Slower Buffer!

[Patrice Lemée]

I had a motor and the bearings laying around so I figured it was time to make myself a slower buffer by turning an arbor and a couple of pulleys. I had been using converted 3600 rpm grinder and it scared the crap out of me each time I used it. I only had small round aluminum stock to make the pulleys so it is a 1:1 ratio with a 1725rpm motor. But now that I tried it, I would not go slower. It is slow enough to be a little less scary. (You still have to be careful and respect the machine though, still plenty of speed and power to maim or kill you) But fast enough for the wheels to stiffen up and stay reasonably stiff when you put a little more pressure on there. Like many other things in my shop, I should have done that a long time ago.

 

[richard j]

neat setup. i like your dust collection system too.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

My buffer runs at 1650 1:1 or reduced 1:1.25 I can't remember. I wondered if it was too fast with the 6" wheels I'm using.

I buff the stones I cut on a different setup with a variable speed motor, it is way safer and cooler at a lower speed. I think this would translate over to knifemaking as well. I wonder if a medium or hard felt wheel with diamond compound would work well?

Nice looking setup Patrice, I like that dust collector too.

 

[AcridSaint]

I actually prefer the faster buffer. Just remember, just because it's half as fast doesn't mean it's half as dangerous.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I actually prefer the faster buffer. Just remember, just because it's half as fast doesn't mean it's half as dangerous.

Good point!

 

[A C Richards]

3phase with VFD is the way to go..

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I actually prefer the faster buffer. Just remember, just because it's half as fast doesn't mean it's half as dangerous.

+1

The only buffers I have every used were 3600 RPM models.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Sorry I should have added that 1725rpm plenty fast enough to seriously hurt you. You still have to be careful but it seems a lot safer than the 3600rpm. Maybe it is a false sense of security.

 

[SteelSlaver]

I now use a buffer that uses a shaft on pillow block bearings. I also have a VFD and 3ph motor on mine

One of the things about buffing wheels on a standard bench grinder besides speed is the clearances. Because the wheels are close together it is easy to bump the second wheel with hand or work. That and trying to avoid that can cause you to make movements that lead to problems

 

[eyeeatingfish]

I use my drill press as my buffer. I just have to buff sideways from how most use buffers. Then it already has step wheels to change the speed.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Jim, I may try to use the VFD for this some day but for now I am pretty happy with it.
Fish, that is a good idea but I personally would find it kind of awkward.

 

[eyeeatingfish]

Jim, I may try to use the VFD for this some day but for now I am pretty happy with it.
Fish, that is a good idea but I personally would find it kind of awkward.

Sometimes i find myself orienting my head and arms so the knife is vertical and my upper half is somewhat sideways. I don't find it that feels odd, but I may be rather odd and/or flexible.

In a way it is kind of relief for my back from leaning over to the level of the belt sander.