Which Buffer for beginner

I will say that I have a small buffer with loose cotton wheels and it grabs 10x more than my 1 hp balor with stiff sewn wheels. I was really surprized the tighter buffs on the balor do not grab at all, nothing has flown across the shop for a while.
 
I found an 8 inch Craftsman variable speed grinder for around $100, took both the stones off. One side has 8 inch buff and the other has a pulley to power a 2X48 Kalamazoo belt grinder. The belt can be easily removed so I don't have to run both at the same time. I can also decrease the size of the "drive pulley" on the belt side and make it real slow without sacrificing power.
 
I would look for a buffer that the motor is not in the way when buffing. Baldor is a good choice. leave the wheel nuts loose for saftey.
 
When I started learning out how to use a buffer, I bought a 6" bench grinder, took off the grinding wheels and the housing, etc, etc and installed two cotton buffing wheels. Mounted it to the end of a work bench and stood to the side of the buffer and buffed at approx 2 o'clock with the buffer running the the direction from spine to edge on the knives. I also sharpen knives on buffing wheels loaded with 400 grit compound, but that's another story :D
 
Barkes Knife Shop said:
This is my buffers I use in the shop. Baldor 3/4 HP 1800 RPM. If you are going to purchase a buffer, I would go for something more in the professional grade. And order the safety shields for the wheels. You may find some use buffer on eBay and in some machinery supply that sale used equipment. But one of the most important things is be safe. And Welcome to Bladefourms. :)

Terry

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That's a sweet set up Terry! :thumbup:

-Mark
 
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