How much power for buffer?

[mikeS]

How much HP. is necessary for a good buff job? I'm using a 1/2 hp. buffer will I benefit with more POWERRR?

 

[george tichbourne]

The more power the better, low HP units slow down when buffing and speed is essential for the best mirror finishes.



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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

 

[A T Barr]

Don't forget, speed kills. If you mirror polish before heat treating, then there will not be a problem. After heat treating you can get that blade too hot *real* fast.

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A.T.
http://www.customknives.com
AKTI #476

 

[tom mayo]

well. some of the old timers that pound steel have 3 hp buffers...to give you an idea..and yes....you need to be careful around it. mine is a 3/4 horse baldor. i like the fast ones better than the slow ones (3600 vs 1750 rpms)

 

[Matt Harildstad]

Disenting opinion this time. 1/2hp and 1750 rpm is plenty. I rarely mirror polish a blade anymore though. A brief touch on bolsters and some handle materials is all I seem to do.

What George says makes sense, but remember that he is a professional metal polisher and works around these big machines all the time.

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Matt Harildstad
Knifemaker
www.planet.eon.net/~matth
matth@planet.eon.net