Buffing is a skill in itself. It isn't like grinding. If you grind wrong, you mess up the blade. If you buff wrong, the blade goes flying. I never met a person who buffs who hasn't lost control of an item at one time or another.
Slower speed, lower horsepower, smaller buffs, spiral sewn wheels, hard sisal wheels, proper stance and grip, protective clothing, buffer safety procedures, and planning for where a thrown object will bounce/land are al important ways to lessen the risk......but make no mistake - buffers are dangerous tools.
1/4HP buffers running at 1800RPM, throwing 5-6" wheels are relatively safe, and a good starter system. Professional buffers for mirror polishing are 1HP and throw 10-12" buffs. They are not the place to learn.
One problem with learning to buff is that those who do it all the time are the worst ones to watch and learn from. They do things that aren't really good practice, but their skill and experience allow it. The same things done by a novice can be disastrous.
I like to give comparisons from the past, and this one will not mean much to anyone younger than 50-60:
Watching pro buff does not mean you can do it yourself.
Colonel Larson (The Marlin Man ) used to shoot cigarettes from peoples lips and shoot the ace out of a card being held in someone's hand....but that doesn't mean you should get your 22 and try it in the back yard with your little brother.
For the trivia buffs, Colonel Larson was his real name. He was actually a physicist. He contracted polio, and was paralyzed. He lived, miraculously, and was left weak and shaking. He practiced hand and muscle control and took up shooting to regain his strength, balance, and coordination. The rest, as they say, is history.
