Looking at getting a Baldor bench buffer but am not sure what hp would be best for steel/stainless/aluminum (will be using it to polish engine parts). Also anyone know if I can stick a wire wheel on one end and buffing wheel on the other side? It will be for my home so I don't mind swapping wheels.
Best hp for buffer?
- Thread starter alexp1289
- Start date
1 hp is better, mine is 3/4 (not balder) and I can stall it easily. Pros use 2 hp and 10" wheels. Have a coarse wheel on one side and a soft wheel on the other and pick up a cheap used 3/4 for a wire wheel and a stone.
Zrexxer
Well-known member
I've got the Baldor 1.5 hp, and I love it. I sure wouldn't go with the little 1/3 horse model they have.
Zrexxer
Well-known member
It would probably have to be local to make it worthwhile, those suckers are heavy.
1 HP or so would be good for small engine parts. If you need more power you can always get a bigger one.
I've never owned an actual buffer. A couple pillow blocks, surplus motor, pair of sheaves and a piece of cold rolled rod will fix up a buffer in no time if you have a way to turn and thread the ends.
I've never owned an actual buffer. A couple pillow blocks, surplus motor, pair of sheaves and a piece of cold rolled rod will fix up a buffer in no time if you have a way to turn and thread the ends.
Great topic!!
several things are running through my mind:
in general the buffer is supposed to do the work and not generate too much heat. I don't think you want to push too hard. right? What kind of buffing do you guys do that you really lean into it?
I have a 1/3 hp Wissota, 3600 rpm that has worked great for buffing car trim during auto restorations. It was a bench grinder that I removed the guards. I use 6 inch buffing wheels and compound to match the wheel. It works like a charm!
As the wheels get bigger the HP must go up, but at some point as the wheels get bigger the RPM must go down. I am not sure where the "sweet spot" is.
I have a new Baldor 3/4 HP 1800 rpm I am dying to try as soon as I get some new bigger buffing wheels.
several things are running through my mind:
in general the buffer is supposed to do the work and not generate too much heat. I don't think you want to push too hard. right? What kind of buffing do you guys do that you really lean into it?
I have a 1/3 hp Wissota, 3600 rpm that has worked great for buffing car trim during auto restorations. It was a bench grinder that I removed the guards. I use 6 inch buffing wheels and compound to match the wheel. It works like a charm!
As the wheels get bigger the HP must go up, but at some point as the wheels get bigger the RPM must go down. I am not sure where the "sweet spot" is.
I have a new Baldor 3/4 HP 1800 rpm I am dying to try as soon as I get some new bigger buffing wheels.
e30bradley
Well-known member
Generating heat is an important part of buffing aluminum.. I have done a lot of aluminum polishing and can make an old motorcycle case cover look like a mirror. Parts buff better when hot, really hot. Like wear welding gloves or you'll drop the part hot.
wild cowboy
Banned
at $619, this is a pretty good deal for 1.5 HP Baldor and that really is the best make.
www.buschshineproducts.com/1-speed-baldor-buffer-410b-15hp-3600rpm-p-171.html
www.buschshineproducts.com/1-speed-baldor-buffer-410b-15hp-3600rpm-p-171.html
Last edited:
Tronyadorable
Banned
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2014
- Messages
- 1,170
I blued hundreds of guns using that as a machine with various hardness felt and loose wheels and compounds from Brownells.
There is no better buffer. I looked.
