what polisher?

[chiliuno]

i've seen polishers from 1/3 horse up to 1.5 horse. what does the extra power do, and is it worth the extra dough?
also, i see speeds listed from 1800rpm to 3750 rpm, but i thought all that was adjustable by the size wheel you put on; what's the best way to go with this stuff? i wan5t to turn out parts for sale, so the stuff has to be 100% top notch quality finish.
any input is appreciated!

[chiliuno]

actually, the caswell's 2hp unit with kit looks like a good deal- is this a good item to buy?

[mcaswell]

Before you spend any money, make sure you understand the principles of buffing machine speeds.

Download the free Buffing & Polishing booklet from the webpage.

All is explained there.

[chiliuno]

i read it, and i get it, but the use of extra hp eludes me. i have a 3/4 hp bench grinder that spins about 5000 sfpm with a spiral sewn wheel on it, but when i push on the work it bogs down. i figured that a stronger machine should prevent that and allow for faster production, although i don't exactly understand why these machines are rated in hp instead of torque which would be more usable to me. i'll give you a ring later and we'll discuss it, but i think this one looks like a winner. thanks for the response.

[Sid03]

you sure your current one is 3/4HP? You would have to REALLY push on the work to bog it down if it was 3/4HP.

I just hooked up a 3/4HP and I havnt bog it down in the least yet polishing aluminum.......I would have to throw all my weight into it to slow that thing down.

[mcaswell]

It's all to do with physics.

The laws of leverage.

Imagine a seesaw. The pivot is the fulcrum. One side is 1 foot from the fulcrum, the other is 10 feet away. If you place a 10lb weight on the short side, you'll be able to lift it using a 1lb weight + 2 feathers.

So, if you have a 4" wheel (only 2" from the fulcrum) you'll need a LOT more effort to stop it, than if you had a 10" wheel (only 5" from the fulcrum)

Pure physics!
My teacher would be proud ( I hated him)

So, you need to consider the actual size of the wheel, as well as the size of the motor.

You'll have a job to stop a 1/3hp machine with a 3" diam wheel.


Mike Caswell

3/4 hp is all you need .. now if you were doing head's and big stuff the bigger hp would be fine and as for production the machine is only as good as the person working it .. i run a 3/4 hp and not once have i bloged it down ... and i do intakes and heads with it .. i run the higher rpm and the lower rpm both with goor results ... if you are starting out start with the 3/4 and work your way up the bigger motor may be to much for you when you can get away with the smaller on .. i toss stacked 12 with not problem on a 3/4

[Dannytt]

You stated 'actually, the caswell's 2hp unit with kit looks like a good deal- is this a good item to buy?'
I bought this kit about 4 or 5 months ago and if you have 220 it is an excellent buy.I was worried when I first bought it because it seemed to get really hot but when I called customer support they told me this was normal.I have used it for over an hour straight since then putting a lot of pressure on it,(buffing a set of aluminum heads)and have had no problems what so ever with it.I highly recommend it for the price and quality.It is also a very smooth operating buffer with very little vibration and is also a very quiet running buffer.It comes with a good warranty and compared to the price of a 2 HP Baldor unit it is a steal.I hope this is useful in helping you decide.I always believe it is better to have the extra power in case you need it than not have enough but that just my opinion.

[chiliuno]

i got the 2 hp and i can't beleive how easy it is to polish aluminum quickly. i'm very happy to have bought this thing, it really kicks butt.
thanks fellas!