funny thing about buffers--they come equipped with tiny hands that snatch things from you. I thought I needed one a couple of years ago and bought a Craftsman buffer with long extended arms on both sides. great for buffing a bowie. Problem is that if you're not careful, it will snatch your knife right out of your hands! If you're very, very careful, its a great machine. I don't use it much-but I've got it. I think the cost out of the cataloge for 1/2 horse was about $150, stand extra--Dan