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Buffer rpm's
- Thread starter MACraig
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2009
- Messages
- 1,298
I'm not a buffer user so I'm kind of guessing based on my experience with belt sanders used for sharpening.
I would think the lower 1800 RPM unit would be the preference. Less risk of heat build up, and, I have read that buffers are notorious for "grabbing" a knife, so the lower RPM may be a bit easier on the nerves as well.
Hopefully someone who uses a buffer will chime in and give you an opinion backed with some experience.
Kevin
I would think the lower 1800 RPM unit would be the preference. Less risk of heat build up, and, I have read that buffers are notorious for "grabbing" a knife, so the lower RPM may be a bit easier on the nerves as well.
Hopefully someone who uses a buffer will chime in and give you an opinion backed with some experience.
Kevin
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2009
- Messages
- 12
Now I am not a knife buffer. But I do plating and polishing all the time on gun components and other items of interest. I will say I ve buffed quite a few knives though. But nothing in production type atmosphere.
Most of the time for the best results you should maintain a surface speed between 3600-7500 sfpm ( surface feet per minute ). The higher your speed the quicker and better your results.
The formula for calculating surface speed of the wheel in SFPM is as follows
SFPM = 1/4 x diameter of Wheel x RPM (revs of spindle per min.)
So an 8" wheel x .25 = 2
2 x 1800 rpm = 3600 SFPM meaning you have to spin atleast an 8" buff at 1800 rpm to even be in the low range. If you dont have sufficient power , spinning a buff that size and trying to get anything done will be a nightmare.
Take a normal bench grinder 1/2 hp 3600 rpm and a 6" buff.
6" wheel x .25 = 1.5
1.5 x 3600 = 5400 SFPM
The 1/2 hp motor will spin a loose cotton or sewn buff without laboring too much and get the job done. While it might not be fast at getting the job done. It will get it done. The idea too is to remember that when you start hitting the buff that you will be slowing it down. So even at a free wheel speed of 3600 rpm, say you drop it down to 3200 rpm by pressing on a tight sewn buff. You will be dropping down to 4800 SFPM. Which in theory is still in the range of 3600-7200. But you will notice a difference in time it takes to actually polish something out.
Now go to a 1 hp motor with a 10 buff at 1800 rpm. You get 4500 SFPM. Which is lower then our other 1/2 motor. But with its torque you will not drop rpm and will have the power to push the part harder into the buff. Now I am not saying you need to put tonnage of pressure on the buff. But the idea is that it wont bog down.
The biggest thing I can probably say is that you need to be 100% careful when buffing a knife. Polish is easier. But buffing you are going against the rotation of the wheel. Be very careful !
I wanted to note also that there is special waxes available to help with the heat build up on your part. It will get hot , but if you are pushing too hard on the buff to begin with you'll create extra heat that is unnecessary.
If I can help out any bit more let me know. Just shoot me an email.
guns@customizedcreationz.com
or call
586.232.3422 mon-fri I am in the shop from 8 am till 6 pm, just leave a message if I dont answer.
Good luck and again BE CAREFUL !
Thanks
Todd
Most of the time for the best results you should maintain a surface speed between 3600-7500 sfpm ( surface feet per minute ). The higher your speed the quicker and better your results.
The formula for calculating surface speed of the wheel in SFPM is as follows
SFPM = 1/4 x diameter of Wheel x RPM (revs of spindle per min.)
So an 8" wheel x .25 = 2
2 x 1800 rpm = 3600 SFPM meaning you have to spin atleast an 8" buff at 1800 rpm to even be in the low range. If you dont have sufficient power , spinning a buff that size and trying to get anything done will be a nightmare.
Take a normal bench grinder 1/2 hp 3600 rpm and a 6" buff.
6" wheel x .25 = 1.5
1.5 x 3600 = 5400 SFPM
The 1/2 hp motor will spin a loose cotton or sewn buff without laboring too much and get the job done. While it might not be fast at getting the job done. It will get it done. The idea too is to remember that when you start hitting the buff that you will be slowing it down. So even at a free wheel speed of 3600 rpm, say you drop it down to 3200 rpm by pressing on a tight sewn buff. You will be dropping down to 4800 SFPM. Which in theory is still in the range of 3600-7200. But you will notice a difference in time it takes to actually polish something out.
Now go to a 1 hp motor with a 10 buff at 1800 rpm. You get 4500 SFPM. Which is lower then our other 1/2 motor. But with its torque you will not drop rpm and will have the power to push the part harder into the buff. Now I am not saying you need to put tonnage of pressure on the buff. But the idea is that it wont bog down.
The biggest thing I can probably say is that you need to be 100% careful when buffing a knife. Polish is easier. But buffing you are going against the rotation of the wheel. Be very careful !
I wanted to note also that there is special waxes available to help with the heat build up on your part. It will get hot , but if you are pushing too hard on the buff to begin with you'll create extra heat that is unnecessary.
If I can help out any bit more let me know. Just shoot me an email.
guns@customizedcreationz.com
or call
586.232.3422 mon-fri I am in the shop from 8 am till 6 pm, just leave a message if I dont answer.
Good luck and again BE CAREFUL !
Thanks
Todd