Buffer scare the C--- out of me - Where can I get Kelvar or Leather Apron?

Redrummd

Redrummd

Joined
May 21, 2007
Messages
1,432
Okay - I must admit I am actually scared by my buffers. I have decided I need to find something to protect my body just in case I really mess up. I have variable speed buffers and only run them at about 1/2 speed and I have had a couple of knives ripped out of my hands so I figure sooner or later there is the possiblity one would hit me.

I think my fingers and hands are safe as the knives and compound that do get "grabbed" always seem to head straight into the counter or the floor. Every time it happens I shake in my shoes. The dang compound seems to get grabbed a lot too....

So, whare can I buy a GOOD leather or kelvar apron that goes from my chest to at least my knees?
 
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Don't buff in the buff - do it in one of these........ :D:thumbup:

TA


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What about a welding apron?

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I ran a buffer seriously for the first time at a bladesmithing course this past weekend and found it very grabby at first too.
 
Kevlar does little to stop knives.
Learn to properly use your buffer, and learn to respect it-but don't be afraid of it.
Always hold things so that if they are grabbed, your hand can not be hurt. Polish low on the wheel, so that the work will get thrown away from you. Never polish a knife with the tip running into the direction of the wheel. and ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION!
 
I have buffed 100's of knives so I have a VERY healthy respect for the buffers. I have three two wheel buffers set up and I do buff low on the wheels. I just have not been able to shake the "scare/fear" of them so I think having some sort of protective equipment is the next step for me. The issue is when I need to buff out scratches near the spine on the blade. In sanding the stone on the knife the blade does occasionally touch the sanding wheel. I work with the knife in a water spray so it can lightly touch without me seeing it or feeling it.

Is there a welding apron that is longer?

I am the kind of guy that owns kelvar chaps for when I use my chainsaw.... Really, I own and use them. :o

Okay - Yesterday I had a knife grabbed and thrown so hard it broke the stone on both sides of the knife and the blade pivot pin was loosened. It went straight down and did not even come close to hitting me but it did scare the C--- out of me... :eek: Yes, the knife is a total loss too.

tradja - I just found you had linked to the apron and found they also have a long one. So the only question I have is would a leather welding apron significantly lower the risk of injury?

I can't beleive I am the only buffer wimp here.....
 
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I'm with you Redrum. I have a healthy appreciation for the power of my buffer. I'm considering the welder's apron as well. A little longer would be ideal. If someone has a good source they can recommend, I'm in the market too.
 
I wonder if a guy could make a guard with a deflector. Something that comes close to the bottom of the wheel and angles back and down into a sandtrap or something on that order. So that if something is snagged it is deflected into a container of sand, which should absorb the energy. Maybe have a piece of metal in front of and lower than the back guard so that the flying piece goes over it strikes the back guard and is directed down. Now the front guard would keep it from flying forward and help direct the piece down into the sand.
 
I can take some pics of the guards we use at work tomorrow.

Kind of hard to explain, maybe I can draw them in paint shop.... I'm going to post this now and so this post doesn't get lost because of this stupid mouse again.
 
I set mine up so it rotates away from me and polish on the very top of the wheel. That way, if anything catches, it gets thrown straight back and it's over. To me, polishing on the downstroke of the wheel leaves the possibility that the work can get caught, thrown down, bounce back up, and get caught and thrown again. My way, if it gets caught, the only way it can hit me is if it really gets caught and makes a full 180° turn. That's entirely possible, just less likely. It's all about risk mitigation.

You could buy a full length apron and rivet sheet metal scales on it for ultimate protection, as anything less than a hard barrier will probably not do much to stop a sharp knife.
 
Here's the pic.

Basically, it is two pieces of pipe welded into a 90 degree elbow, a larger collar welded to the machine with a wing bolt to lock the pipe elbow into position. A 1/8" steel plate is the guard that covers the wheel and it has another collar and wing bolt on it to hold it in position for larger/smaller wheel diameters. It may not be perfect but it will take a lot of energy out of anything that is coming back around for a second shot.

Let me know if you need more info or if you want me to still take some pics of our machines.

machine-guard.jpg
 
Years ago I worked in an iron foundry. The grinder guys had a very heavr leather apron that had rows of SS staples all across them for armor. I saw guys take hits that would have taken off a leg. Imagine an 18" wheel grabbing a 5 lb iron fitting and tossing that at you!
I haven't found it yet, but some foundry supply may have it.
 
:D caseynz - I would probably knock myself out when my chin hits the top of the plywood when I try to duck behind it......
 
I buffed motorcycle parts for a while on these buffers that had like four foot wheels.
They had a bar across the front to keep from sucking you into the buffer. :eek:
They were scary.:rolleyes:

TA



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Have you tried cork belts used with buffing compound on your grinder? I dont mirrror polish blades but use the cork belts to buff bolsters,wood and stuff.Works well for me.
 
Industrial suppliers sell chain mail covered aprons similar to what sixfooter described.
Stacy
 
I am using a riot vest since my near fatal accident on the buffer. Available at your local police supply store about $100.

George
 
Just a thought for you . I have my buffers set up so the wheels are off the edge of the bench and I have a packing blanket hanging behind and underneath them . If I lose a blade , they are thrown into the blanket . No damage .
 
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