is 3/4HP enough for a 6-8" standing buffer?

[y2kgtp]

I am trying to determine if a 3/4 buffer is enough, or should I just up to a 1 & 1/2 HP model from Sears? Sears model is about 150$

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by y2kgtp

I am trying to determine if a 3/4 buffer is enough, or should I just up to a 1 & 1/2 HP model from Sears? Sears model is about 150$

I'd get the biggest one you can afford. I use an old 1.5 hp and I can bog it down more than I'd like - but then it is a 40-yr.-old motor. And if you gang wheels side-by-side, it'll be even worse.

[y2kgtp]

Originally Posted by mpierich

I'd get the biggest one you can afford. I use an old 1.5 hp and I can bog it down more than I'd like - but then it is a 40-yr.-old motor. And if you gang wheels side-by-side, it'll be even worse.

Thanks, this is kinda what i was thinking myself..... guess I'll get the Sears 1.5HP one.....

[y2kgtp]

Well, I thought the Sears model was a 1.5HP one, but reading the online description:

Powerful 115 volt motor develops maximum 1-1/2 hp and 3,450 rpm to buff away rust and corrosion. 5/8 in. shaft with 3-1/2 cast-iron flange.

Horsepower 0.75 hp
Horsepower, Maximum Developed 1-1/2 hp

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...TOOL&ihtoken=1

So is this really just a 3/4 HP buffer? I might as well just get the 3/4HP one from HF for 70$ at half the cost. I'm not doing large items, just want to spin the 8" x 7/8" Buffs I just got delivered from Caswell today.

[CarWiz]

I've got a couple of the 3/4hp HF grinder/polishers with buffs on both ends. If you stall those things, you're working the buffs too hard or using the wrong compound. I've never come close to stalling them. I wish there was a way to turn the speed down though.

[y2kgtp]

Originally Posted by CarWiz

I've got a couple of the 3/4hp HF grinder/polishers with buffs on both ends. If you stall those things, you're working the buffs too hard or using the wrong compound. I've never come close to stalling them. I wish there was a way to turn the speed down though.

So, they are a good buy for the money? I have 7/8" wide, 8" wheels to go on it......

[y2kgtp]

Well, I decided to order the Sears unit. You can only order it online, but it was on-sale today for 134.99$ from 149.99. But when I added it to my cart, it dropped to 119.99$!

Anything over 99$ is free shipping, so I got it out the door for $127.49

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by CarWiz

I wish there was a way to turn the speed down though.

I'm wondering if a rheostat would handle it...? I've seen speed controls that are meant for a router motor. I'm going to try one for my die grinder one of these days.

[CarWiz]

Originally Posted by mpierich

I'm wondering if a rheostat would handle it...? I've seen speed controls that are meant for a router motor. I'm going to try one for my die grinder one of these days.

Lowering the voltage will just heat up the motor and lower torque. The router speed controls work ok for universal motors (brushes). I was thinking of building a couple of buffers using DC motors and PWM controllers. There's a lot of 1-2hp DC motors w/controllers in scraped jogging treadmills. I recovered one but it's in use on a verticle lathe. I think I paid around $5 at the scrap yard. I've seen a few just sitting out by the curb. I'll have to move that project off the back burner--Maybe to number 2934!

[jrow]

Originally Posted by mpierich

I'm wondering if a rheostat would handle it...? I've seen speed controls that are meant for a router motor. I'm going to try one for my die grinder one of these days.

I've been using a 'speed control' for a router, on my die grinder, that I got from HF for about 2 years never had a problem.

John