Alternative to a Stewmac buffer

[nkforster]

Hiya fellers. Anyone out there got a homemade buffer? I'm looking for an alternative to spending $1000 on a Stewmac one.

[demonx]

Even if I wanted to spend that amount I would not buy the stewmac buffer!

I use a handheld 3” buffer and 3M pads.

You can spend several hundred at an auto store or buy one on eBay for under $100.

You will also want some sort of gauge to reduce the air pressure to slow the buffer right down.

Alternatively, I know a pro painter who is MUCH better at these things than I who used a chordless drill and a 3” buffing attachment. Same concept, just battery instead of air.

[Gazm]

The local Brisbane distributor of 0.55 Kw motor $173
Sourced a 4110 hardened 1" shaft 36" lg, ends threaded, for $120
Bearing supplies $34 for P205
Buff wheels out of Melbourne $50 - $75 ea depending on cloth grade were to much for my hip pocket.
So purchased buff wheels & flanges from Stew mac for $180 AUD & other goodies
Now sourcing pulley wheel to produce 715 RPM at buff
A saving of about $450 Nigel if your a handyman Loofier

Gaz

[nkforster]

The local Brisbane distributor of 0.55 Kw motor $173
Sourced a 4110 hardened 1" shaft 36" lg, ends threaded, for $120
Bearing supplies $34 for P205
Buff wheels out of Melbourne $50 - $75 ea depending on cloth grade were to much for my hip pocket.
So purchased buff wheels & flanges from Stew mac for $180 AUD & other goodies
Now sourcing pulley wheel to produce 715 RPM at buff
A saving of about $450 Nigel if your a handyman Loofier

Gaz

Where did you get the 4110 hardened 1" shaft 36" lg, ends threaded, for $120 Gaz?

[Gazm]

Apologies, that is 4140 hardened shaft, Not stainless 4110.
Happy to share a local small business with like minded sharing people!
Check your inbox Nigel

Gaz

[Jim watts]

Here's one I made.
I works very well, spins around 700-800 rpm. My only issue is that every time I use it I think to myself "I need to a belt guard over that top pulley". I used a piece of shafting from an industrial supply store and had a machinist friend cut the thread on it.

[nkforster]

Done! For about $400 including the buffs and menzerna. Its cheaper buying them from England and shipping it over...I bought a cheap drill press from Bunnings, robbed the motor and switch off it.

[WJ Guitars]

Very cleaver and cost effective result. I was not so adventurous and purchased a 'Stewmac' buffer machine some years ago and recall paying around $650. However, as you mentioned a $1000 is a too much.

Wayne
https://wjguitars.wixsite.com/mysite-1

[J.F. Custom]

Nice job Nigel - that works!

Some questions if you don't mind. Where did you get your arbor made and of what material? It looks roughly 900 to 1000mm wide, so am guessing it is a hardened steel, not mild - but it's also been threaded on each end.

Likewise the bearing pillow blocks? eBay? Any specific recommendations?

It would just be good information to have available for those considering going down this path. I have a buffing setup, but I'd like to upgrade it at some point.

Not a high priority as I'm not getting shop time these days, but when I get back to it the references would be useful.

Thanks.

[nkforster]

Make the time - it'll save you time. I just wheel this outside when I'm using it so the crap doesn't go all over the place.

A feller on Gumtree made the rod for me - its a 1" hardened steel rod, just over 1000mm long. I had him turn a RH M20 on one end and a LH M20 thread on the other.

M20 Nuts - RH from Bunnings, LH from eBay. I've got spares of both if you want 'em.

Got the 1" pillow block bearings, pulleys and fan belt from Gumtree. One bearing was not seated well but rather than fanny on with it, I wedged the feet so it is level.

Motor and switch from a $99 Ozito drill press.

The buffs and compound are from www.thepolishingshop.co.uk Even with postage, its cheaper than buying from here.

The buff "plates" are mdf - I turned them on me little lathe.

The machine is set up to run faster than most but with a slackish belt - so it slows down when you push it too much. I tried it out with a guitar bouzouki yesterday and it worked a treat. In the photo I've stacked the buffs so there are 4 in the picture. I've taken two off - so each side has a 60mm buff. This works better it seems. I made up the space vacated by removing a buff from each side with a spacer - a 60mm section of aluminum pipe.