Buffer survey Which one do you have?

R

RobertHankins

Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
1,385
Which buffer do you have, speed, HP and why?

I am using a 3600rpm import 1/2hp grinder with those pointy things for the wheels to grab onto.
Dangerous & under powered.
Why? Not enough $ to get a real buffer.

What are you using?
 
1750RPM Grizzly 1HP, same machine as my grinder, but I don't run the belt when I'm buffing.
 
Import 3/4 hp bench grinder 3600 rpm. Cheap, plenty of power, turns to fast I've been told. Never tried buffing on a slower one. Reason, I figured I could burn up several of these for what a Baldor costs. Shafts to short, need to put extensions on them. definitely will maim if you dont watch it. I've threatend to wrap the whole thing in black tape to keep from getting static shocks when buffing.
 
I have a baldor 1/3 hp 3600rpm. but seldom use it. All buffers are too dangerous and shouldnt take the place of extra sanding time with fine grits up to 2000 grit. You could work for 2 weeks on your ivory handled damascus folder only to see it slam onto the concrete floor during its final stages of completion, not to mention the bloody stub where your hand use to be.
 
Have a 3/4 hp grinder turned buffer,i got some extented arms that screw on the shaft I have 9 inches on each side works like a charm
I also have a 1/2 Hp grizzly buffer runs smooth.
My shop is almost done I will post a PIX of it when done
got me a KMG can't wait to use it!!!!!!
do not like loose buffs,I like swen muslin only
maybe loose buff for handles only but not blades.:)
 
I bought a Baldor 3/4 hp, 1800 rpm buffer the same time I bought my Burr King. It's a super nice buffer, but I don't really use it very much.

Like Bruce said, hand sanding seems to take much higher prominence in my shop. I don't buff ivory, oosic, and the like, I hand sand it with polishing sheets. I hand sand my blades. I hand sand almost all of my bolsters...

But it sure is nice to have it when I DO need it :D

Nick
 
Nick,
That's wierd. I can echo your reply right down to the part about buying the 3/4 HP Baldor at the same time I bought a Burr King. :D

I also hand sand everything. If someone told me I had to give up one tool in my shop, it would be the buffer.
 
My old grizzly grinder now does buffer work exclusively. It's 1750 rpm turns the 8" buff wheel at 3600rpm. You can slow it down a bit, but you can't stop it.
 
I've got a 1/6 horse Baldor dental lathe with two sewn buffs that I salvaged from the basement of the craft center. Someone once had it for their jewelry making operation. It may be underpowered but it gets very little use. That's Ok, it will do some light buffing if needed and it was FREE! :)
 
Home built 1 HP 3500 RPM, with an extended shaft and uses 4- 8" sewn buffs hot glued in the center.:o What can I say...I use it for other things too.
 
I have both 1800rpm and 3600rpm 3/4hp Baldors, and use both a lot, but for different things. The 3600rpm machine is clearly the most dangerous machine in my shop, and I know a lot of good knifemakers who have had blades ripped from their hands and imbedded in their flesh by the same machine. Be VERY VERY careful. A blade in the belly is not a pretty sight. It's not happened to me, but I think about it, and know someone who had it happen.
 
Home built but I havejust taken it
apart because I needed the bearing.
I see that Sear has a buffer now I
THINK it`s around $140.
 
Older 1/2Baldor 1750rpm,,very smooth operation, also older {good quality} 3600rmp.Both see a lot of use,a lot of polishing stainless steel moulding for cars...
 
Baldor is recognized worldwide as the premier manufacturer of buffers. Yes, they are more expensive, but, they will probably last for your entire knifemaking career.
I have a 1 1/2 HP, 3600 RPM buffer for mirror finishing, edge buffing and deburring, and a 3/4 HP, 1750 RPM machine for satin finishing.

As others have mentioned, a 3600 RPM buffer is not to be taken lightly-especially the 1 1/2 HP version-it can kill or maim you before you even know what's coming. But, mirror finishing is really improved by the use of high SFM. I run a 10 " DIA wheel. It's moving...

RJ Martin
 
Mine is shop built. 1740 rpm at the buffing mandrel, run by a 3500 rpm 1/2 hp motor. I use 8 inch buffs, and replace them when they wear down to around 6 inches. The small white motor beneath the mandrel is a sewing machine motor with a 2 inch buff for small, tight spaces. Not fancy, and kinda ugly, but it's been working well for over a decade.

John Ownby
John C. Ownby Handmade Knives
buffer.jpg
 
Very old 1/2 horse motor, pillow block bearings, and 8" sewn and loose wheels. Every thing mounted on a piece of channel iron from a burnt out house trailer.

Wheels turn away from me, and I work on the top of the wheels, I've had blades grabed, but never been injured. Probably do to firm grip and low powered motor.

I seldom use it for any thing other than final polish on gards and handle material. Even though I don't use it that much I wouldn't want to be without it.
 
I have a 3600 rpm 1 horsepower grizzly. It is Dangerous. I wish I had got a 3/4 horsepower. 1 horse is too much power to buff with.
 
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