Relative Buffing Speed

etp777

etp777

Joined
Aug 12, 2002
Messages
2,259
OK, got knifehere thatneeds work on buffing wheel(blade and bolster touchup). So I was thinking, wanna go a bit slower, so a smaller wwheel(ie 6" vs. 8") will give a slower rotational speed on a single speed buffer, correct?

Logic is, that on this grizzly,going from 8" contact wheel to 4" cuts belt speedin half. So in theory, if I'm not completely screwed up,samething should be true formy buffing wheels. I figure first time buffing I want this thing as slow as possible.

ANy help, as always, greatly appreciated.
 
yeah, this is only second time buffing,a nd that first time was just long enough to decide that I needed new wheels(got some with grinder when I bought it, but it was dirty, and was leaving streaks). So I've bought some more buffing wheels, and even though I don't have a full edge on knife yet(going to eventually be convex blade grind with standard flat grind bevel for edge), being convex, it's thin enough that it'll sure do some damage if buffer throws it into a body part, so I want to keep it as slow as possible.
 
One thing I have found with buffers is they are no substitute for not sanding well enough. I sand to about 1500 grit before buffing. I put a foot switch on the buffer so I can step on it off and on for buffing at about half speed or less. It does a fine job and is very safe compared to full speed buffing. It is easier to get into the hard to reach places too.
 
I have a couple of places I need to touch up on the sanding(up near the bolster), but don't think that wil be a problem in general on this one. I took this knife up to a 2000grit hand rub, but was told to make it a mirror finish. Don't htink it looks quite as nie, but ehy, if it sells it sells. Once I've sold more than two knives I'll be more choosy about what I make. :)
 
The finest finishes are achieved at high surface feet per minute (5000 or greater). Choice of buffing compounds allows this range to be extended slightly. Black spots on your work are indicative of too little compound being used not too much, try it when black spots appear..add more buffing compound and the spots will dissappear.

Buffing safety can be taught so look up an experienced polisher and ask for help.

NEVER use a loose wheel, they have no place in knifemaking because of the danger they pose. A sewn wheel with 1/2" spacing between rows of stitches will do the same job with little or no danger to the operator.
 
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