Brand new buffing wheel shredding?!?

[chefboiali]

Ok... I've put in enough work to consider myself a senior noob, since I've actually made money polishing things, and selling them.

I bought a 3/4 buffer today, and I'm REALLY confused. Mind you, it's the first time I've ever bought one, AND the first time I've used one. The buffing pad has 5 pieces sewn together. I suppose it's good quality, however I'll learn through experience. Plus, it came with it. Brand new. Weird thing is that when I went to put the black emery on it, 1 1/2 inch pieces of thread went FLYING all over the place. I mean, it's like I'm taking a knife to the wheel. LOL Did I get a lemon of a pad, or is it going to stop?

Thanks again to all.

[mpierich]

Dunno what kind of wheel it is, but almost every brand-new loose wheel does that, and to a lesser extent the spiral-sewn, etc. Sometimes it looks like a snowstorm. If you rake it as soon as it starts, you can get rid of most of that. I run a box fan w/furnace filter next to my machine - it catches all the smaller bits as well as a lot of the dust and lint.

Maybe the rpm's are higher than you're used to.

Of course, if it kept going until there's no wheel left, you got a problem.

[chefboiali]

Originally Posted by mpierich

Dunno what kind of wheel it is, but almost every brand-new loose wheel does that, and to a lesser extent the spiral-sewn, etc. Sometimes it looks like a snowstorm. If you rake it as soon as it starts, you can get rid of most of that. I run a box fan w/furnace filter next to my machine - it catches all the smaller bits as well as a lot of the dust and lint.

Maybe the rpm's are higher than you're used to.

Of course, if it kept going until there's no wheel left, you got a problem.

Thanks mpierich! Snow storm it was. I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I got it last night, and I'm proud of myself for waiting for response from someone, so I really appreciate it. I'll give it another shot this morning, and see what happens. Should I just brush the wheel with someting before I put the emery on? I'd hate to waste it. Also, this is my very first buffer. It's an 8" 3600rpm 3/4HP. Also, is it a good idea to always use 5 buffing wheels at the same time? When it's spinning, it seems to handle a good amout of real estate.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by chefboiali

Should I just brush the wheel with someting before I put the emery on? I'd hate to waste it..

Not sure what you want to brush on there. Hopefully you have several wheel rakes - they are sold on this site. A piece of old saw blade will work as well. Raking a new wheel will get rid of the fuzzies all at once. Of course, they might have given you a real cheap wheel, in which case it will disintegrate in short order. Use the rake every few minutes while polishing.

Have you read the manual on this site?

Originally Posted by chefboiali

Also, is it a good idea to always use 5 buffing wheels at the same time? When it's spinning, it seems to handle a good amout of real estate.

Say what? ! I'd say 5 is rather excessive, but more power to you if it works. Two is the most I've tried, and I prefer one 1" wheel. Seems like 5 would be too grabby and wouldn't fit anywhere anyhow, unless you're doing big areas.

[chefboiali]

Originally Posted by mpierich

Have you read the manual on this site?

I'm going to buy one.

[chefboiali]

So I took out my saw, and powered her up, and got the rest off. I can't believe how much easier life is with a buffer. Doing small things with my dremel was one thing. Doing BIGGER objects is a dream. I'm glad I got it. I'm really glad I found this forum, because I was just about to let go of this hobbie until I did.

[fxstcguy98]

Originally Posted by chefboiali

I'm going to buy one.

You can download the buffing manual for free off of Caswells site. You have to buy the plating manual, but that doesn't cover buffing.

[chefboiali]

Originally Posted by fxstcguy98

You can download the buffing manual for free off of Caswells site. You have to buy the plating manual, but that doesn't cover buffing.

I did read the free one. I thought that there was another one for purchase. Hmmm. Does anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, that teaches this art? I love doing this, but I think I need to see someone do it at the same time. Proper hands on pressure etc.

[sswee]

Not to say there isn't a place that teaches it, just haven't heard of one. Most of us learned the hard way. Trial and error, also practice, practice, practice. If you want it, just keep at it and everything will fall in place. Sounds all philosophical doesn't it but that's about how it is.
SS

[chefboiali]

Originally Posted by sswee

Not to say there isn't a place that teaches it, just haven't heard of one. Most of us learned the hard way. Trial and error, also practice, practice, practice. If you want it, just keep at it and everything will fall in place. Sounds all philosophical doesn't it but that's about how it is.
SS

I totally understand and appreciate your words of encouragement. Perception is all we have. Define the situation as real, and it's real in it consequences. Think that you can't, and you won't. Etc. I think I'll take Yoda's advice too, "Do or do not, there is not try." I know, I'm a geek. But that's ok. We're all some form of geek, or we wouldn't be here. I'm thankfull for you all.

Since my last post, I raked my wheel, and it's fine. Thanks mpierich. I have never in my life seen a part shine so fast. I'm currently working on a valve cover, and choose IT to be the piece that proves "I want it." I hear you sswee. No more cryin' from me. Thanks.