Can this old motor be used as a buffer?

[Case_D]

I'm in the market for a buffer. I have this old motor hooked up to a jointer that I have no use for. A while back I got the whole table (jointer, belt sander, and motor) for $100 off craigslist. Does this motor seem appropriate for use as a buffer? What all would need to be done? I'm no expert on workshop machinery, just learning as I go along.

The motor is a Peerless 1HP 1750RPM. It seems to run ok. Not sure exactly what the arbor is. My caliper wasn't giving me anything that looked right, though it was close to 3/4"

I was looking to put a couple of Combat Abrasives' 8" Airway polishing wheels on it for use in cleaning up blades and polishing handles.

Here are some pictures

https://imgur.com/a/dzDpm7n

 

[Scaniaman]

How are you attaching the buffing wheels? I put a shaft collar / stop ring on a motor shaft that I use with a felt wheel for honing edges. But the shaft is tapped so I can apply pressure on the wheel from that direction.
I think with 1750 rpm you'll be fine with something like 7-8" wheels.

 

[Ken H>]

Here's what you're looking for: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ9GSY4/

That one is for a 5/8" motor shaft from what I understand. They make those in different shaft sizes if 5/8" motor shaft isn't what you've got

 

[Case_D]

Here's what you're looking for: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ9GSY4/

That one is for a 5/8" motor shaft from what I understand. They make those in different shaft sizes if 5/8" motor shaft isn't what you've got

Thanks! So I just need one of those on each side to attach a buffing wheel and I'd be good to go?

 

[Ken H>]

"IF" your motor shaft is 5/8" I'd think that's all you'd need, other than buffing wheels

 

[Drew Riley]

That motor should be just fine. I'd get something like the Shop Fox W1681 buffing assembly and use your motor to drive it.

 

[Hubert S.]

Thanks! So I just need one of those on each side to attach a buffing wheel and I'd be good to go?

I think buffers and bench grinders have left-hand threads on one side so the buff/wheel does not spin itself loose. The plate on the motor says it's an H203 frame. There is a NEMA 203 frame size (without the H) that has a 3/4" shaft. That and your caliper measurement makes me think the adapter Ken linked is likely not going to work. There is a right-hand and a left-hand adapter for 3/4" shafts on Amazon that might work.

The Shop Fox assembly suggested by Drew looks really nice. You'll probably want a smaller pulley to drive it, though. A 2" V-pulley for a 3/4" shaft is about $6 at McMaster. Make sure the shaft has a 3/16" keyway and is actually 3/4" if you decide to go that route.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I highly recommend getting the buffing head shown and driving it with your motor. This will allow using larger wheels as well as running the buffer at a safe speed.