need a buffer recomendation for resto jobs on my str8 blades

**goatee** · 09-11-2012, 09:15 PM

really want to step up my game on restoring. well,,, up from nothing to something...

**fast14riot** · 09-11-2012, 10:00 PM

Are you experianced with using buffer? I strongly recommend learning to use one on less than dangerous items. They have a nasty habbit of grabbing things and accelerating them to speeds approaching the speed of sound in directions unknown.

Safety speech over.

Lots of people use the Harbour Freight buffers. 1725rpm with 6" wheels or 4" wheels. If going down to 1100rpm motors you might be able to step up to an 8" wheel.

The site also has a handy-dandy search function. Its been discussed a ton.

-Xander

**goatee** · 09-12-2012, 04:29 PM

the first thing i searched was "buffer" on here. sure it was mentioned, but getting down to a brand name or features to look for,, i did not see. 6" wheels and variable speed really are the only two things i figured i needed. (not an experienced buffer) unless you count 6th. grade.
harbour freight!!! i should have known!!!! they have tools.

**jeness** · 09-14-2012, 06:50 AM

Start with a slower RPM grinder, or better a buffer, with 6 inch wheels to start off. I started with 2850rpm bench grinder with 4" wheels, and I have upgraded now to 8" wheels, the difference in speed is night and day, and the heat build up isn't that much worse than you would think.

Use a very light tuoch, keep the blade under the centerline of the wheel, and dont let it grab the corners and such. Start with a piece of wood, for example 6"x2"x1/8" and try every direction and pressure on the wheel, just to get the feel of it how strong it grabs if you mess something up. I would start buffing the first few blades lengthwise, it is much easier and safer that way in the beginning. Buffing spine to edge is a bit more advanced, and can be hard to do at higher SFPM.

**Omak** · 09-14-2012, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by fast14riot

The site also has a handy-dandy search function. Its been discussed a ton.

-Xander

I actually find the site's search to be lacking because of all of the shave of the days and threads that are so long that words are used and brings them up in the list of things when i want to learn. I use google to search this site more often than I use the BB search function.

That said, ditto on the Harbor Freight.

**Slash McCoy** · 09-14-2012, 09:38 AM

Harbor Freight power tools are often surprisingly rugged, and the price is always like half or less than the big name brands. Unless you are going all out commercial or high volume, they are a good value and particularly so when you are just getting started and don't want to spend any more than you have to. I use their heavy duty Dremel knockoff rotary tool for a LOT of my razor work. I don't even have a proper grinder or buffer because living on a 27 foot sailboat doesn't give you much room for a workshop.

**YetiDave** · 09-15-2012, 02:20 AM

I've just used a knockoff dremel in the past to restore blades to as new condition, just using a felt wheel and compounds

**Txpipeliner** · 09-15-2012, 05:30 AM

I to have to agree. Harbor freights tools are quite dependable. That being said. It does not take a fortune to produce a great blade from a hunk of rust. I actually started restoring during a horrible bout of insomnia. I looked over in the corner and saw an old single shaft blower motor I have had for about 6 years. 45 minutes later i was up and buffing. Save your money to buy quality compounds wheels and polishes. I do believe it makes a difference. Good luck with your restoration.

**hig789** · 09-16-2012, 07:12 AM

You could buy harbor frieght buffer, or you could spend 5 times as much and buy a good one. Depends on how much money you got. Harbor freight tools work very well for me. Even if it lasts a year, go buy another and you will still be much cheap. And as mentioned above, not all wheels and compounds are the same. I had. ERN usin HF wheels and compounds and then I bough some from Caswells and the difference is night and day.

**jred** · 09-16-2012, 03:55 PM

Speaking of HF, I was in there today & they've got some $80 drill presses, in case you start making scales, too.

I usually won't pay that much for something at HF. For the most part, I think about how much I'm going to be using an item. If I'm using it a few times a year (or one time!), HF rocks. If I'm going to be using it several times a week, I'll go for something better quality.

Also, it seems like the orange power tools are better than the maroon or blue ones :)