Cleaning a dirty buffing wheel??

Col Defender

Col Defender

Joined
Nov 11, 2011
Messages
1,398
I think my white buffing wheel is full of shop dust and dirt. How could it not be? This morning as I tried to buff an almost white deer antler using white buffing compound, the result on the antler was grayish dirty.

Is there a way to clean a buffing wheel?

Hopefully,
Steve
 
Not a good way that I know of. I bought a dozen buffs and keep a couple in ziploc bags to use for things that need to be buffed with a clean wheel. Then labeled the others with the type of compounds on them.
 
they do sell "rakes"
BuffingWheelRake.jpg


I have thrown a wheel in the wash machine, but you risk your life doing that.


Plus they go softer.

True white materials need wheels kept in reserve- Ziplock freezer bags
 
Well excellent. I did not know about rakes. This sub-forum is just amazing - I've learned a bunch of stuff just in the last two days. :)
 
Turn the buffer on and let get upto speed. Hold the rake firmly in both hands and push with moderate pressure into the buff. Move from side to side. It will "pull" the caked polish, any loose grit, and a bunch of dusty thread. Just a few seconds with the rake is usually enough. Re-charge the buff with polish and buff your blade.
 
After raking I visually inspect my wheel and give it a trim if necessary to remove any long loose threads that might grab the blade or streak the finish then load with compound.
 
i rake them also. mine were really black, they did not seem to put a good finish on as they used to, and it took longer.. i ordered some more, but while i was waiting i hand washed them in hot water and dish soap. then put them in the clothes dryer. they worked good again! i think the metal particles that were trapped were larger than the compound grit, or they were keeping the compound from cutting. i plan on washing them every 25 knives or so.
 
woodster said:
i rake them also. mine were really black, they did not seem to put a good finish on as they used to, and it took longer.. i ordered some more, but while i was waiting i hand washed them in hot water and dish soap. then put them in the clothes dryer. they worked good again! i think the metal particles that were trapped were larger than the compound grit, or they were keeping the compound from cutting. i plan on washing them every 25 knives or so.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's the ticket--I also put on the quick change shafts on my buffer, and always keep a clean wheel nearby for color sensitive items!
 
I pull a large plastic bag over the wheels when not in use. Stray grit and all sorts of stuff will get on the wheels and make for unfortunate buffing problems. Thus the cover and rake procedures to assure it isn't there when I buff.
 
Hum I think I need a rake. I would not have thought to even attempt touching my Baldor buffer with one of thoes things befor reading this thread. I got a few wheels are are rather hard and need to be rejuvenated.
 
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