Buffer/Grinder questions..... (pics)

T

Trick

Joined
Mar 3, 2001
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351
I went to an auction today out of town. I see this 1 hp baldor grinder and think I have to have it because I have no decent buffer. I am also thinking it has to be the exact same as a buffer except it has cast iron shields, tool rests and lights, so it would be worth more, maybe. I won it for a $120. (Way more than my tight/broke butt usually gives for anything at an auction) Now I see that buffers have a lot longer shafts than grinders. :( So now I have some questions before I order buffing wheels from somewhere. (Seems I remember seeing wheels on Pop's website cheap)

So here I go. Feel free to slap me if I ramble on. :D

1. Was that a decent price? (Ugly but runs great and is super quiet)

2. Any reason I shouldn't use it as a buffer and take the guards off? (I will keep them and probably use it as a grinder from time to time)

3. What is a safe working height? Organic tool rest height?

4. How many wheels should I put per side? Spiral sewn? (I will do a search after I post so the common questions can be ignored if you want)

Thanks for all opinions. I am posting this on two forums so I apologize in advance. I would just like as many opinions as possible. I kinda need help to reassure the wifey anyway. :D
Ric



baldor1.jpg


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baldor3.jpg
 
I'm not going to comment on the price. But suffice to say that a 332 Baldor 3/4HP buffer costs about $335.00.

Fortunately, you got an 1800 RPM model, a bit safer than the 3600 RPM version.

I would strip the guards off and mount some buffs.
Mine is mounted on a pedestal that puts the base at 33" high, and it's 40 3/4" to the centerline of the shafts.

You should be able to get 8 or 10" buffs on it. I use 1" thick buffs on each side.
Personally, I never liked spiral sewn, always have a bump in them.
I use concentric sewn.

Good luck, and be real careful.
You've maybe heard that the buffer is THE most dangerous tool in the shop. :eek:
 
Thanks Mike. I see now that list price on it is $869. So I am not feeling very bad about it. :D I went and messed with it some and it's awesome. I have never had a grinder like this thing. It will even clean up, most of it is grease.
Concentric it is, if I can find them with a 7/8" hole. :D
Thanks again
baldor4.jpg
 
You should be able to get 7/8" arbor buffs from most knifemakers supply houses. If not, I'll put a link here for a regular buffing supply outfit.

You might want to get a loose buff too. They are great for doing handles where you don't want too stiff a buff.
Be really careful with those, they are even more dangerous than regular buffs. :eek: ;)

A medium felt wheel works great for finishing a knife sharpening job too.

On compounds, I only use white, 800/1000 grit aprox, and green SS finishing compound. Everyone seems to have their own combo.

Make sure to get a buff for each compound, mark them, and keep in ziploc bags. That way they don't get contaminated by grinding dust, etc.
Mark the direction of rotation on each one too. All that just takes a minute.

http://www.caswellplating.com/

http://www.infinish.com/index.html

http://www.knifeandgun.com/catalog/buffs_186639_products.htm
 
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