Jump to content
charley

Advice Setting Up Benchtop Buffer - 6" Or 8"?

Recommended Posts

I'm finally breaking down to set up a benchtop buffer, motorized with a buffer on each side.

QUESTION: Do I get a 6" benchtop buffer, or 8"?

(By default, the 6" is cheaper, and it seems both 6" and 8" pads are fairly common, but perhaps the 8" is slightly more common -- there's a nice spiral sewn (thick) 8" on Amazon, but they don't have a similar one for 6", but I can find other hard 1" thick 6" buffer wheels ...)

Thoughts?

QUESTION: What two buffing compounds? (I'm currently thinking about Zam on one side and Yellowstone on the other.)

(I'd like "softer" compounds, but figure the Yellowstone won't stain leather as much as will the red rouge (which was the thought if I didn't go with Yellowstone; Note that there is a pretty good discussion on compounds at: <http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=12167&st=0&p=19228&hl=+buff%20+compound&fromsearch=1entry19228>

Thoughts?

Finally, there's no shame in buying cheap Harbor Freight, right? (They have both 6" and 8" benchtop buffers, the 6" was recently on sale and a bit cheaper.)

Edited by charley

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Charley, i don't have a buffer. I use a regular 6 inch grinder with 8 inch buffing wheels on it and all i use it for is a final touch touch on a knife sometimes. I never have tried buffing leather on mine. But i think it would burn the leather and the rouge will come off on the leather i would think. But it might work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We have the 8" buffer/grinder. It is noisy and scarey fast. Out of 7 people, only 2 of us will use it.

Kevin

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First question,

What are you going to buff?

First statement,

If you are asking these questions, you are too inexperienced to use a 3450rpm 8 or even 6 inch buffer on anything. The bigger wheels go faster which is not good, but they also have a lesser angle which is good.

I have a 3600 rpm Baldor throwing 10 inch hard felt wheels which I use 140 and 240 Polish-O-Ray on to remove scratches from metal, hardened metal. I'm the only one who uses it, and I only use it when I am in the shop alone and it has a foot switch with a valve spring in it. I use a 1800 rpm for finish work and finer grits. I have a little 1/4 hp or so Baldor 1800 rpm with 3 inch medium felt wheels with grooves that I use for edges.

Why Baldor? You only buy them once. Next one I buy will be 3 phase and I will put a VFD on it.

All I have ever needed for leather edges is the small buffer. When shoemakers and cobblers finish shoeleather, the finishers run the grinders (sanding belts, cutters, and wheels) at a higher speed than the brushes and buffs which go pretty slow. The cutters do run pretty fast, but everything else is not very fast though. Buffers run at light speed compared to a finisher.

Grizzly makes a 1725 or so rpm knifemakers buffer with long arms which is a good buffer, they also make the same one in 3450. Not real expensive.

Art

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Art, I also have a Baldor.I have been using it for about 20 years now with no problems.One thing you should know is the buffer is probably the most dangerous tool in most any shop, I hardly know any maker that couldn't tell you of at least one accident or close call with one, and if you don't hurt yourself you can easily damage your project.So a light touch ,clear head and alot of respect are in order.I would go with the slowest buffer you can find and use a soft flannel wheel.They grab more but don't build heat as quickly.I myself prefer to hand buff and use my buffer for knife handles,but I know makers that do thier leather on them but not many.Dave

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...