Which Buffing Wheel?

[Mudbug007]

I finally got tired of doing all my buffing (what little I do) on my drill press. Since I had a Woodcraft coupon and they were running a special on their 8" slow speed grinder, I bought it with the plan on putting a buffing wheel on one side and a ScotchBrite wheel on the other.

Since I've never owned a buffer before, I'm wondering which type of buffing wheels would you suggest for buffing handles and blades?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Power buffing is not a beginner task. It can remove fingers in a split second. It seems really simple,and it is......... it is simply dangerous when knives are involved.

For buffs there are many choices. Unstitched muslin or combed cotton is probably the best for handles. Treated ,stitched muslin is best for blades. If you use different compounds, you should get a wheel for each. A wheel rake is also something you will want to have.

Read all you can about power buffing before turning on the switch. If at all possible, go to the shop of someone who does a lot of buffing and have them show you how to do it. Wear a heavy leather apron ( the pros wear chain mail aprons - really!), stand with feet apart a bit and hold the blade firmly. Stay within the safe part of the wheel - 3 O'clock to 5 O'clock. The wheel should be turning toward you and down ( Don't bother reading advice from anyone who recommends running the wheel backward unless your life insurance is paid up).

Here is the google search engine for Bladeforums, Put it in your browser bar and use it to search for topics on BF. Please use it to search power buffing, buffers, buffing. Read all those threads first, then start with great care.
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra