[FigureLLC]

Having burned up our Harbor Freight 3/4hp buffer and soaking up time on our Craftsman 1/2hp buffer, it's time to ditch the mickey mouse buffers and anty up to the big boys. I'm not having a ton of luck finding what I think we need. I'm trying to keep the cost to $600 or so (buffer/motor only), otherwise I think the 2hp Baldor Caswell sells would be perfect!

Material polished: aluminum

RPM/wheel size: Based on a recommended surface speed range of 3600-7500fpm, we could go 1750RPM with 8-16" wheels or 3450RPM with 4-8" wheels. It seems to be difficult to find spiral and sisal wheels larger than 10", so it looks like the 3450 would be the option for us. It'd be nice to go with the larger wheels, though, due to increased clearance and reduced heat. Suggestions for large wheel suppliers? Also for the same HP rating, the slower RPM will have more torque, right? But the extra torque gets lost with the larger wheels required to keep the surface speed up, so it's really a wash, right?

Power: 2 or 3 hp, at 220V 1-phase or 3-phase.

Speed reduction: It's not immediately necessary, but it'd be nice... A belt drive buffer head with a pulley stack would be decent. Belt would give us some more flexibility with the power and quality of the motor, as well.

Drive: Direct or belt? Seems like the advantages of direct are compactness, low maintenance, and less exposed moving parts; advantages to belt are increased clearance at the housing, independent selection of motor, ability to run pulley stacks, maybe smoother/quieter operation?

Anything I'm missing or flat out wrong about?

If any of you pros could suggest a setup and manufacturer/vendor, I'd GREATLY appreciate it! Thanks! -Len