What wheels to get for my new buffer?

M

Maelstrom78

Joined
Sep 21, 2013
Messages
1,574
Scored a buffer from Craigslist.
2pt6vea.jpg

1h.p
1725 rpm
It can take10 inch wheels

Model jsb-10L Honestly this thing looks like overkill :)

What do I need for buffing wheels and compounds?

Thanks
 
Loose wheel? Sissal wheel? I've got some white compound and then I was going to pick up some green (green chrome?) compound and call it good. Wheel wise I guess I'll get one spiral sewn for the green and one loose for the white. Or should I get the red for the loose? But I read here that the red might stain some materials.

Hmm.

Now I just read that green is only for stainless.

So how does this sound? One spiral wheel and one loose for the green compound. One spiral wheel and one loose wheel with either red, white or blue.
 
Sounds like a good start. I like smaller wheels personally because the larger the wheel the faster the outside of the wheel is spinning. You got a good speed at 1725 vs 3600rpm but if you put big wheels on it you will negate that benefit.
 
Stay away from the sisal wheels! They continually produce loose strings that will catch on your work and take it away. Your knives should be finished to a point that a sisal wheel is not even necessary, they are really for heavy cutting. I think the sewn wheel and the loose should cover it fine. If you try a different compound, get a new wheel for it. I think 8" wheels would be fine. Don't forget a good face shield.

Bob
 
Thanks! I have the face shield already. This thing is a beast. I'm thinking of getting a gorget for my throat or something too.:D
 
A lot of the guys use a spiral sewn 8 inch wheel for green chrome compound and another loose wheel for buffing with a fine white like the #51 white sold by Texas knife supply which I think is about 1500 grit. Just don't use a large wheel that spins too fast or it will spray paint you with white compound. Hold the blade under the center axis and keep your feet from being directly under the buffer. These are not my ideas but things that several makers have suggested. Compounds are trial and error for most guys but green chrome is the most popular from comments on this forum. Larry
 
Medium and hard felt wheels are wonderful things, as are knife-edged felt wheels.
Jantz sells greaseless compounds in grits up to 600. They work very well for pre-polish work, using sewn muslin wheels.
Green rouge is a good general purpose finishing compound.
 
I have several wheel and compound combinations. I will list them in the order I use most.

1. Loose wheel and Pink scratchless. I use this 90% of the time and if I were limited to one this would most definitely be my choice.
2. Green chrome on a hard yellow wheel from Pops. All my wheels/compounds are from Pops, he has the best prices I've found.
3. White compound on a loose wheel.
4. Black compound on a hard yellow wheel.
5. Loose wheel with no compound for leather.

I suggest that you keep each wheel and compound in its own airtight container and always clean off any buffing residue that accumulates on the blade/handle if you switch from one compound to another.
 
The loose wheels can be dangerous. It can and will grab the buffed material (especially blades) and send them into orbit. Spiral sewn buffing pads can be just as dangerous. No distractions what so ever when using the widow maker loose buffing pads. Be careful and safe! All my buffing pads are used for only one compound and one only. I store them in gallon size zip lock baggies which does a great job of preventing dust accumulating.
 
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