Recommendation? Any such thing as a good 6" bench grinder/buffer?

I can't answer all your questions, but I have Rikon's "slow speed" buffer, which is 1700rpm. At the time it seemed like the cheaper options from Harbor Freight and the like ran at twice that RPM, so I ended up with this one. I think I paid 150 or 160 for it. The tool itself seems like good quality, I suspect the buffs are cheap, but this is the only buffer I've used so I have nothing to compare it to. On one hand it's kind of expensive for what you get, but I couldn't find a cheaper alternative with a similar speed, all the cheap ones seemed way too fast. Here's a link to the one I have. I think for safety's sake, people recommend a slow speed motor and a smaller-diameter wheel to minimize the effective speed of the edge of the wheel when you're using it. I also don't know where to get "good" wheels, but I was planning to grab some wheels from Pop's Knife Supply next time I order, because I trust those guys a lot to only carry good products.

 

Buffers are run slower than grinders most of the time. Most buffers run at about 1725 RPM. Grinders run at 3450 RPM. Baldor was a very good brand and American made. If your willing to take a chance there are
import made buffers and grinders . Some people do make very speed in both. Some buffers come with extended shaft that allow more clearance and that is very handy thing. WB

 

If you must use a 3600 RPM buffer, use 4" buffs on it. The surface speed will be low.
I think Grizzly sells a 1750 RPM dedicated buffer.

 

Using smaller diameter buffs decreases the surface speed on the buff.
Your 1650 grinder is slow enough, but I recommend 6" or 8" wheels, maximum.

 

Would a 6 inch buffing wheel at 3000 RPM be OK for polishing handles? Medium hardness felt wheel or the sewn up cloth wheel?

 

For polishing handles and wood, use a stitched cotton, linnen, or muslin buff wheel. Charge lightly with matchless white or pink polish.

You can build a very useful buffer that will do different speeds for a low cost.
Here is a previous thread where I discussed it.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/variable-speed-bufferoption.1569569/

Use either three groove 2-3-4 pulley on the motor, or a 3/4HP 3 phase motor and a cheap VFD.

 

I've been using my 20 volt Max dewalt drill with a 6" buff wheel on the fastest setting for a year now and I dont feel like I need to run out and upgrade. When I want hands free I throw it in my bench vice and have at it.

 

Amazing! I have six dedicated buffers in my shop. Maybe I can buy a DeWalt drill and get rid of them.

 

Try and find a good used Red Wing two speed lathe. Craigslist, OfferUp, eBay, etc.

 

There are occasionally used dental lathes like Baldor and Red Wing on Ebay for reasonable prices. Get one with tapered spindles.
I have 3 of them.

 

I know it seems silly but you can't argue with the results. My shop is 9' x 13" and completely full. Broadbeck Ironworks makes a buffer attachment for a 2x72 and when I finally upgrade I'll most likely go that route but again the darn drill with a 6" wheel just keeps getting the job done and it's very versatile.
@RayseM once I started buffing was when my little hobby really took off and my work started getting noticed. I was in the same boat looking for a slower speed solution without spending big bucks. I found my solution for now. Best of luck finding yours.
Here are recent examples of different materials all finished out and buffed with a drill and 6" wheel.
Micarta


Sawcut bone


Chechen rosewood


Jeep/Chrysler fordite


Paper micartas

 

If you hand sand the work fine enough, you can get a mirror polish by hand with Simichrome and a rag.
Multiple buffers with different grits/wheel types makes things a lot easier.
My shop is set up to try to replicate finishes on all different brands of factory made cutlery.

 

This was my solution. It works great and usually runs about 70% on a 1750 RPM motor. It's not a cheap solution, but will last.

 

This looks like good option. Two speeds so you can slow it down. Plenty of power. Might order one myself.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-1-hp-buff-motor-dual-speed.html