harbor freight 3" grinder/buffer

Not only cost but for me it's the safety aspect of it (I can stop the wheel with just my hand) and the whisper quiet function...

For the 100+ razors that have graced this JF buffer it was a great deal!

Ps and it's still ticking!

In your opinion, would you call the "whisper quiet function" of this buffer quiet enough for a condo/apartment environment?

Heespharm said:

Not only cost but for me it's the safety aspect of it (I can stop the wheel with just my hand) and the whisper quiet function...

For the 100+ razors that have graced this JF buffer it was a great deal!

Ps and it's still ticking!

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I live in an apt... And whisper quiet means Someone sleeping nearby quiet

You have just made my day, and probably saved me a whole lot of time! I owe you big Hees, this is the second time in 1 day you've helped me out!

Even my big 8" is quiet. About all you here is the air being cut by the wheels. It makes no more noise than a box fan.

Finally got around to trying mine out today. Used the included felt wheel with HF green compound on a blade a hand sanded up to 3000. Worked great. All that's left is the little but of pitting I didn't sand out cause I wanted to leave the etching. I also sanded the black plastic scales (ebonite or Bakelite) from 1000 up to 3000 then polished on the buffer. They were a little dull after sanding. More dull initially after a light buffing (also with the green compound) but shined up really well with just a wipe of paper towel. I then took a couple blades that were waiting for scales and the green compound took off a surprising amount of the cloudy clack tarnish that was on one of them. The other, which was cleaner already, looks even cleaner. So in about 30 minutes of use I already feel like I got my moneys worth. Thanks HeeSoo

One thing, the blades get fairly hot in just a few seconds, especially the thin parts. I had heard this before and was expecting it, so I made sure I had a finger or thumb on the blade opposite the part on the wheel, but I was still surprised at just how fast it is. Luckily it is hot enough to be uncomfortable before it is hot enough to hurt the razors temper, but if I had been holding the ends of the razor, I could see how one could ruin a blade before realizing it.

Another tip, watch your knuckles on the other wheel. I lost a few knuckle hairs on the wheel. Luckily no skin before I realized how close it is.

I was looking at the HF 3in today and a question came to mind. Do you gentlemen leave the tool rest, end cover and eye shield in place or remove them? Also the store had a 3inch with a flex shaft, has anyone tried it? Thanks.

I have only used the buffer side so far, so this answer only applies to it. I removed all of the easily removed covers so I can better control what part of the blade is in contact with the wheel and at what angle.

Kentuckygent said:

I was looking at the HF 3in today and a question came to mind. Do you gentlemen leave the tool rest, end cover and eye shield in place or remove them? Also the store had a 3inch with a flex shaft, has anyone tried it? Thanks.

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Me too removed everything I could...

Ebay has plenty of cotton buffing wheels for sale. Most come out of Hong Kong but they're fine and cheap.

Just ordered one. Been looking for something similar. Figured for $30 can't beat it.