I have the 1 hp 1725 rpm one. The long arms is a nice feature. I bought mine years ago when it was on sale for $100, I see now the price has gone up a bit. My neighbor is an electrician so being able to run it at different RPM is a useful feature when buffing different materials. It's better on a stand because on the bench, the bench sometimes gets in the way. Most tools in my shop are Grizzly. The prices are good, and I have never had a problem with any tools. My bandsaw especially I use a lot. Just replaced the bearings, wheel rubber and put a new blade in it. As good as new. So that's another important aspect. The customer service and available parts.
But since I am a cheap SOB, if I had to buy another buffer I would hate to fork out $350. So I would shop around like you're doing. Not that picky I guess when it comes to a buffing machine.
Good Hunting.
-chris
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A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.
chernobieffpiano.com
865-986-7720
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2017 22:56
From: Larry Fisher
Subject: Suggestions for bench grinder/buffer?
I went through this recently and found a beefy bench mounted buffer at Harbor Freight. Black buffing wheel on one side and a white one on the other. You can double up on the white one to increase your contact surface. I've used it to polish plastic as well as ivory.
As for speed control, I rigged up a dimmer control in a junction box for my Dremel. A four socket J-box or square box has two outlets on one side and the dimmer control on the other. A safely restrained power cord comes out the side and plugs in the wall. Finding one that will handle a 100 watt bulb was the challenge. I may have settled for a 75 watt one since I've only used it for the Dremel. Using it on a large buffer motor may put too much of a strain on the dimmer control. I'd have to do the math to figure out what size dimmer control to use. Uh, ....... Watts equals amps times volts. The amp rating or watt rating should be on the ratings plate on the motor. Dimmers are rated in watts usually.
Best Fishes and flappy Holidays
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Larry Fisher
Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
Vancouver WA
360-256-2999
Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2017 16:03
From: Scott Cole
Subject: Suggestions for bench grinder/buffer?
Hi all,
Since I have a big ivory restoration project on my bench, I figured it's the season to finally acquire a bench grinder. I've gotten by with a power drill and 3" buffing wheel to buff keys here and there, but I'm wondering what people are using.
I'm aware that excess speed will cause heat damage to keys, so I'm wondering if that's a reason to buy a 6" variable-speed model (at the same RPM the 6" wheel will be traveling slower than the 8" at the point of contact). I'm kind of leaning towards the Craftsman at this point.
thanks
--
Scott Cole, Registered Piano Technician
Serving Southern Oregon and Northern California
(541)601-9033