Commercial-type Buffer/Polisher recommendations needed.

BRENT in 10-uh-C

BRENT in 10-uh-C

Well-known member
I am in the market for a good quality heavy-duty buffer and am going to see about purchasing one at Hershey this year. Has anyone purchased one in the last year or two that they can recommend?


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i have been very happy with my Porter Cable #7424. but then mine is a one-time restoration so cant attest to its longevity in your busy shop. very forgiving for this novice!
 
Brent,
I'm a bit confused as to what you mean by "heavy duty". I've used commercial buffing machines for casting finishing from 1972 to 2000. I would classify anything you find at Hershey as a toy, including those little 1.5 hp Baldors with the dangerous exposed extended live shafts.

You need not less than 3 hp, spindle dia 1" or more, at least 3" clamp space between flanges, and a bolted floor mount that will not flex.

I suggest you search the used machinery dealers. I assume you have 3 phase in your shop. Here's a decent machine:
Hammond Buffer Link
 
I bought the Makita buffer this year,its got different speed settings (thumb wheel) the lowest setting is 500 rpm I think. Cost me on line $185 and came with a carry bag. Ive used it alot,buffed out the camper sides yesterday. I looked at dewalt,millwalkee,black and decker also.
Ive been using White Diamond Products with it. You can get those at hershey also.
Wick
 
I think there may be some confusion. This would be a unit for polishing aluminum/stainless/brass, --not paint. Thanks anyway for your comments and recommendations.

Mike, while I appreciate your input, your idea and mine regarding the definitions of 'toy', 'heavy duty', and 'commercial' are a tad different.;) I am not looking for a 'commercial unit' like you used, but instead a 'heavy duty' unit such as a 1½ horsepower 220v unit like the Baldor or similar.

I do have 3 phase in my shop however again, that is not the type unit I am in the market for. IMO, anything under ¾ horsepower that does not have ball bearings is a 'hobbyist's toy'. I am wanting extended shafts and something semi-portable to move around the shop (and outside during dirty operations):D.

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If you're using it for paint you want an oscillating buffer and not one that spins. I use the +_ $40 ones and if one quits, I throw it away and buy another. I never buy the overpriced extended warranty. Expensive tools are a waste if money for a hobbiest.
 
I've had a Baldor 110/230, extended shafts, ball bearings, 3/4" shafts, as I recall its 3/4 hp, for 10 years. I've run it on 110 all these years, buffed out stainless shells, headlight, tail lights and even buffed out a airplane radial stainless exhaust for a friend. I've had no problems other than installing new pads. Using good buffing compound seems to give better results. I have it installed on a pedistol stand, with a big base, so I can move it around. One of the better investments I've made.

Ron
 
Brent, I bought the Baldor 220v buffer/polisher from Grizzly; not a toy. it weighs well over 100 lbs. with a 3,450 motor, the shaft is a bit over three feet. Hang on tight it can throw what ever you are polishing an amazing distance. I used to make custom hunting knives and I polished a lot of stone so it has many hours on it. I am almost afraid to use it on a radiator shell; if that thing ever cought an edge it would hit you over the head multiple times and then bash it against the floor. seriously, it is a good professional quality tool. Regards, E LaBrash
 
'Just got a new Burr King industrial set up this morning, manufactured in USA. It is more versatile than I can mentally adjust to yet, and is about 3 times faster than my previous results on aluminum and brass castings, Model A stainless, and a couple intricate steering wheel spiders. Their web site is www.burrking.com. Email me and I can give you what particulars I have observed.
 
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