Question about this Grizzly buffer

[sbrailsford]

I'm in the market for a buffer and was wondering what y'all thought about this one: https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-3-4-hp-variable-speed-mini-benchtop-buffer/t32004

It's 3/4 hp, variable speed down to 2000rpm and allows for wheels up to 8". I was thinking about just grabbing that HF one but this one isn't too much more expensive and seems better.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

2000 RPM is still too fast.
They make a 1 HP extended shaft 1725 RPM buffer that is very useful. It's the same motor as their knife grinder. It's much better for knife making.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That is a jewelry buffer. It is too fast IMHO, and an 8" wheel would be a joke. I would guess 5" is the max it would take for normal use. It is also too small for knives.
As Bill said, you want an extended shaft unit for knives that will take 12" wheels.

 

[sbrailsford]

2000 RPM is still too fast.
They make a 1 HP extended shaft 1725 RPM buffer that is very useful. It's the same motor as their knife grinder. It's much better for knife making.

Yeah I saw that one but it’s a bit out of my budget

 

[Richard338]

I had avoided buying a buffer for years but recently figured I want one occasionally.
I got the Rikon 8" low speed buffer from Amazon. It runs at 1750 fixed speed. I've only used it a couple times so far but it seems OK.

 

[SBuzek]

POWERTEC 8 in. Slow Speed Bench Grinder BGSS801 - The Home Depot

POWERTEC slow speed grinder is ideal for sharpening tools without generating the edge destroying heat that you get so quickly from 3450 RPM grinders. Wheels are 1 in. x 8 in., 60-grit and 120-grit. Quiet

www.homedepot.com

I use a similar one in my shop.. remove wheels and guards install buffs.
Not perfect but works, been using mine for years.

 

[CDHumiston]

That buffer is too fast and pretty small in reality. My wife has a buffer almost identical to that one she uses for her jewelry. It works best with 3- or 4-inch wheels.

I sometimes use it to buff out handles, but nothing more.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

For the best variable speed buffer you can have ... and at a really low price:
Shop Fox1681 buffer head - $143 from Grizzly (sometimes less from eBay and other sellers)

and a 3/4 to 1HP motor and a three-step pully or use a 3-phase motor and a Chinese VFD.
Total cost around $300 max. Less than $200 if you have scrounging skills or old motors laying around.
TIP, the best setup is to mount the motor below the head.

 

[Cliff Carter Knives]

I had avoided buying a buffer for years but recently figured I want one occasionally.
I got the Rikon 8" low speed buffer from Amazon. It runs at 1750 fixed speed. I've only used it a couple times so far but it seems OK.

Got this one as well. Has been great so far and doesn’t feel overpowered.