What buffer do you recommend?

H

Hinterland-Rovers

Joined
Jun 26, 2022
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5
Hello all,
I've been setting up my shop to make knives and am now looking for a buffer. I understand it's the most dangerous machine in the shop.
I've read some previous posts on this topic, yet I'm curious as to what most think of single speed vs. Variable speed?
I'm looking at the Jet IBG-8VSB. Thoughts?
 
My choice would be a cheap 1/4 to 1/3 hp motor of 1725 rpm. I only use a buffer for polishing handles, or only rarely to put a mirror finish on the blade. Neither of these require any real hp since a light touch is all that's needed, especially for the handles. For the blade that's already at a 1500 to 2000 grit finish it doesn't take much pressure for that final mirror finish.

With that low hp and rpm (6" to 8" buff) the buffer isn't near so dangerous as the 1 to 2 hp at 3600 rpm buffers. That higher hp and speed is needed when using the buffer to cut metal with aggressive grits.
 
On this topic. Does anyone have any recommendations for buffing compounds that work well? I haven't tried dialux, is that stuff good enough for steel?
 
A 1725RPM Baldor 332B on a pedestal stand is hard to beat. The pedestal allows a blade to go to the floor if grabbed out of hand rather than bouncing off a workbench and heading right for your happiness. Double up the wheels until about an inch thick helps stuff from being grabbed, too. Ed Fowler taught to keep a bunch of used belts on the floor around the buffer to trap flying blades. Good time to wear a long leather apron, too.

Any buffer, be careful. Bad happens so fast it is staggering.

As for compounds, I prefer a particular dark green greasy chrome rouge bar. I finally found a replacement at K&G. I use white or pink no-scratch for handles.
 
Blankblank said:
On this topic. Does anyone have any recommendations for buffing compounds that work well? I haven't tried dialux, is that stuff good enough for steel?
Click to expand...
I use orange dialux on a gritless cork belt to soften a 400 grit belt finish. Its supposed to remove scracthes from steel, but I guess you should go up to 800 or higher for it to do the job.
 
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