Buffer

That is a very dangerous tool.
I cant say it any clearer than that.
Please be careful when using it.

To remove a burr,simple stropping it on a leather
strop loaded with chromium oxide would work great.
That would get the blade hair splitting sharp.
this guy in the exchange has pretty good ones,
(i have a few from him)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666499
But you certainly can find them in many places.
 
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Split Phase

The split phase motor is mostly used for "medium starting" applications. It has start and run windings, both are energized when the motor is started. When the motor reaches about 75% of its rated full load speed, the starting winding is disconnected by an automatic switch.

Uses

This motor is used where stops and starts are somewhat frequent. Common applications of split phase motors include: fans, blowers, office machines and tools such as small saws or drill presses where the load is applied after the motor has obtained its operating speed.

This motor is reverseable but not controllable without a variable frequency drive (VFD). Single phase motors are not reversable unless they are split phase. Three phase motors are reverseable, by swapping two of the three legs.

There really is no "cheap" way to controll a motor, you would need a VFD.
It will work, but be careful. It is like a regular grinder, but reversable.:)
 
Thanks guys! I appreciate the warnings! Why is it a dangerous tool and what do I need to be careful about aside from the normal safety precautions (I am guessing there are additional hazards?...)

Thanks again:)

Oh, and don’t worry…I will practice a whole lot on some junk knives and the machete before I touch any good knives if I figure this thing out.
 
Reading comments from knifemakers in other threads, they seem to agree that the buffer is the most dangerous tool in the shop. I sort of assumed that was because the wheel can grab the blade and spit it out.

You might ask over in the Makers forum, or the Maintenance forum for some more advice.

Let's be careful out there.
 
richstag said:
Why is it a dangerous tool and what do I need to be careful about aside from the normal safety precautions (I am guessing there are additional hazards?...)
Click to expand...

What I was speaking about was the buffer
being dangerous to you,not the knife.
A fluffy cotton wheel spinning around at 4000rpm's doesnt
seem dangerous compared to a grinder,drill press etc,and maybe
therein lies the fault.
I have heard many objects being caught and flung out of the operators hand
by that fluffy cotton wheel.
A 5 inch razor sharp blade that you just sharpened would do some
serious damage if it was ripped out of your hands,and or bounced
off the walls.

How hot does it get the knife? I dont know,never used a buffer
to remove the burr,as mentioned above,I use a strop.
Can you use a buffer to remove the burr,I would imagine so,
is it the best tool for the job? Me,I say no,but maybe ask in the
knife makers forum. I am sure those guys can
tell you whats what.

Now,where is my coffee... :)
 
Good motor -- Dayton has a good reputation for durability and longevity.
fugawee said: "That is a very dangerous tool."
Click to expand...
Listen to fugawee!!! As noted, the buffer is one of the most "highly respected" (i.e. feared) tools in the shop. Especially those shops where a "flyer" has occured.

The danger is that the wheel will grab the blade and fling it, at very high speed, in almost any direction. Loose wheels (what you show in the picture) pose a higher risk for grabbing than harder wheels, either sewn (as linked) or dense felt.

Here is some math to explain why the machine can be so dangerous. The soft wheel you have there looks to be in the 6" diameter range (3" radius = 18.85" circumference around the rim) and your motor is a 3450 rpm model.

For a 6" diameter wheel:
3450 rev/min x 18.85 "/rev = 65,031 "/min = 1,084 "/sec = 90 ft/second = 61.36 mph

So by the time you count "one-Mississippi" the outer edge of that wheel has traveled 90 feet at 61 mph. That's D**N fast to have a hunk of steel hit flesh and bone.

So be extremely careful about what angle you present the workpiece to the edge of the wheel.

It may be obvious, but it bears repeating and remembering!
ALWAYS BUFF WITH THE WHEEL MOVING *AWAY* FROM THE EDGE OF THE WORKPIECE!!!

Maybe Boss Hog will weigh in on this, since IIRC it was a buffer accident that led, through physical therapy for same, to the Ergo E-handle series.
 
You should look into paper wheels for your buffer. They are far less dangerous than lose cotton wheels.

If the loose wheels grab the blade, it is not good at all. Do a search and read some of the posts.
 
Thanks for working that out for me. that is not a nice thought....flying razor sharp chunks of INFI!

I guess all i can do now is give it a try.
 
I missed this thread earlier and just seeing it now.

I think Fug and Rokjok have summed it up pretty well.

I have read about MANY accidents caused by buffers. Pretty much EVERY knife-maker I have seen mention or comment on what is the most dangerous tool in the shop says the buffer.

As Rokjock said, the looser or softer the buffing material, the more prone to grab and throw.

You definitely never point the edge into a buffing wheel - you will loose!

But, even if edge is away, people often use these wheels to polish blades. And they will grab spines and throw the blade as well.

At the power and speeds with the added power of intertia on these tools, GOOD LUCK holding on to the blade. You might find your hand imbedded along with the knife wherever the knife gets thrown.

As Fug said, buffers are just not ideal for sharpening. If you want a mirror polish on your edge, use a strop with compound or even use a leather belts with compound on a belt sander (don't leave belts on sander - they stretch out). Also, they sell belts with ultra fine micron grits now that WILL mirror polish edges. I have seen 9 micron belts. I don't know if they go lower.

But, bottom line is that a buffer is NOT the best tool or the right tool to sharpen with or remove a burr.

It "IS" apparently the most dangerous tool.

.
 
DWRW--- Great post. Improvements have been made in the buffing dept. :thumbup:
 
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