Northern tool buffer

R

Randy3000

Joined
Jun 3, 2017
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I went in to my local northern tool, which i rarely do since it is a small store and pretty much all they carry toolwise is hand power tools, and a few of the klutch or ironton drill presses and welders.

But anyway, their brand of buffer was on clearance for $35. It was the last one they had. It is 3/4 hp and 3450 rpm and came with a medium and soft buffing wheel. I figured it was worth it and picked it up, since i have never owned a real buffer. The motor runs fairly quiet and not much vibration at all.

So just let you know if you are looking for a cheap buffer.

I dont know much about buffing. I know buffing blades is dangerous but i mainly want to buff bolsters and handles. Any buffing tips? Sometimes where scales meet bolsters i have a hard time getting the scales to blend seamlessly to the bolster, you cant feel anything but if you catch the light just right you can see it is somewhat different angles at the joint. Will the buffer help this or make it worse?
 
Dont breathe its dust...
No real tips to offer. 3/4 hp is enough to hurt you. But not nearly as deadly as 5hp turning a 14x2 :)
Just hold solidly and keep your workpiece on the downhill side of rotation and below the wheel centerline (3 or 9 oclock depending how you view it...)
3450 is pretty fast for some materials. Just keep workpiece moving.
BTW, Use smaller wheels to reduce SFM, I suggest 4-5” no more than 6”, what probably is sort of a built in limit as 3/4hp wont have alot of power for bigger wheels anyway.
 
Last edited:
Buy and use 4" buffs.
This will reduce the surface speed and reduce heat build up.
 
just so you know buffing bolsters and handles can also be dangerous

Lieblad said:
Just keep your workpiece on the downhill side of rotation and below the wheel centerline (6 or 9 oclock depending how you view it...)
Click to expand...

This is important
 
I mounted it on a pedestal, heard that was a good idea. I would never dream of working anywhere else on the wheel other than the lower front sector, spinning with the bottom of the wheel going away from me.
 
3450 might be OK to buff metal but you will have to be very careful when buffing wood. At that speed there is a very good chance you will burn the wood.
 
I pretty much stopped using wood. On my stainless folders i use micarta and on carbon steel folders i use jigged bone, and that's it really.
 
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