Using 6" wheels on a 8" buffer

[Machinehead]

If I have a 8" buffer can I use 6" wheels? I don't see why I can't. I know on a grinder if the covers are there they would need removed. But this is a buffer. It's also a 2 speed buffer if that matters.

 

[MoonRise]

If the arbor hole fits the shaft diameter, you could.

But the SFM of the 6" wheel will only be 3/4 of the SFM of an 8" wheel. So work will be slower with the smaller diameter wheel.

And clearances and reach with the 6" wheel will be smaller than with an 8" wheel too. Such as around the motor body.

Could you? Maybe. Should you? Probably not IMHO, unless there is something that a 6" wheel let's you reach into (smaller concavity) that an 8" wheel doesn't fit into.

 

[seber]

Most six and eight inch buffers use the same motor and shaft. In fact, they are the same machine. There is absolutely no reason you cannot interchange sizes.

 

[Nutria]

I don't see why not-- buffing wheels get smaller in diameter with use in any case.

 

[GaryM909]

No different than wearing down a grinding disc from a 9" to a 5".
When I worked in the fab shops it was quite common to save the worn down 9" discs and use them
on a 5" grinder.
We also used a 8" wire wheel on a 9" grinder and wore the wheels down until there was probably ½" of
wires left.