Variable Speed BufferOption

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Since we have been talking about buffers lately, I thought I would show a fairly low cost alternative for a variable speed buffer.

This $109.00 buffer head is a good unit. It has a 2/3/4" pulley on it. I recommend an ACCU-link type belt for ease of hooking it up and quiet running.
https://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/wk16810/

The company charges $7.95 flat rate shipping on all orders, and sells many of the belts we like, so you may want to stock up on belts and stuff and have it all shipped for $7.95.

You could run it on a 1/3HP to 3/4HP regular motor ( even an open frame type) with a 2/3/4 pulley. This is plenty enough power for a knife buffer.
That may cost nothing, as these motor are sitting around in most of our shops, or at flea markets for $10. The motor on a lot of old equipment is this type.

The better way to drive the buffer is to use a 3Ph motor of 1/3HP to 3/4HP.
Add a low cost VFD and you are ready for variable speed buffing. You can often find a package for the combo. This size motor could be run on a 120VAC circuit.

A DC motor and controller would also work fine.

Use 10" fine muslin buffs, or whatever type you prefer. Used ones side for blades, and the other for handes. 8" buffs would be OK if you are just learning to buff.

The whole package could be built for $400 with some searching for a motor/VFD combo deal. If you have a bunch of stuff sitting around the shop, it may cost only the head and buffs.

I am getting ready to build one this summer/fall and will bring this thread back again for a build tutorial at that time.
 
Joe before that buffer I'd recommend this

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-1...MIiParwvmt2gIVBpJpCh3yCwb9EAYYASABEgII0_D_BwE

It's not variable speed. It's rated 1hp at the 3450 speed but 1/2 HP at 1750. It was recommended here by a prominent member and I've been totally happy with mine.

IMHO buffers are like a lot of tools in my shop, they are all or can be dangerous. Chainsaws and table saws scare me the most. But I've been "bite" by my bandsaw actually from not paying attention working late on night.
 
I am with you on the table saw. I have been using one my whole life (along with lathes, bandsaws, belt sanders, etc.), and even including the radial arm saw, the table saw is the scariest. That being said, the 'gripper' push block and DIY variants are the greatest things since sliced bread and have made me significantly more comfortable with ripping on the table saw (Seriously, this combo is amazing for knife handle making. You can safely and comfortably rip thin scales).

Will check the buffer out.
 
I was recently searching for a similar belt driven buffer after seeing a large one set up in a luthier's shop. I saw this same one on eBay (probably branded differently), but it was around $60 more.

What sucks is that a little while back, we threw out a couple of 1/2HP 1725 RPM pedestal fan motors at work that would have probably worked pretty well for this....
 
The biggest difference between the linked buffer and the build is NO variable speed, way too fast, and the amount of clearance of the buffs from the casing.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
The biggest difference between the linked buffer and the build is NO variable speed, way too fast, and the amount of clearance of the buffs from the casing.
Click to expand...

Agree with you on the clearance issue (though I run threaded spindle tapers on one of my machines that give you a few more inches.) That being said, the one I linked looks to be electronically speed controlled from 900-3600 RPM in 100 RPM increments. I am not sure what the mechanism of altering speed is. Looks to be VFD controlled, though I imagine it is a single phase VFD. Not sure what implications that has for torque and power in the lower end of the RPM band.

TBH I do most of my buffing on a spare lathe I just leave permanently configured with a long spindle and three wheels. But I use this setup for wood only and have been looking for another buffing wheel (I do have an 1800 RPM grinder with a threaded taper and wheel on one side, but having to replace wheels when I want to change compounds and the lack of a low RPM range limits what I am comfortable doing with it).

The MFR's product page: http://www.palmgren.com/product/11074/Variable-Speed-Buffers
 
Ive been using the euro tool benchtop jewelry buffer for a few years now to do all my buffing. Its a bit small, but variable speed, and so underpowered(its meant for gold, silver, etc) that it throwin anything aint happenin at lower rpms. Works amazing on my handles. Def no good for buffing a blade, but then again, im not a fan of the mirrored look, aka maimed bladesmith style finish.
 
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