How many HP for a buffer?

not standing straight behind it will make it safer :D 3/4hp or so i think its kinda regular
 
It's probably a matter of personal preferrance. Some people are happy with low HP and low RPM and others like me wouldn't want to go anything less than 1HP and 3600 RPM. :) Edited to add: Be careful with whatever you eventually choose. I had my buffer grab and throw one of my blades and I won't soon forget it!
 
Alex,
A 3/4 or 1 hp motor, running at 1725 rpm, with a set of step pullys will give you enough power and a speed range to buff most knife making materials.

Fred
 
I use a 1/4 hp buffer with about 2700rpm cos it was the cheapest machine i could lay my hands on and it seems pretty hard to get it to grab anything and chuck it across the room:D It does seem to buff well to;)
 
~Humble Opinion Disclaimer~

The high-powered buffers are better suited for buffing chromed fenders and all that. For a knifemaker, any low-powered, low-rpm buffer will do. The buffer really should never be used for more than brightening your work - never more than that. Any more horsepower than it takes to do this is overkill, and over-buffing detracts from the appearance. Smaller buffers prevent this.
 
I've used my buffer less and less with time as I have found the vast advantages to hand applying high grit finishes. Ive found buffing just makes shiny scratches for the most part....plus ive had a few too many scary situations with mine....worst being a blade driven 2" into the wood floor. Im pretty sure I could have lost my life on that one....

But for reference, my buffer is 1/2hp...
 
Personally I feel like the lower power ones are safer. The 3/4 and 1hp ones are the ones you always hear about yanking stuff out of hands and causing serious accidents in the shop. Buffers are probably the most dangerous tools we work with IMO. I make a point to only buy weaker ones and they work fine for me.

STR
 
I rather prefer my 7 1/2 HP buffer with 16-20" wheels because I spend less time buffing which is fine with me. Less time equals less risk.
 
george tichbourne said:
I rather prefer my 7 1/2 HP buffer with 16-20" wheels because I spend less time buffing which is fine with me. Less time equals less risk.
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7 1/2 HP :eek: there you go..16-20" wheels I can see why you need that power:D cool SFPM that thing is zinging, I'd like to try that baby out George.:)

I'm cheap
I use a 5/8 HP el'cheap'o bench grinder and use it no more than I have to.
most guys I think will agree more is not always better, as Jeff said just a touch to finish..:thumbup:
 
Is it possible to get by without buffer at all?
There are some satin brignt and felt belts and I wonder if they can substitute a buffer?
 
I have a 6 inch 1/2 horse power grinder. I bought a pig tale from the hardware store to put on one end and a wire wheel on the other. I have a feeling it is safer because a number of times I have been holding on tight with gloves and stalled the motor when bit have caught.

However it is still the most frightening piece of equipment I have. Even a low power can throgh things back at you or spin a sharp knife into your fingers.

Just never work the buff unless you in the mood to concentrate. Concentration is the big safety factor. I allways get into trouble when I start getting bored and stop concentrating on the boring bit.
 
oh to add to my last post.
the bench grinders I use run at 3400 and 3450 according to the info plates.
and I run 6" and 8" buffs.

Mike's right on.
much more that 2 min's to a side and you'll buff out your crisp grinds lines..
you'll want these to stay sharp and not rounded.

the only thing I've found to come close to a good buff is a good hand rub with 2000 grit.. but you should be almost there anyway before a buff..:)
 
JohanB said:
Mines 1/2 but I find it a bit on the small side! I can bog it down pretty easily
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Then you are pressing too hard. Buffers are there to buff - not grind. Your hand-finishing should be to the point where a few light passes on the buffer will brighten and blend - that's all. :)
 
I rarely buff a blade. I use my multi speed buffer on handles and guards. The speeds that work well on mild steels won't suffice for ivory, bone and the like.
Having enough hp to run a set of step pulleys gives you more buffing options requiring less pressure to achieve respectical results. Even though I don't think the dangers are overstated for buffer use, this piece of equipment should not be , put at the "head of the class" of dangers in a knife shop.
Carelessness is numero uno whatever the task.

Fred
 

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I agree that carelessness is always the number one cause, but buffers are a hidden danger. Its much more common sense to be carful with a high speed 50 grit belt than a floppy loose buffing wheel, but I would rather grind my knuckle into a belt anyday than be in the path of anything coming off the buffer....its a kitten that bites like a lion!
 
Dan Gray said:
Mike's right on.
much more that 2 min's to a side and you'll buff out your crisp grinds lines..
you'll want these to stay sharp and not rounded.
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Dan, I dont know if you realize this or not but you agreed with me. Are you sure you dont want to change that post?:confused: :D
 
TikTock said:
I agree that carelessness is always the number one cause, but buffers are a hidden danger. Its much more common sense to be carful with a high speed 50 grit belt than a floppy loose buffing wheel, but I would rather grind my knuckle into a belt anyday than be in the path of anything coming off the buffer....its a kitten that bites like a lion!
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:thumbup: Thats why I wear my double layered leather apron when buffing. Anything coming off the buffer, headed for your crotch, can't be good. I still have knife parts, somewhere in the shop, that were "buffer missles". I have no idea where the ended up. Work safe, Fred
 
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