...
 
Get the chips and salsa. Homemade fried chips. I'm a pork burrito man myself. Good stuff.
 
I'm a steak/chicken/shrimp/chorizo fajita man :)...and now man, I'm hungry!

As to using a drill press....I read somewhere that it wasn't good for the bearings on a drill press with the work pressing into the side of the bit (in this case a sanding drum) vs. the point. Is this right or were they mainly talking about using a drill press as a mill and pressing really hard into it.
 
I picked up a Delta 8" variable grinder... 0 to 3800? Came with I think 36 and 60 grit wheels and a buffing wheel. I put it on just the other night the cardboard sharpening wheels... ran it about 1/2 full rpm and it worked great.
 
For sure...one of the best perks of Authentic Mexican Food...homeade chips, guac and salsa:D

argel55 said:
Get the chips and salsa. Homemade fried chips. I'm a pork burrito man myself. Good stuff.
Click to expand...

LOL......Anything Mexican I am all over it. Chorizo is my all-time favorite sausage. Chorizo/potatoes and cheese burrito's,.....Watch out.....LOL

I think you read that on trying to mill with a drill press. Not possitive, but I read that someplace as well.

GrizzlyBear said:
I'm a steak/chicken/shrimp/chorizo fajita man :)...and now man, I'm hungry!

As to using a drill press....I read somewhere that it wasn't good for the bearings on a drill press with the work pressing into the side of the bit (in this case a sanding drum) vs. the point. Is this right or were they mainly talking about using a drill press as a mill and pressing really hard into it.
Click to expand...

If I went that route, I would take off all them guards etc. Variable speed is the way to go. Just when I thought I had my mind set....lol

MT Borg said:
I picked up a Delta 8" variable grinder... 0 to 3800? Came with I think 36 and 60 grit wheels and a buffing wheel. I put it on just the other night the cardboard sharpening wheels... ran it about 1/2 full rpm and it worked great.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top