Converting bench grinder into a buffer

[bluebolt]

I recently picked up a Dayton USA made 10" 1hp 1725 rpm bench grinder model # 1Z853 for $20. It runs fine unfortunately it was dropped and the left cast iron grinder shield was badly cracked and bent to where the wheel rubs. Being cast iron it will be difficult to repair and this model has been discontinued and if they can find one that piece will be expensive. So I am thinking about turning it into a buffer since I have 3 other grinders LOL but no buffer.

So here are my thoughts.
1. Remove both shields and install Caswell "Extra long shafts" in 3/4" size, thats the shaft size on the grinder. These have 1/2" ends for the buffing wheels.
2. Use 10" (4500 SFPM (surface feet per minute) or 12" (5400 SFPM) buffing wheels to get a decent buffing speed. Suggested is 3600 to 7500 SFPM, higher preferred. With the 10" wheels I could go wider as well up to two inches wide.
3. Build a good stand that maximizes space to manuever parts for buffing, basically flat plate on top, vertical tube, bigger flat plate on bottom.

Any suggestions or comments?

 

[bluebolt]

PS if you look at the picture you can see the crack and how bent the shield is.

 

[2oolhound]

Do what you said, that thing should buff like crazy.

 

[back2class]

yeah, it will be good. Low HP ones bog with a buffing wheel....but that will cut a shine quite well.

 

[Scott McKinley]

That sounds like a great project. What kind of material will you primarily be buffing?

 

[wolflrv]

I use this style spindle for my buffing.

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/tbs.html

It makes switching out different pads very quick and easy. No tools required once the spindle is installed.

 

[2oolhound]

Tapered spindles are great but not too good for stacking wheels to get a 2" thick wheel. If you buff a variety of metals and surfaces using different compounds and wheel types the tapered is the way to go though.

 

[bluebolt]

I use this style spindle for my buffing.

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/tbs.html

It makes switching out different pads very quick and easy. No tools required once the spindle is installed.

I saw those but they don't have them in 3/4" size.

 

[2oolhound]

Here you go:

http://www.stuller.com/products/47-2305/?groupId=20717
or $22.00ea. -
http://superiorshine.biz/index.html?pg=products&cat=2&PHPSESSID=d33c6def28e3cadef19b0598c1bbc9b2

I recently bought a 1 HP 3/4" grinder for the same purpose. Gonna buy a lt + rt taper as well as standard extensions for it too.

 

[930dreamer]

I recently picked up a Dayton USA made 10" 1hp 1725 rpm bench grinder model # 1Z853 for $20. It runs fine unfortunately it was dropped and the left cast iron grinder shield was badly cracked and bent to where the wheel rubs. Being cast iron it will be difficult to repair and this model has been discontinued and if they can find one that piece will be expensive. So I am thinking about turning it into a buffer since I have 3 other grinders LOL but no buffer.

So here are my thoughts.
1. Remove both shields and install Caswell "Extra long shafts" in 3/4" size, thats the shaft size on the grinder. These have 1/2" ends for the buffing wheels.
2. Use 10" (4500 SFPM (surface feet per minute) or 12" (5400 SFPM) buffing wheels to get a decent buffing speed. Suggested is 3600 to 7500 SFPM, higher preferred. With the 10" wheels I could go wider as well up to two inches wide.
3. Build a good stand that maximizes space to manuever parts for buffing, basically flat plate on top, vertical tube, bigger flat plate on bottom.

Any suggestions or comments?

I have (5) bars of Formax GREY compound? If you or any other GJ member has a use for them send me a PM.