What can I use as the shaft for my buffer?

[LoneGunman]

Scratch the 1hp, I have a 3hp 3750rpm I'm going to use. I want to run minimum 12" buffs, I'm thinking a one inch shaft, I found 1" D-2 , is this a suitable type of steel for this application? I'm think a 3' piece, drive pulley in the middle and bearings 1' in, so I'll have 1' unsupported.

Obviously I don't know anything about what types of steel to use.

Would the steel below be better than D2?
http://www.smallparts.com/Ground-St..._s=center-3&pf_rd_m=AIUBT5HP6PMAF&pf_rd_t=101

 

[russlaferrera]

IMO what you are using will work. Because of the size there is sufficient stock to support the wheels. Heck you can use 12L.

 

[LoneGunman]

What about using a 1.25 keyed shaft and pillow bearing, the bearing even has a set screw?

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009031720513391&item=1-207-20-P-C&catname=powerTrans

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009031720513391&item=1-2982-125-A-3&catname=powerTrans

 

[DynoDale]

What about using a 1.25 keyed shaft and pillow bearing, the bearing even has a set screw?

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009031720513391&item=1-207-20-P-C&catname=powerTrans

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009031720513391&item=1-2982-125-A-3&catname=powerTrans

I don't think that you should use a keyed shaft unless it has a guard around it. What if parts or someone's hand touches it?

What speed are you going to run the shaft? A standard pillow block for 1 1/4" shafting is usually only rated for 2500 RPM.

Mild steel would work fine for the shaft, but finding an accurately sized and straight piece might take a while. O1 or D2 are fine if you want to heat treat and grind after machining. If you don't want to, some prehardened, tempered and ground 4140 or 4142 should be easy to find. It is still machinable at Rockwell hardness of around 30. Chrome plated is often available.

 

[tdoty]

Why not just buy a piece of 1" TGP shaft? Shouldn't cost too much.